00 The beats of the drum resonated in the Garhbengal Ghotul, the Chief Minister praised the architecture of the Ghotul
Raipur. During his two-day visit to Narayanpur, Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai today visited the 'Garhbengal Ghotul' and displayed his deep commitment towards the glorious traditions and folk culture of Bastar. On this occasion, amidst the melodious sound of traditional instruments and the warm welcome of the villagers, Chief Minister Shri Sai himself was seen immersed in the folk colours.

Chief Minister Shri Sai observed the unique architecture of the Ghotul and met with the eminent personalities of Bastar and encouraged them. Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Ghotul has been an educational and cultural center for the tribal society since ancient times. This modern Ghotul, located near Chendru Park, will not only connect the new generation with its roots, but will also become a powerful medium to introduce tourists from India and abroad to the tribal lifestyle and social system. This Ghotul of Garhbengal is a symbol of preserving our glorious heritage. Our government is continuously striving to preserve this unique culture, tradition and knowledge of Bastar.

Chief Minister Shri Sai inspected the Leyyor and Leyosk Kurma of the Ghotul complex: rooms built for young men and women, as well as Bidar Kurma: a collection of traditional costumes, ancient musical instruments and cultural materials. During this, on the request of the villagers, Chief Minister Shri Sai honored the food culture of the region by tasting the traditional dishes of Bastar at Saga Kurma. During this, special food items like Gato-Bhat, Kodo-Bhat, Urid Daar, Hiruwa Daar, Jeera Bhaji, Kanki Paaj, Bhaji Ghirol Phool, Chaati Bhaji, Kanda Bhaji, Munga Bhaji, Tamarind Amat, Madia Paaj, Tomato Chutney, Chila Roti, Ragi Kurma, Ragi Cake, Ragi Lattu, Ragi Jalebi were served in the Chief Minister's meal.

During this visit, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Revenue Minister Shri Tankaram Verma, President of the Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Association Shri Rupasai Salam, District Panchayat President Shri Narayan Markam, Padmashree Shri Pandiram Mandavi, folk artist Shri Butlu Ram, and senior public representative Smt. Sandhya Pawar sat together and tasted traditional Chhattisgarhi cuisine. The Chief Minister's visit wasn't merely a formal visit, but rather a personal one. He honored the region's prominent figures—Vaidyaraj Padmashree Hemchandra Manjhi, Padmashree Pandiram Mandavi, and renowned folk artist Butlu Ram—by meeting and honoring them. He also met the family members of Tiger Boy Chendru. 
Eco -Friendly Ghotul: Built under the guidance of the Forest Department and Padmashree Pandiram Mandavi, this Ghotul is made entirely of eco-friendly materials (wood, clay, and bamboo). The Chief Minister praised the intricate carvings on the pillars of the Ghotul, which were carved by Padmashree Pandiram Mandavi himself. This carving demonstrates the effective efforts made to preserve the cultural connection and heritage.

00 Chief Minister conducts high-level review of Energy Department's functioning
Raipur. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai today conducted a high-level review of the Energy Department's work with senior officials at Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan. In the meeting, he reviewed the progress of power generation, transmission, distribution and implementation of central and state government schemes in the state and gave necessary instructions.The Chief Minister stated that electricity is a basic necessity for the common people, and its uninterrupted supply is the government's top priority. Chhattisgarh is among the country's leading power-producing states, and given the growing future demand, timely expansion of energy infrastructure is essential. He directed that off-grid electrified villages be quickly connected to the grid and that power infrastructure strengthening work be completed within the stipulated timeframeLearn more

Describing the PM Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme as an important step towards electricity self-sufficiency, Mr. Sai stressed the need to increase consumer awareness about it. He directed the government to simplify the solar panel installation and maintenance process, increase the daily number of installations, and install solar panels in all government buildings. He also called for a special campaign to dispel misconceptions related to the PM Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme and smart meters.The Chief Minister reviewed pending electricity bills and directed the development of a special action plan to provide consumers with the opportunity and convenience to make payments. He also emphasized accelerating grid-based electrification in remote areas of Bastar, increasing renewable energy production capacity, and expanding transmission capacity to meet peak demand.
The meeting was informed that transformer capacity has increased from 24,227 MVA to 27,820 MVA in the last two years, and several projects, including the upgrading of 400/220 kV, 220/132 kV, and 132/33 kV substations, are underway. The Chief Minister also reviewed the Saur Sujala Yojana, Kusum Yojana, Niyed Nella Nar, and village electrification schemes.
Energy Department Secretary Dr. Rohit Yadav, through a PPT, provided information on power generation, transmission, distribution, PM Suryaghar, PM Janman, agricultural pump electrification, Majratola electrification, and renewable energy schemes. He presented an action plan for various development works in the coming years including setting up of new substations, increasing the number of distribution transformers and laying underground cables.
Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Rahul Bhagat, senior officers of CSPDCL, CSPGCL, CSPTCL were present in the meeting.

00 National Seminar at Mahant College, 
Raipur. Speaking at a national seminar organized today under the joint aegis of Mahant Laxmi Narayan Das College, Raipur, and the Chhattisgarh Council for Science and Technology, State Finance Minister OP Choudhary stated that to make India a developed nation, there is a need to promote technology- and innovation-based education and new start-ups.
Addressing the inaugural session of the seminar, Mr. Choudhary stated that for sustainable development, we must implement and encourage innovation at every level. Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047 as revolutionary for the entire country, he said that Mr. Modi has already formulated a concrete plan and begun work on this. Mr. Choudhary added that as Prime Minister, Mr. Modi has taken decisions that may not be liked by the public but are beneficial for them. The solar power plant launched in the Kutch desert at a cost of Rs. 1.5 lakh crore is an example of this. He pointed out that during the UPA regime, the state-owned airline Air India was incurring losses of Rs. 20 crore per month. That's why Mr. Modi decided to hand it over to private hands as soon as he became Prime Minister. Mr. Chaudhary said that during the UPA's ten-year tenure, India remained at number 11. Today, under Mr. Modi, India has risen from number 11 to number 4.

He said that today, all the countries that are emerging as developed economies are leveraging innovation and technology. He cited the examples of China, Russia, and the United States. He explained that India was the world's largest economy for the first 1700 years of the last 2000 years. However, during the 300 years of slavery, India continued to lag behind. He said that under the Prime Minister's leadership, efforts are now underway to move India forward again. Mr. Chaudhary said that while today's major universities like Cambridge and Harvard are talked about, major institutions like Nalanda and Takshashila in India were even more influential. Citing the examples of Elon Musk and Bill Gates, he said that technology has made them the most powerful people in the world. He said that Apple phones are used worldwide and their turnover exceeds India's total GDP.

Earlier, in the inaugural session of the seminar, Principal Dr. Devashish Mukherjee gave the welcome speech, while IQAC head Dr. Prem Chandrakar threw light on the topic of the seminar. In the program, Education Promotion Committee President Ajay Tiwari, Secretary Anil Tiwari, Vice President RK Gupta, invitee Pushkar Nath from Ranchi University, former Vice Chancellor of Durg University Dr. Aruna Palata, Ravindra Brahme, former Chairman of Private University Regulatory Commission Anjani Shukla, senior journalist Ram Avtar Tiwari, former Principal of Durga Mahavidyalaya Dr. SS Khanuja, Principal of Vipra Mahavidyalaya Dr. Meghesh Tiwari, Prof. Pradeep Dubey of Peloti College and other experts were present

Over 3,300 projects worth Rs 85 lakh crore have been accelerated in the country.

00 Investment of Rs 6.11 lakh crore in 99 national infrastructure projects in the state

183 out of 200 issues related to Chhattisgarh resolved

Raipur. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country and the state are making steady progress toward good governance. Today, India has become the world's fourth largest economy. The Pragati digital platform plays a crucial role in achieving the Prime Minister's vision of a developed India. This platform is a powerful testament to the government's alignment between words and actions and sets an effective example of good governance.

The Chief Minister was speaking to reporters about the Pragati Portal at the New Circuit House in Raipur today. He said that the Pragati Portal is not only a medium for reviewing the country's major infrastructure projects, but also an excellent example of the new work culture of New India. This platform strongly demonstrates the working style of Minimum Government-Maximum Governance.  

Chief Minister Sai said that Indian democracy is viewed globally as a model system. This is due to the excellent coordination, cooperation, and collaboration between the central and state governments. The Pragati platform is serving as an effective bridge between the central and state governments for the better implementation of various schemes and projects.  

Chief Minister Sai said that Pragati means pro-active governance and timely implementation, that is, ensuring timely and effective implementation of schemes by preparing them in advance. This platform is not limited to monitoring only, but is a powerful medium to ensure accountability in the governance system, increase transparency and bring positive change in the work culture. He said that in the past, the foundation stone of many projects was laid, but there was no fixed time limit for their completion. Many construction works remained pending for years. The Pragati digital platform was implemented to solve problems like delays in schemes, administrative hurdles and lack of departmental coordination.

The Chief Minister stated that the Prime Minister himself holds regular review meetings with Chief Secretaries of States and Secretaries of the Central Government through the Pragati Portal. More than 50 high-level Pragati review meetings have been held so far, ensuring timely resolution of pending projects, underperforming schemes, and citizen grievances. He explained that over 3,300 projects worth approximately ₹85 lakh crore have been accelerated through the Pragati platform. He also noted that significant improvements have been made in the implementation of 61 schemes, including the One Nation One Ration Card, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, PM SVANidhi, and Swachh Bharat Mission. Grievance redressal systems in 36 sectors, including banking, insurance, RERA, Jan Dhan Yojana, and Matru Vandana Yojana, have also been strengthened through Pragati.

The Chief Minister stated that the Pragati digital platform is also being effectively utilized in Chhattisgarh. Currently, 99 national infrastructure projects are underway in the state, with an investment of ₹6.11 lakh crore. Of these, 50 projects have been completed and operational, while the remaining projects are in various stages of progress. He reported that a total of 200 issues related to Chhattisgarh were registered on the Pragati portal, of which 183 have been successfully resolved. Thus, the state's resolution rate exceeds 91 percent. Pending project issues in key sectors such as power, road transport, railways, coal, and steel have been effectively resolved. Sector-wise, 24 projects in the power sector have been resolved, 23 in road transport and highways, 14 in railways, 7 in the coal sector, and 9 in the steel sector.  

The Chief Minister said that long-pending projects, such as the modernization of the Bhilai Steel Plant and the Lara Super Thermal Power Project, have gained momentum through the Pragati platform. This has boosted the state's industrial development and created new employment opportunities for local youth. Similarly, the four-lane Raipur-Kodebod road faced land utilization and material supply issues, which were resolved through the Pragati platform.  

Chief Minister Sai stated that the Chhattisgarh government is working with full commitment to completing development projects in a timely and transparent manner. Our government has also implemented several such innovations toward good governance in Chhattisgarh. Oxford University has also praised this innovation, calling it an effective mechanism for developing economies. He added that when the Prime Minister speaks of his vision for a developed India, these are not just words, but a complete roadmap for a developed India. This is proven by innovations like the Pragati Platform.

Panchayats will be strengthened by restarting the Gram Sachivalaya.

41 important roads in the remote areas of Bastar, which remained incomplete for years, have now been completed.

Raipur. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma has said that rural secretariats will be restarted to quickly resolve the problems of rural areas. He said that Chhattisgarh ranks first in the country in terms of building PM houses at the fastest pace. The highest number of PM houses are being built here every day. He said that 18 lakh PM houses were approved in the first cabinet itself to provide housing to eligible families in the rural areas of the state. These houses are being completed rapidly. Deputy Chief Minister and Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Shri Vijay Sharma said this while addressing the journalists in a press conference held today at Samvad Bhawan, Nava Raipur. On this occasion, he gave detailed information regarding the innovations, achievements and future action plans made by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department in the last two years.

Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sharma said that we had previously fought for the "More Housing, More Rights" campaign, and now it's time for results. After the elections, the government approved 1.8 million houses, including those incomplete for years, those on the waiting list, those included in Awas Plus, and those under the Chief Minister's Housing Scheme. He stated that housing has been provided not only to the homeless, but also to over 3,000 surrendered and Naxal-affected families. Approval has been granted to over 33,000 people from Special Backward Tribes under the PM Janman and Niyyad Nella Nar, and over 9,000 in Naxal-affected areas, of which over 2,000 houses have been completed. Self-help group members have also played a crucial role in accelerating housing construction in the state. In some cases, they became dealers to supply building materials to villages, while in others, they manufactured centering plates to ensure uninterrupted supply to villages. Employment has been provided by training more than 8000 dealer Didi for supplying centering plates and other construction materials to the housing beneficiaries and more than 5000 masons have been provided employment by training them through ARSETI and Project Unnati for building houses.  

He said, "During the election, we promised to ensure financial transactions in every village. Today, in two phases, transactions totaling more than ₹919 crore have been completed through 6,195 Atal Digital Suvidha Kendras in the state. Now, people don't need to go outside their villages to withdraw money or perform banking tasks."  

On this occasion, he informed that the state has also begun collecting panchayat taxes online through the Samarth Panchayat portal. Sankara in Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari district is the first gram panchayat in the country where tax collection was done through UPI. Recently, the Secretary of the Union Panchayat Ministry praised this initiative and urged Maharashtra's panchayats to take inspiration from it. Now, Bombay will also learn from Raipur how the digital revolution is being adopted in every village of the state.      

Online documentation of assets in the state is also being done through the Gram Sampada mobile app so that information about the infrastructure built in the village can be obtained online and better plans can be made for village development. Chhattisgarh has been a leading state in conducting the elections of three-tier Panchayats on time by implementing the new reservation provision in compliance with the decision of the Honourable Supreme Court, whereas this has not been possible till now in big states like Maharashtra and Telangana.  

To increase the participation of rural women and boost their self-confidence, 368 Mahatari Sadans are being constructed in the state, of which 137 have been completed. Fulfilling the promise made in the manifesto, the government has provided approximately ₹49.30 crore in arrears for the difference in the new pay scales of Panchayat Secretaries.

In the construction of PM Janman roads, roads from Amethi to Kamardera, Doomarpali to Kamardera, Mama Bhancha to Kamardera, Joratarai to Kamardera have been constructed in Mahasamund district by using waste plastic obtained from Swachhatagrahi Didis. He told that there were 41 such roads in Naxal affected areas of Bastar division, which were not constructed for many years, their construction has been completed today. Tumdipara road of Tadmetla in Sukma district which was pending for eight years, and Nadenar to Katekalyan Kapanar road of Dantewada which was incomplete for 20 years have been completed.    

He informed that for the first time since independence, 807 roads are being constructed under PM Janman to connect settlements of Scheduled Tribes (Specially Backward Tribes). Roads have been constructed to the Pahari Korwa community of Bandhokona B, located in the inaccessible hills of Manora development block of Jashpur, and to the settlements of the Scheduled Tribe Baiga community living in Shambhupipar of Kawardha. In the fourth phase of PMGSY, roads spanning over 2500 km will be constructed in the state. A plan has been developed to monitor the construction of these roads through ISRO and geo-imaging, so that road construction anywhere in the state can be monitored at any time from the headquarters.  

He informed that to encourage the women of the state, the monthly radio program "Didi Ke Goth" is being conducted on the second Thursday of every month by the women of the self-help groups. The "Chhattiskala" brand has been created for standardizing the products produced by the women of the self-help groups and for their marketing and branding. The women of Bastar are also processing and marketing the forest produce grown in the village themselves. In the coming times, these women will be seen selling their products in big cities like Delhi and Mumbai as well.  

Under Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin, along with completing the construction of toilets for 1.86 lakh families in the state, community toilets have been constructed in 2000 schools, Anganwadis and 1000 tourist places, religious places, haat bazaars, bus stands.  

To ensure transparency and accountability in MNREGA, QR codes have been installed alongside development works in all gram panchayats across the state. By scanning these codes with a mobile phone, anyone can obtain complete information about all ongoing works in the gram panchayats. So far, more than 450,000 people have accessed information about the scheme by scanning the QR codes. The state government has also been honored for this.  

In a novel initiative towards water conservation, under the "More Village More Water" campaign, more than 2.32 lakh water conservation works have been completed through collective labour and public participation. More than 10,000 livelihood ponds are being constructed in the state. In the last two years, 86 camps have been set up in Naxal-affected areas, providing various facilities in 494 villages.

On this occasion, Principal Secretary Ms. Niharika Barik, Secretary Mr. Bhim Singh, Commissioner Mr. Taran Prakash Sinha, Director Mr. Ashwini Devangan, Director Panchayat Ms. Priyanka Mahobiya and other officers were present. 

As the keynote speaker, Mr. Nitin Vijay (NV Sir), a renowned academician, "Physics Guru," and founder of Motion Education (Kota), will guide the students. He will share his experiences on the secrets of success in competitive exams, career planning, and building self-confidence. This state-level event will be attended by students from schools and colleges in Surajpur district and surrounding areas. The district administration and the Kapidhwaj team are in the final stages of preparing to ensure a well-organized and inspiring program. This event will serve as a source of inspiration not only for students in Surajpur but for students across Chhattisgarh and will provide a new direction for educational empowerment in the state

Dr. Rohit Yadav, Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department, presented the achievements of the last two years and the future action plan in the press conference.

Raipur, January 28, 2026/ Dr. Rohit Yadav, Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department, Chhattisgarh Government, and Mr. Vivek Acharya, Managing Director and Director, Culture and Archaeology, Chhattisgarh Tourism Board, gave a detailed account of the achievements of the last two years and future action plans at a press conference held at Chhattisgarh Samvad Auditorium in Nava Raipur. Officials said that by giving tourism the status of an industry, the state government has established a model of coordinated progress in all three areas: economic development, cultural preservation and heritage promotion.

Tourism gets industry status

Tourism Department – ​​Fast steps towards investment, employment and global recognition

The Chhattisgarh government's designation of tourism as an industry opened new doors for private investment. Investor Connect programs held in major cities across the state and the country secured private investment of over ₹500 crore. This will boost tourism infrastructure, hotels, resorts, and adventure tourism activities. Under the Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana, an agreement with IRCTC provided special trains to Ayodhya in 2024-25. This scheme has proven to be a significant step towards promoting religious tourism. A new homestay policy was implemented to promote rural tourism in the state, with a target of developing 500 new homestays. The state government notified the Chhattisgarh Homestay Policy 2025-30 on November 24, 2025. This policy provides capital investment subsidies and interest subsidies to encourage the development of new homestays across the state, supporting rural and community-based tourism. The state government has also approved a budget for this.

Film City and Convention Centre – Rs 350 crore project

Dr. Rohit Yadav informed that the development of an integrated Film City and Convention Center has been approved under the Government of India's Special Assistance Scheme for Capital Investment (SASCI) to States, with a total estimated cost of ₹350 crore. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on January 24, 2026, by Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai. This is a major step towards establishing Chhattisgarh as a national film production hub. The construction of the Chitrotpala Film City will give Chhattisgarh a new identity in the field of film production, both nationally and internationally. This ambitious initiative will not only propel Chhattisgarh towards becoming a major hub for film production and cultural events, but will also provide a new impetus to the state's creative economy. The construction of the Chitrotpala Film City and the Tribal and Cultural Convention Center will provide a national and international platform for local talent, generate new investment opportunities, and further strengthen Chhattisgarh's cultural identity globally. This project will open new avenues of development for the state's youth, artists, and tourism sector in the years to come.

Bhoramdev Temple Corridor Project

Director of Culture and Archaeology, Mr. Vivek Acharya, stated that the Bhoramdev Corridor is being constructed under the Central Government's Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0. The project is being developed along the lines of Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath Corridor at a cost of approximately ₹146 crore. This is an important step toward establishing a new national identity. On January 1, 2026, India's Tourism Minister, Mr. Gajendra Shekhawat, and Chief Minister, Mr. Vishnudev Sai, performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the project. The Bhoramdev Temple is a nearly 1,000-year-old historical heritage, and the construction of this corridor aims to preserve it for thousands of years to come.

The Chief Minister announced Rs 30 lakh for the construction of a fully equipped community hall.

Kumari Ankita Prajapati and Shri Durgesh Chakradhari presented his painting to Chief Minister Shri Sai.

Raipur, Chhattisgarh: The two-day state-level convention of the Kumbhar Samaj kicked off today in Navagaon, Abhanpur, with great fanfare. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai inaugurated the event by lighting a lamp. The occasion showcased the Kumbhar Samaj's traditional art, culture, and social unity. Shri Sai also announced a donation of ₹30 lakh for the construction of a fully equipped building for the community's development.

On the occasion of the inauguration of the programme, a potter making a wheel was presented to Chief Minister Shri Sai as a symbol, depicting the art and culture of the potter community, which is the identity of pottery art and a symbol of hard work.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai congratulated Chhattisgarh Kumbhakar Samaj for the successful organization of the grand convention, youth-girl introduction conference and talent award ceremony.

Chief Minister Shri Sai began his address by paying tribute to the late Vice President of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, and prayed to God to give his family the strength to bear this loss. Wishing the young men and women attending the Parichay Sammelan a bright future, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that this Sammelan provides a powerful platform for the sons and daughters of the society to choose suitable life partners. The Chief Minister appealed to the community to ensure that every son and daughter in their community is educated. He said that education is not only a means to obtain employment, but is also essential for leading a successful, cultured, and responsible human life. The Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh is completing 25 years of its establishment this year, and in these 25 years, the state has made remarkable progress in every field, including roads, electricity, water, food grains, education, and health.
He informed that through the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, every village has been connected with asphalt roads. The number of colleges in the state has increased and the availability of medical and engineering colleges has also become widespread, providing youth with opportunities for higher education in their own state.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the present government has fulfilled most of the promises guaranteed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in just two years. He informed that paddy procurement in the state is being done speedily with complete transparency and the bonus amount to farmers is being transferred to their accounts in one lump sum, instead of in four installments. Mothers and sisters are getting direct financial benefits from the Mahatari Vandan Yojana for women empowerment.

The Chief Minister said that under the Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana, more than 40,000 Ram devotees have visited Ayodhya so far. Referring to the ongoing campaigns against Naxalism in the Bastar region, he said that over the past two years, security forces have fought against Naxalism with courage and determination. Naxalism is now in its final stages, and the goal is to completely eradicate it from the country by March 31, 2026. He said that a new journey of development has begun in Bastar, and the establishment of security camps has created an atmosphere of peace and trust in the region.
Praising the new industrial policy, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that it is receiving positive responses both domestically and internationally. He informed that the state has received investment proposals worth approximately ₹8 lakh crore, and several industries have already been established in Naya Raipur, which will create new employment opportunities.

The Chief Minister said that the priority of the government is all-round development, social harmony and creation of self-reliant Chhattisgarh, in which active participation of every section of the society is necessary.

Raipur :Deputy Chief Minister and Public Health Engineering Minister Shri Arun Sao participated in the Ministers' Level Policy Dialogue on Sustainable O&M of Rural Drinking Water Services, organized by the Government of India under the Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure effective operation and maintenance (O&M) of rural drinking water services. Held in New Delhi, this policy dialogue was chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C.R. Patil and Union Panchayati Raj Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh. The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Shri V. Somanna, Secretaries and Additional Secretaries to the Government of India, and Ministers of Public Health Engineering, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj from various states. This dialogue program included in-depth discussions between the Government of India and various states on ensuring sustainable, robust, and effective rural water supply systems.

Discussion between the Central Government and the States on the operation and maintenance of drinking water schemes transferred to the Panchayats.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Saw, in the Niti Samvad, gave detailed information about the works being carried out under the Jal Jeevan Mission in Chhattisgarh, the challenges being faced at the ground level and the achievements of the state. He said that after transferring the drinking water schemes constructed under the Mission to the Panchayats, it is very important to ensure their effective operation and maintenance, so that continuous, safe and quality water supply is maintained in rural areas. Shri Saw described the role of Panchayats, local participation and technical cooperation as the basis for the sustainability of the water supply system.

The meeting also discussed in-depth practical experiences and suggestions received from various states of the country, so that necessary steps could be taken to make the water supply system at the grassroots level more robust, sustainable, and beneficial to the public. On behalf of the state, Mission Director of Jal Jeevan Mission, Mr. Jitendra Shukla, Chief Engineer of Public Health Engineering Department, Mr. Onkesh Chandravanshi, Superintending Engineer, Mr. A.K. Malve, and Executive Engineer, Mr. Sanjay Rathore also participated in the meeting.

Raipur :The Chhattisgarh government's farmer-friendly schemes and the effective implementation of modern technologies are providing new opportunities for self-employment and income growth in rural areas. Mr. Kailash Paikra, a resident of Maja village in the Batauli development block of Surguja district, is a prime example. He has achieved remarkable success in farming as well as fish farming by adopting biofloc technology.

Mr. Kailash Paikra traditionally cultivated rice, but to generate more income, he contacted the Fisheries Department and took advantage of the government's Biofloc scheme. Under this scheme, he started fish farming at a cost of approximately ₹1.4 million (14 lakh rupees), receiving a subsidy of ₹8.4 million (8.40 lakh rupees). He developed a modern pond and biofloc system on his 32x32 decimal plot.

Biofloc technology produces more fish in less water and limited space. Currently, his farm houses approximately 10,000 fish, including approximately 7,000 tilapia, as well as species such as rohu, catla, mrigal, and rupchand. Due to natural breeding, production is steadily increasing, providing him with a steady income throughout the year.

Mr. Paikra explained that he doesn't need to go to the market to market his fish; traders themselves visit the farm and purchase the fish. Wholesale prices range from 150 to 160 rupees per kilogram and retail prices range from 150 to 200 rupees per kilogram.

Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai for this achievement, Mr. Kailash Paikra said that government schemes have made him self-reliant. His success is inspiring other farmers in the area to adopt modern fish farming techniques, thereby strengthening the rural economy.

Korba,: For Brijlal Rathiya, a progressive farmer from Kerakachar village in the Korba development block, this year's paddy procurement was a positive and smooth experience. The government's prompt, transparent, and online token-based paddy procurement system allowed him to sell his produce on time and without hassle.

Today, Wednesday, Rathiya sold 100 quintals of paddy at the Korkoma Procurement Committee. This is his second sale this procurement season. He previously sold 80 quintals of paddy at the committee. Thus, so far this procurement season, he has sold a total of 180 quintals of paddy to the government. He owns 12 acres of agricultural land, where he diligently cultivates paddy. Last year, he also successfully sold 205 quintals of paddy.

Brijlal Rathiya explains that while there was uncertainty before receiving online tokens, now that paddy is procured on the scheduled date, it not only saves time but also provides assurance of a fair price for your hard work. The entire process of weighing, registering, and purchasing paddy at the committee has been simple, transparent, and farmer-friendly.

This system is an important initiative toward empowering farmers with self-reliance. In line with the government's vision, the paddy procurement system is now becoming more accessible, transparent, and trustworthy in the interests of farmers, enabling them to receive fair value for their labor and feel confident about their future.

Surajpur, January 29 . In Chhattisgarh's Surajpur district, the district administration took extensive and strict action in a single day against irregularities in illegal paddy storage, transportation and procurement, creating panic among paddy traders. Joint teams of the Revenue, Food Department and Police seized more than 350 quintals of illegal paddy by taking action in various areas including Pratappur section. During this, vehicles were seized, tokens were cancelled and action was also taken to surrender the land where irregularities were found.

Under the direction and guidance of Collector S. Jaivardhan, during an inspection in the Kadampara area of ​​Pratappur late last night, a Swaraj Mazda vehicle number CG 15 DX 6949 parked near Shivdhar Ojha's house was searched. Approximately 116 quintals of paddy in 290 jute bags was found illegally loaded. The investigation revealed that no token for paddy sale had been issued in the name of the person concerned, nor were any valid documents presented. The vehicle, along with the paddy being transported to the market for illegal sale, was seized and further action is being taken as per the rules.

In the same sequence, at around 1 a.m., a joint team of administration and police intercepted two pickup vehicles illegally transporting paddy towards Palma. Both vehicles were found loaded with approximately 52 quintals of paddy, packed in 130 sacks. As no valid documents were produced on the spot, the paddy was seized and handed over to the Chander Chowki. The Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue), Tehsildar Bhatgaon, and Chander Chowki police played an active role in this action.

An investigation conducted in the village of Dhondha in the Pratappur division found that 145.60 quintals of paddy stored in 350 sacks purchased under the third token in the name of Basant, son of Ramprasad, was found to be substandard and against regulations. Upon confirmation of the violation of the required standards, all the paddy was confiscated. A panchnama was prepared against the procurement in-charge, the relevant token was cancelled, and instructions were given to surrender the acreage as per the rules.

Meanwhile, serious irregularities were also discovered during the verification of paddy tokens in Batai village of Dandkarwa sub-tehsil. A 440-quintal token issued to Sonsai, son of Tapeshwari, was found to be 59 quintals short, while a 150-quintal token issued to Sumant Patel was found to contain only 100 quintals. In both cases, an area equivalent to 109 quintals of paddy was surrendered as per the rules.

Additionally, the administration's vigilance thwarted an attempt to illegally dispose of paddy at the Revti paddy procurement center in the Pratappur area. An investigation revealed that Anupam Patel's paddy was brought to the committee premises via Lal Bahadur Patel's tractor at around 8 p.m. When the investigation revealed an attempt to illegally dispose of the paddy, 50 sacks of paddy were confiscated

Raipur, January 29 : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai will be busy with departmental meetings today, Thursday. He will hold a review meeting with various departments at Mahanadi Bhawan, located in the Nava Raipur Secretariat, after 11 a.m., where departmental work and progress will be discussed.

At 5 p.m., the Chief Minister will hold a press conference on e-Pragati at the Raipur New Circuit House. Afterward, he will leave for the Chief Minister's residence at 5:30 p.m.

New Delhi/Raipur . The Supreme Court has granted significant relief to the accused in the highly publicized multi-crore scam cases in Chhattisgarh. The Supreme Court has granted regular bail to Soumya Chaurasia, Ranu Sahu, and Suryakant Tiwari. Previously, the three accused were out of jail on interim bail, which has now been converted into regular bail.

The case was heard by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Suryakant and Justice Jayamala Bagachi. While granting bail, the court imposed a clear condition that the three accused remain outside the state for the time being, so as not to affect the investigation process, evidence, and witnesses.

During the hearing, senior advocates Siddharth Dave, Harshvardhan Parghania, Shashank Mishra, Tushar Giri, and Mukt Gupta argued on behalf of the accused. Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani and Additional Advocate General Ravi Sharma presented their arguments on behalf of the state government.

The Supreme Court also clarified in its order that the grant of bail does not imply any comment on the merits of the case. Investigating agencies will have complete freedom to continue their investigation.

Following this Supreme Court decision, political and legal circles in the state have become increasingly active. All eyes are now focused on the direction of the investigation and trial.

Raipur . In a major crackdown against drug trafficking, a team from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested a Nigerian national at Raipur's Swami Vivekananda Airport. 270 grams of cocaine, estimated to be worth approximately ₹2.5 million in the international market, was recovered from the accused. The incident occurred in the Mana police station area.

According to information received, the accused arrived in Raipur from Delhi on an Indigo flight on Wednesday morning. Based on suspicious activity at the airport, the DRI team stopped him and conducted a search. Following the search, cocaine was recovered from his possession and he was taken into custody on the spot.

Following the investigation, the accused was taken to the DRI office where he is being thoroughly interrogated. The investigating agency is working to determine where the cocaine was supplied and to whom it was intended. The accused's network, contacts, and other individuals involved in the drug trafficking are also being investigated.

DRI officials say that the entire case will be revealed once the interrogation is complete. This action is considered a major blow to the international drug smuggling network active in the state including Raipur.