New Delhi. The Mayur Vihar police in East Delhi have arrested a notorious ATM fraudster. The accused would distract people, replace their ATM cards, and then withdraw money from their accounts. Police recovered three ATM cards from him. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) East District, Rajiv Kumar, the accused has been identified as Asif (30), a resident of Loni, Ghaziabad. He has been previously involved in six criminal cases.

On September 17th, at 11:15 a.m., complainant Mohammad Ghalib Hussain went to withdraw money from an Axis Bank ATM in Trilokpuri. Two strangers distracted him by striking up a conversation and obtained his ATM PIN. They then fraudulently replaced his card with another card that looked identical. Ghalib became suspicious and checked the card, revealing it wasn't his.

The complainant began searching nearby ATM booths and spotted the same suspects at another Axis Bank ATM in Trilokpuri. Confronted, both men fled, but swift police action led to the arrest of one of the accused, Asif. A case, FIR No. 416/2026, was registered at the Mayur Vihar police station.

During interrogation, the accused revealed that he and his accomplice specifically targeted people who didn't know how to operate an ATM. He would engage them in conversation inside the ATM booth, obtain their PIN, and then exchange their cards. He would later use those cards for illegal transactions. Police said one of his accomplices is still absconding and is being searched for.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of the ACP of Mayur Vihar and the direction of SHO, Inspector Dinesh Moral. Police are now investigating the identities of other victims, their financial transactions, and their connection to other similar cases. Cases are already registered against the accused at the Krishna Nagar, Mansarovar Park, Burari, Cyber ​​North-East, Jagatpuri, and Harsh Vihar police stations. This arrest has solved two cases: the Mayur Vihar case and an e-FIR from the PIA police station.

Raipur. A Teej Milan festival is being organized on September 22nd at M-12, Sector-24, Naya Raipur. Hosted by Revenue and Disaster Management, Rehabilitation and Higher Education Minister Tank Ram Verma, the event will run from 12 noon to 4 pm. Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh will attend the event with his wife Veena Singh, and Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai will attend with his wife Kaushalya Devi Sai. Several state ministers, public representatives, and prominent citizens will also be present.

The program aims to promote Chhattisgarh's folk traditions and cultural heritage while connecting the new generation to their roots. According to Minister Tank Ram Verma, traditional festivals like Teej are a medium for social interaction, brotherhood, and mutual bonding. The celebration will showcase Chhattisgarhi cuisine, along with a glimpse of the folk culture and traditions associated with Teej.

Gariaband. A case has come to light in Jarhidih village, under the Shobha police station area of ​​the district, where a husband beat his wife to death. According to police, a dispute arose between the husband and wife due to suspicion about her character. As the dispute escalated, the husband beat his wife with a belt, resulting in her death. Following the incident, police have detained the accused husband.

The deceased has been identified as Monica (32), while the accused husband has been identified as Ram Kumar. According to reports, the two had an argument last night over suspicions of character, during which Ram Kumar assaulted Monica. Upon receiving information about the incident, Shobha police arrived at the scene and began an investigation. Police are questioning the accused to determine the circumstances of the incident and the reasons for the dispute.

Dhamtari. On the instructions of Superintendent of Police Bhavna Pandey, awareness activities are being conducted under community policing. In this sequence, teachers and students of Kanya Uttar Madhyamik Vidyalaya were taken on an educational tour of the traffic branch. During this, they were told about the role of traffic police in managing traffic, preventing accidents and ensuring safe movement of people. The students were also explained the functioning of various equipment including breath analyzer, speed checking equipment, barricades, reflective jackets and traffic cones.

Police officers advised the students to use helmets and seat belts, follow speed limits, stay away from mobile phones while driving, and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol. Emphasis was also placed on the use of traffic signals and zebra crossings while crossing the road. The officers said that road safety is everyone's shared responsibility and the possibility of accidents can be reduced by following the rules. Students also asked questions regarding the functioning of the traffic police, vehicle checking, and action taken against rule violations, which were answered by the officers.

Traffic in-charge Sub-Inspector Khemraj Sahu, school teachers, Head Constable Chaman Singh Thakur, Constables Dev Gajendra, Rajiv Sahu, Balmukund and Umesh Diwan, along with a large number of students were present at the event. According to Dhamtari Police, activities to increase communication between police and citizens through community policing and to make students and youth aware of law, safety and traffic discipline are continuing.

A new dawn of higher education in Chhattisgarh: Skills, research and self-reliance are shaping the future of youth.

Vishnu Prasad Verma
Assistant Director

Raipur, September 21, 2026 / Higher education in Chhattisgarh is no longer confined to the traditional realm of books and classrooms, but is instead giving new wings to the dreams of millions of the state's youth. Implementing the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the state government is doing unprecedented work to empower youth, empower them with self-reliance, skills, and global competitiveness, rather than simply providing degrees.

​Seva Ka Sammand: Mission Mode of Quality and Inclusive Growth

The state government, fulfilling its "pledge to serve," has launched the "Chhattisgarh Higher Education Mission" to strengthen the educational infrastructure. Under this mission, special budgetary support is being provided for the infrastructural and academic upgradation of colleges. A transparent and rigorous monitoring mechanism ensures that the benefits of government assistance reach students directly.
To elevate academic quality, excellent colleges with a student population of over 3,000 are being identified and developed as 36 "Centers of Excellence." Additionally, to strengthen the teaching system, the direct recruitment process for professors has been expedited, and practical industry experts are being added to campuses as "Professors of Practice."

Service at your doorstep: Easy access to higher education from the forest to the cities

​Embracing the spirit of "Service at Your Doorstep," new colleges are being opened in the tribal and remote forest areas at the farthest reaches of the state. Now, youth from remote areas like Bastar and Surguja no longer have to travel to big cities for quality education; instead, modern and employment-oriented education is available in their own regions. New employment opportunities are being created locally through integrated professional courses like the four-year B.Ed. (ITEP) and B.P.Ed.

A story of change: Empowering youth through modern technology and self-reliance

This change isn't just systemic, but a "story of change" for every young person who, until yesterday, was limited to traditional subjects. Under the self-financing curriculum policy, youth are now being prepared to meet local and global demands.
Keeping in mind various technologies and skills useful in the future, subjects like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber ​​Security, and Web Designing are being prominently provided. Similarly, within local and agriculture-based industries, education in sericulture, tussar technology, fisheries, food processing, mushroom cultivation, floriculture, and herbal cultivation will empower youth financially.
MoUs have been signed with nationally renowned institutions and industry for these practical subjects, providing youth with direct internships, practical experience, and campus placements.
This confluence of research, skill development, industry coordination, and the expansion of education into the forest region is rapidly establishing Chhattisgarh as a leading education hub in the country.

The event will be held in the presence of Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai.

Raipur, September 21, 2026: A grand "Teej Milan Utsav" is being organized in Nava Raipur to preserve the rich folk culture, intimacy, and sweetness of traditional festivals of Chhattisgarh. Hosted by Shri Tank Ram Verma, Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management, Rehabilitation, and Higher Education, this prestigious celebration will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 12 noon to 4 pm at M-12, Sector 24, Atal Nagar, Nava Raipur.
This special gathering, organized to preserve and promote Chhattisgarhi identity and traditional festivals, will see a gathering of the state's top personalities. Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, along with his wife, Mrs. Veena Singh, and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, along with his wife, Mrs. Kaushalya Devi Sai, will grace the event with special presence. Several state ministers, public representatives, and prominent citizens will also witness this cultural evening.
Regarding this event, Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma said that the traditional festivals of Chhattisgarh are not merely religious or cultural rituals, but rather a strong foundation of mutual brotherhood, love, and social harmony. The primary objective of this Teej Milan festival is to share the rich traditions and sweetness of Chhattisgarhi culture and to keep the coming generations connected to their roots. This occasion will witness a unique confluence of traditional Chhattisgarhi cuisine, the colors of folk culture, and the soulful rituals of Teej festival.

Chief Secretary held a video conference with the collectors

Reviewed the activities conducted under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan

Raipur, September 21, 2026/ Under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Shri Vikasshiil, the activities conducted under the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan were reviewed through video conference with the collectors of all the districts of the state from Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan here today.

The Seva Sankalp Abhiyan is being conducted in the state from September 17th to October 17th, 2026. During the video conference, the Chief Secretary stated that the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan should not be viewed merely as an event, but as an opportunity to strengthen public participation and a culture of mutual help. He directed collectors and officials to effectively organize the campaign's activities in the districts, ensuring the participation of as many people, voluntary organizations, and social organizations as possible.

The Chief Secretary told the collectors that under the guidance of the Minister in-charge in the districts, their problems should be resolved quickly by making people partners in the camps organized during the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan at the block and tehsil level. In this regard, ensure necessary meetings and discussions with the honorable ministers. The Chief Secretary said that 26 major schemes identified by the Central Government are to be included in the camps. In this regard, the information of the beneficiaries of the schemes should be updated. The Chief Secretary gave necessary guidelines to the collectors regarding the works of Crop Girdawari Survey, Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission.

Various activities under Seva Mera Yojnad

Various activities will be organized under the "Seva Mera Yogdan" campaign from September 23rd to 25th in the urban areas of all districts, and from October 2nd to 8th across the state. These include activities such as service and cleanliness, food and clothing donation, education donation and educational support, skill and knowledge donation, green Chhattisgarh and environmental protection, health and blood donation, organ donation and body donation, social security and awareness, and local production and women empowerment. The Chief Secretary said that the active participation of NCC, NSS, volunteers, self-help groups, social organizations, youth organizations, and various partner organizations, including "Mera Yuva Bharat," should be ensured in these activities. Instructions were given to upload all activities, along with photographs, on the My Bharat portal.

Families who donate their bodies and organs should be honored.

The Chief Secretary has asked the collectors to honor the families whose deceased relatives donate their bodies and organs. The Chief Secretary said that the families of those whose donated organs were used should also be included in the program and their immediate feedback should be taken. To ensure that this program is not limited to just a campaign, more awareness programs should be organized from time to time, so that people are willing to donate organs and come forward.

10,000 saplings will be planted by incorporating 'Green Chhattisgarh Campaign with 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'.

Under the "One Tree in the Name of Mother" initiative, a Green Chhattisgarh campaign aims to plant 10,000 trees of local species. The Chief Secretary directed to ensure widespread public participation in activities related to environmental protection.

Bihaan gave a boost, confidence strengthened by the schemes of the Sai government

Ground picture of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of making women self-help groups self-reliant

Raipur, September 21, 2026 / Once dependent on limited resources to meet her family's needs, Mrs. Babli Yadav of Chuktipani Gram Panchayat is now forging her own identity through her skills, hard work, and self-confidence. By joining the Rural Livelihood Mission Bihan, she has adopted not just one but several livelihood activities. Through diverse pursuits like photocopying and computer work, mushroom production, and Mahua procurement, she has built a strong income base. Today, her story is becoming an inspiration for women in the village who dream of standing on their own feet and strengthening their families' financial situation.

Mrs. Babli Yadav is the president of the Jagriti Mahila Self Help Group. After joining the group, she took advantage of the opportunities available to her and pursued self-employment. She secured a loan through the group, purchased a computer, and began photocopying and computer-related work from her home. Although she started small, her hard work and consistent efforts have transformed this work into a source of regular income.

The benefits of Babli's hard work weren't limited to her family. Photocopying, printing, and computer-related work became available right here in the village. The small tasks that previously required villagers to travel outside were now completed locally. Thus, her self-employment became a source of convenience for the villagers and a source of income for her family.

Mushroom cultivation increases income, new opportunity related to Mahua purchase

Mrs. Babli Yadav didn't limit her income to a single source. She began mushroom cultivation. This agriculture-based business, established in a limited space, provided her with additional income. Mushroom cultivation gave her the confidence that by properly utilizing local resources and available opportunities, new income streams could be created while living in a village.

She is also involved in the procurement of mahua through the PG group. Through this activity, she not only earns income herself but also connects rural women with employment and economic activities. Thus, from photocopying to mushrooms and mahua, Babli has combined multiple income sources for her livelihood.

The family was strengthened by a monthly income of about Rs 10,000.

Mrs. Babli Yadav explains that activities like photocopying and computer work, mushroom production, and mahua procurement add up to a monthly income of approximately 10,000 rupees. This additional income has strengthened the family's financial situation. While previously limited sources of income were necessary to meet family needs, she now has a regular source of income through her hard work.

For her, this change isn't limited to increased income. Economic independence has also boosted her confidence in decision-making. Today, she not only supports her family's needs but also inspires other women to engage in self-employment and group-based activities.

Bihaan provided an opportunity, and government schemes provided a path forward.

In Chhattisgarh, through the State Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan), a strong focus is being placed on training, financial support, and connecting women's self-help groups with livelihood activities. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, these efforts are being furthered to connect rural women with economic activities and make them self-reliant. Babli Yadav's story is a local example of this, where group engagement, access to credit, and livelihood opportunities provided a rural woman with a path to self-reliance.

The story of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's 'Lakhpati Didi' and his vision of women-led development

Mrs. Babli Yadav's success also aligns with a broader vision that emphasizes making rural women active participants in economic activities, not just beneficiaries of schemes. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has described women associated with self-help groups as a strong link to a developed India and has emphasized increasing women's income and economic self-reliance through "Lakhpati Didi."

The central government's Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) focuses on strengthening livelihoods through financial, technical, and market-related support to women's self-help groups. The mission organizes rural women through community organizations and provides them with access to credit and other resources.

This mindset is gradually transforming the lives of the village women. Babli Yadav combined the strength she gained from the group with her local knowledge and hard work, and turned various activities into a source of livelihood.

Socio-economic support received from housing and mother worship

Mrs. Babli Yadav has also benefited from the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. The support provided by these schemes has provided a strong foundation for her family's basic needs. While housing provided the family with safe shelter, regular financial assistance helped meet household needs.

Babli says that joining government programs and Bihan has given her the opportunity to move forward. She believes that if women receive proper guidance, support from a group, and the opportunity to start an economic activity, they can not only support their families but also become sources of employment and inspiration for others.

From small beginnings to great recognition

Babli Yadav's story shows that self-reliance doesn't always require starting with a large business. Starting with a computer and a photocopier, followed by mushroom cultivation and mahua procurement, these small efforts combined to strengthen her income.

Today, Babli's small home business has become not just a source of income but a symbol of self-confidence. She now has not only work but also hope for new possibilities for her family and other women in her village.

Babli Yadav's success exemplifies that when women receive support from a group, financial opportunities, training, and government programs, they have the power to transform their circumstances. Babli of Chuktipani is not only strengthening her family's financial situation but also sending a message to other women in the village that with hard work, opportunity, and confidence, the path to self-reliance can begin in the village itself.

Having property in your name boosts your confidence, and the remaining funds strengthen your family's financial plans.

Rachna Soni shares her experience under the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', calls fee concession for women a useful initiative

Raipur, September 21, 2026 / When the benefits of the government's public welfare policies simplify a family's financial planning, their impact is visible not only on paper but also in the family's future. For Rachna Soni of Bilaspur, a 50 percent discount on registration fees for property registration in women's names provided such an opportunity. Registering her property in her name saved her approximately 35,000 rupees. Rachna Soni explained that this fee relief reduced the cost of property registration and provided financial relief to her family.

In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India and Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai's vision of a developed Chhattisgarh, various reforms are being undertaken under the guidance of Finance and Registration Minister O.P. Choudhary to make registration services simple, accessible, and convenient for citizens. In this vein, a 50 percent concession in registration fees is being provided to encourage property registration in the name of women. Under the "Seva Sankalp Abhiyan," the Registration Department is directly interacting with beneficiaries to understand the ground impact of these initiatives, their experiences, and their suggestions.

Reduced registry costs, providing financial relief to the family

Mrs. Rachna Soni explained that the 50 percent discount on registration fees when transferring property to her name saved her 35,000 rupees. She said this savings is a significant relief for her family compared to the costs of purchasing or registering property. This has reduced the financial burden of registration, while the remaining funds can be used for other family needs and future financial planning.

For Rachna Soni, this benefit went beyond simply reducing fees. Registering property in her name gave her the experience of property ownership and strengthened her participation in financial decisions. She said that such initiatives connecting women with property ownership help them become more financially secure and confident.

Registration fee reduced from 4% to 2%

The registration fee on documents related to the transfer of immovable property in favor of women has been reduced from 4 percent to 2 percent. This provides women with a 50 percent registration fee concession. This aims to encourage property registration in women's names and provide them with direct financial benefits.

Rachna Soni's story highlights the impact of this initiative on the ground. Saving ₹35,000 is a financial relief for her during the registration process, but owning a property in her own name also brings her financial security and confidence.

Stories of change emerging from 'Seva Sankalp'

Under the "Seva Sankalp Abhiyan," the department is engaging directly with beneficiaries to understand how governance services and reforms are impacting citizens' lives. Rachna Soni's experience demonstrates that when policy benefits reach families directly, they manifest in savings, convenience, and confidence.

This initiative, which encourages property registration in women's names, is not only financially beneficial but also important in increasing women's property ownership. Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai and Finance and Registration Minister O.P. Chaudhary for this facility, Rachna Soni said that this concession in property registration for women is a useful step towards their economic empowerment.

7,650 properties sold in 2 years and 8 months, an 84% increase in the annual average

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and the guidance of Finance, Housing and Environment Minister Shri O.P. Chaudhary, the transparent, simple and beneficiary-centric system got a new impetus.

Properties worth Rs 1,609.18 crore sold, 1,584 properties disposed of through OTS-2

• Shri Sunil Tripathi
Assistant Director, Public Relations

Raipur, September 21, 2026. In order to give a new impetus to the expansion of housing facilities and infrastructure development in Chhattisgarh, the Chhattisgarh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board has achieved remarkable success in the field of property sales. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the state government is placing special emphasis on speed, transparency in development works and providing better facilities to the citizens. In this sequence, under the guidance of Finance, Housing and Environment Minister Shri O.P. Chaudhary, the Board's efforts to better manage properties, simplify the sales process and prioritize the convenience of beneficiaries have yielded positive results.

Available data from the Board shows that 7,650 properties were sold in just two years and eight months, from 2024 to August 2026. The annual average property sales during this period was approximately 2,869 properties. This figure reflects a significant increase in the Board's sales capacity compared to its performance over the previous five years.

A total of 7,793 properties were sold by the Board over the five-year period from 2019 to 2023. The annual average during this period was approximately 1,559 properties. In comparison, the annual average has increased to approximately 2,869 properties in the current period, from 2024 to August 2026. This means the Board's annual average property sales have increased by approximately 84 percent in the current period compared to the previous five years.

Not just the number, but also the sales value has seen a significant jump.
The Board's achievement is not limited to the number of properties, but there has also been a significant increase in the amount received from property sales. From the year 2024 to August 2026, the Board has sold a total of properties worth ₹1,609.18 crore. During this period, the annual average of property sales was approximately ₹603 crore. In the five years from 2019 to 2023, a total of properties worth ₹1,362.21 crore were sold. During this period, the annual average sales value was ₹272.44 crore. In the current period, this average has increased to approximately ₹603 crore. Thus, the Board's annual average property sales value has increased more than twofold compared to the previous five years.

These figures indicate that the Board's strategy for managing and selling available properties has been effective. Sales activity has been accelerated by focusing on better utilization of properties, tailored sales to suit demand, streamlining the process for beneficiaries, and resolving pending cases.

Emphasis on development and good governance under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai
The state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, is working towards making governance processes more simple, transparent, and result-oriented, along with implementing development schemes. Continuous efforts are also being made to ensure timely availability of services to citizens and better utilization of government institutions' properties. The increase in the Housing Board's property sales is linked to this comprehensive approach. Effective utilization of the Board's properties is ensuring better management of available resources, while providing citizens with opportunities to acquire residential and commercial properties.

Deepka Coal Mine Protest: Villagers enraged by bulldozer action; SECL GM office locked.

Hardibazar. Villagers' anger erupted against the management's action in Hardibazar village, which is falling under the scope of SECL Dipka mine expansion. On Friday morning at 5 am, SECL management demolished 8 government buildings including health centre, Patwari office and Anganwadi with the help of excavator. In protest against this unilateral action, on Saturday morning at 9 am, hundreds of villagers, led by Katghora MLA Premchand Patel and Sarpanch Lokeshwar Kanwar, locked the main gate of Dipka General Manager's (GM) office and started a sit-in.

The villagers were clear that the hospital and other buildings would not be demolished until adequate compensation, jobs, new settlements, and rehabilitation were provided. According to hospital employee Santosh, who spoke about Friday's action, they were not given enough time to retrieve their belongings, leaving important documents, medicines, and other materials buried under the rubble.

On Saturday, patients from several villages arrived for treatment, but after finding the hospital in ruins, they had to return empty-handed. Due to this blockade, work at the area office was completely halted throughout the day, and all officers and employees were stranded outside. Dipka's Chief Medical Officer, Ashok Kumar, tried to pacify the villagers, but they remained adamant on their demands.

On the other hand, in protest of this administration action, the traders of Hardi Bazaar expressed their strong opposition by keeping their establishments completely closed on Saturday, despite it being a weekly market day. MLA Patel also justified the villagers' demands and appealed to the administration to pay attention. Ultimately, after eight hours of fierce protests, the protest ended at 5 pm on the assurance of discussing the demands at Bilaspur headquarters.

The anger of the villagers of these villages erupted

In addition to Hardibazar, villagers from Saraisingar, Ranki, Malgaon, Amgaon, Darshakhancha, and Suabhodi also participated in large numbers in this demonstration. They said that their entire land has been absorbed into the mine, but the management has not provided them with jobs or compensation for housing or settlements. This is why anger is growing.

These are the main demands of the protesters

The protesting villagers demanded that the compensation determination and filing of land acquisition documents be corrected and the appropriate amount be awarded. Arrangements for better rehabilitation and new settlements be made for the displaced families. Affected families should receive permanent employment in exchange for land acquisition, as per the rules, and the rights of the families affected by the approximately 18 hectares of land should be protected.

Villagers clashed with CISF

When villagers, led by MLA Premchand Patel, arrived to surround the GM office, they engaged in a minor altercation and scuffle with CISF personnel and police deployed there. Police attempted to push the villagers aside, but approximately 300 men and women sat on a protest in front of the gate and began shouting slogans against SECL Dipka management.

Action should have been taken after giving information: Patel

Katghora MLA Premchand Patel said that the administration should have taken action only after giving prior notice to the Gram Panchayat. He warned that if the Dipka management does not meet the villagers' legitimate demands, while only the GM office has been locked, the mining operation will be completely shut down in the coming days. The Dipka management will be fully responsible for this.

Bill shock’ strikes as soon as smart meters are installed! Allegations of being handed a slip on plain paper—instead of a printed bill—showing amounts ranging from ₹8,000 to ₹61,000.

Kawardha/Dasharangpur. Amidst the government and electricity department's claims about smart meters, a case of allegedly handing over exorbitant bills to electricity consumers has come to light in Dasharangpur village, within the Pandariya assembly constituency of Kabirdham district. According to villagers, after the installation of smart meters, many consumers have been told amounts ranging from 8,000 to 61,000 rupees on blank slips instead of the regular printed electricity bills.

Upon receiving information from the villagers, Manikant Tripathi, President of the Block Congress Committee, Kawardha Rural, reached Dasharangpur and met with the villagers in person to inquire about their problems. Based on the complaints and documents presented by the villagers, he demanded an impartial investigation into the entire matter.

Manikant Tripathi said that if smart meters are for the convenience of consumers, then why are bills of thousands of rupees and paper slips instead of printed bills issued immediately after the meter is installed? The government and the electricity department should clarify the basis on which these bills are calculated and why proper bills are not being provided to consumers.

He said that the poor, farmers, and ordinary consumers are already suffering from inflation and rising household expenses. In such a situation, if electricity bills of thousands of rupees are suddenly handed over in the name of smart meters, it is a matter of serious concern. The electricity department should promptly resolve consumer complaints and publicly explain the entire process of meter reading, bill calculation, and recovery.

Manikant Tripathi warned that ignoring rural consumer complaints would not be tolerated. Congress stands with the villagers and will strongly raise the issue with the electricity department if necessary.

On this occasion, Bhishma Pandey, District Vice President Bholaram Chandravanshi, District General Secretary Akash Kesarwani, State Secretary Youth Congress Mahesh Kesari, Shailendra Kesarwani, Vice President Block Congress Raju Khan, former Sarpanch and hundreds of villagers were present.

Will the 43-year-old Mahanadi dispute finally end? CM Sai’s statement sparks hope for a resolution.

Raipur. The Mahanadi water sharing dispute between Chhattisgarh and Odisha, which has been ongoing since 1983, is moving towards resolution. Several meetings have been held on the issue, but no positive results have been achieved. Recently, discussions were held in Delhi between Union Water Power Minister CR Patil, the Chief Ministers of both states, and officials. Chief Minister Sai left for a two-day visit to Odisha on Sunday. Prior to this, he issued a statement regarding the Mahanadi water dispute.

Speaking to reporters at Raipur Airport, Chief Minister Sai stated that the Chief Ministers and officials of both states had met in Delhi recently to discuss the matter. The matter has been referred to the Central Water Commission (CWC). He stated that the Mahanadi water dispute would be resolved very soon.

Regarding his visit to Odisha, Chief Minister Sai stated that he would be on a two-day visit. He would discuss various topics with Chief Minister Manjhi. He would also visit the Lord Jagannath Temple in Puri and pray for the prosperity of Chhattisgarh.

CM Sai targeted Congress

CM Sai targeted the Congress's "Chhatra Ki Goonj" program held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. He said that wherever Rahul Gandhi goes, the Congress party is devastated. The same fate is likely to befall the Congress in Indore and Madhya Pradesh.

Uproar over PM Modi mimicry at 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event; BJP attacks Rahul Gandhi.

New Delhi: BJP leaders have strongly criticised Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi for his comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the opposition party's Chhatraon Ki Goonj programme in Indore.

Rahul Gandhi, on stage with stand-up comedian Pulkit Mani, made some remarks and gestures that clearly indicated he was mocking Prime Minister Modi. BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan said in a video statement this morning that Rahul Gandhi had insulted women by mocking a mother.

'Rahul Gandhi is promoting uncivilised culture'

"No decent and right-thinking person would find such vulgar and vile behavior amusing, yet Rahul Gandhi was seen laughing out loud on the stage he was sharing with them. Rahul Gandhi's promotion of such uncivilized culture is why he and the Congress party have failed to connect with the youth," Keshavan said.

'He was also expelled from Delhi University'

He said that even Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has acknowledged the party's failure on this front. Referring to the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections, he said, "Rahul Gandhi's vitriolic hate politics is the reason why the Congress Party and its student wing, the NSUI, were driven out of Delhi University."

'The elderly were shamelessly insulted'

The BJP spokesperson said, "On the one hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi showed sensitivity by arranging a chair for an elderly man, while on the other hand, Rahul Gandhi was seen enjoying himself yesterday when similar elderly people were being shamelessly insulted. Rahul Gandhi, who supports clowns and such vulgar circus shows, cannot be taken seriously as a political leader."

What did the Union Ministers say?

"Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party have stooped to the lowest level of moral bankruptcy. Using a conversation with students to mock and insult PM Modi's late mother shows a shocking lack of basic human empathy and political culture," Union Education Minister Prahlad Joshi said in a post on Instagram.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju attacked Rahul Gandhi, saying, "Congress has now become a party of comedians and jokers. He is out forever... RIP."