Raipur . Women and Child Development and Social Welfare Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade today had the divine darshan of the most revered Niranjani Peethadheeshwar Shri Shri 1008 Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashananda Giri Ji Maharaj in Raipur and received his affectionate blessings.

On this occasion, Minister Mrs. Rajwade said that the proximity of saints and great men inspires society to pursue the path of service, values, and human welfare. Their thoughts infuse society with positive energy and empower us to perform public service with greater dedication.

Wishing the people of the state happiness, prosperity, and well-being, Minister Laxmi Rajwade said that Chhattisgarh's rich spiritual tradition is an important part of our cultural heritage. It is our responsibility to preserve and promote this tradition. Present on the occasion were Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur, Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap, State Child Protection Commission Chairperson Dr. Varnika Sharma, and INH-Haribhoomi Editor Himanshu Dwivedi, along with other public representatives and dignitaries.

00 Decision taken on the initiative of Deputy Chief Minister Sharma to empower Panchayats
Raipur. The Chhattisgarh government has taken an important decision towards empowering rural women and giving more powers to Panchayats. On the initiative of Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, under the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, Gram Panchayats have now been selected as the implementing agency for the construction of Mahtari Sadans. This decision, taken keeping in view the long-standing demand of public representatives, will not only increase the role and responsibility of Panchayats but will also provide a strong platform for social and economic activities for women in rural areas. Mahtari Sadans will become a centre for meetings, training, self-help group activities and livelihood promotion for women.

Making gram panchayats the implementing agency will expedite the work process. The department has also issued guidelines for this purpose. According to these guidelines, administrative approval for the Mahtari Sadan will be granted by the Chief Executive Officer of the District Panchayat, and technical guidance will be provided by the Rural Mechanical Service. Regular monitoring and evaluation of the work will be ensured. A specific process for approval has also been established. 

To ensure uniformity in work, the Panchayat and Rural Development Department has prepared a standard design and estimate. A report on the physical and financial progress of the work must be provided to the Director Panchayat, Directorate of Chhattisgarh, through the District Panchayat by the 5th of each month. After administrative and technical approval, work must begin within one month, and the Panchayats will also be responsible for completing the work within six to eight months.

The construction of Mahtari Sadans will empower the Gram Panchayats and will significantly increase the economic and social activities of women in the villages. This initiative is proving to give a new direction to women empowerment in the state. It is noteworthy that an amount of Rs 100 crore has been approved for the construction of 368 Mahtari Sadans in the state. For which a cost of Rs 30 lakh per Mahtari Sadan has been fixed, 100% of which is being provided by the state government. Currently, out of the 368 approved Mahtari Sadans, the construction work of 137 has been completed, the remaining are under construction.

Jashpur. Preeti Gupta, who sells everything from cosmetics to household items in her shop, has become an example of women's empowerment. Her face exudes a unique confidence. She enthusiastically explains that she was able to establish her business with the help of a Mudra loan. Preeti, a member of the Laxmi Self-Help Group, explained that she received a Mudra loan of ₹1 lakh. Today, she earns approximately ₹2.50 lakh annually from her business. 
Preeti Gupta, a resident of Budhadand village in Bagicha development block of Jashpur district, took a Mudra loan to open a Durga makeup and grocery store. Initially operating on a small scale, Preeti gradually expanded her shop, understanding the needs of her customers. Today, her shop is considered one of the village's leading shops, offering everything from cosmetics to essentials. Thanks to the financial support she received from the Mudra loan and her hard work and dedication, she now earns a net profit of approximately ₹2.50 lakh annually. With her confidence, hard work and the support of Bihan Yojana, she has realised her dream of becoming Lakhpati Didi.

Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, Preeti Gupta said that thanks to the work being done for women's empowerment, so many women like her have become self-reliant. She said that Bihan gave her the opportunity to stand on her own feet. Preeti Gupta has become an inspiration to many women today, who are setting new examples of economic independence through their hard work and determination.

00 Bihan Didis of Bastar will mix natural colours in Holi
Raipur. Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission, herbal gulal is being made by colouring vegetables with natural colours and adding rose, marigold, petals of palash flowers, rose water, perfume etc. to it. Saffron gulal is being prepared from palash flowers, green gulal from spinach and red gulal from red vegetables. As this gulal is not using any chemical substances, it is not harmful for the skin, eyes, hair etc. Being human friendly, this herbal gulal can be used in the festival of Holi without any worry.

This time in Bastar district, the festival of Holi will not only be full of colours but will also be safe for health and environment. Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihar), a commendable initiative has been taken by the district administration towards economically empowering rural women. Under this, women from 9 self-help groups of different development blocks of the district are being given special training in making herbal gulal. In this two-day residential training organized at the revolutionary Debaridhur Horticulture College and Research Centre, Jagdalpur, women are learning to prepare gulal using natural resources in modern and scientific ways.

The most special feature of this unique initiative is that women will prepare rainbow colored gulal using natural ingredients found in their kitchens and gardens like spinach, red spinach, beetroot and flowers. Synthetic colors and gulal available in the market often contain harmful chemicals that cause skin irritation, allergies and eye damage. Keeping these problems in mind, Bihan's didis will produce completely skin-disease free and eco-friendly gulal by mixing beetroot and spinach extracts in a corn flower baseFollowing the training, the women have set a goal of producing 500 to 1,000 kilograms of herbal gulal this year. A comprehensive action plan has been developed to make the produced gulal accessible to the public, with special stalls set up at key locations in Jagdalpur city and various government offices. This pure indigenous gulal will also be sold in local markets at the district level. For these women associated with Bihan, this is not just a process of making colors; it is also becoming a powerful means of propelling them to new heights of self-employment and self-reliance. This effort will not only increase the income of the women of Bastar, but will also provide ordinary citizens with the option of celebrating a safe and happy Holi, away from the dangers of chemicals.

Korea : Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai marked his visit to Korea district today by planting a white sandalwood tree in front of the Collectorate Complex - District Panchayat Office. Several senior state ministers and officials were present on this important occasion.

Also present at the event were Ramvichar Netam, Minister of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Development and Minister in charge of the district, Dayaldas Baghel, Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade, and Collector Chandan Tripathi. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of everyone's active participation in efforts to protect the environment and increase greenery.

00 Review of development works in the meeting of Surguja Area Tribal Development Authority: Approval of budget provision of Rs 50 crore for the financial year 2025-26, approval of 543 development works
Raipur. In the meeting of Surguja Area Tribal Development Authority held today in Baikunthpur of Koriya district under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, a detailed review of the progress of development works being carried out in the districts of Surguja division was done and new schemes were approved on the basis of suggestions of public representatives.

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the state government has prioritized the development of the Surguja and Bastar regions. Through the authority, continuous efforts are being made to connect backward and forest areas with the mainstream. He stated that the government is working with full commitment to the overall development of the Surguja region, the empowerment of tribal communities, and the prosperity of the region. With everyone's cooperation, this region will reach new heights of progress.

In the meeting, a budget provision of Rs 50 crore was approved for the Authority for the financial year 2025-26. On the basis of proposals submitted by regional public representatives, financial approval of Rs 4905.58 lakh was given for 543 development works, while formal approval was also given to 606 works approved in the year 2024-25. Chief Minister Shri Sai directed to complete all the approved works with high quality within the stipulated time frame and to complete the pending works by March. The Chief Minister clearly said in the meeting that any kind of negligence in basic facilities like drinking water will not be acceptable. He directed to ensure adequate drinking water availability during the summer season.

It was informed in the meeting that under the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana, electrification work is progressing rapidly in Sonhat development block of Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district. Chief Minister Shri Sai gave clear instructions to the officials that the approved works should be completed in a timely and quality manner, so that the benefits of development schemes can directly reach the people of tribal and forest areas. In the meeting, the Chief Minister gave instructions to install high mast solar lights in the affected areas, solve the problems of farmers, remove electricity bill errors and take strict action against substandard construction works.

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the Authority's last meeting was held in Mayali, Jashpur district, which enhanced Mayali's recognition as a tourist destination. The world's largest Shivalinga was included in the Golden Book of World Records, and funds were approved under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. He stated that this meeting in Baikunthpur will also enhance the district's recognition and tourism potential. He stated that the Jhumka Reservoir, along with other areas of the district, offers immense tourism potential, and holding meetings in various districts helps accelerate local development.
Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, Authority Vice-Chairperson Smt. Gomti Sai, Food Minister Shri Dayaldas Baghel, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal, School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav, Industry Minister Shri Lakhanlal Dewangan, MP Shri Chintamani Maharaj, MLAs, senior officials, and public representatives were present at the meeting.

00 Vishnudev Sai Government's policies are opening new doors to development
Raipur. Chhattisgarh, once known as a Naxal-affected state, is now rapidly establishing itself as an emerging tourist hub in the country. Rich in natural beauty, ancient heritage, and vibrant tribal culture, this state is now becoming a center of attraction for national and international tourists due to new policies and infrastructure development.

Security, connectivity, and tourism infrastructure have been given top priority by the state government. The new Industrial Policy 2024-30 has given tourism the status of an industry, providing subsidies, tax exemptions, and incentives to investors. The state has received investment proposals worth crores of rupees for eco-ethnic and adventure tourism. Bastar division is characterized by its vibrant traditions. The lifestyle, traditional food, handicrafts, and folk dances of the Gond, Muria, Halba, and Baiga tribes are particularly attractive to tourists. Folk dances like Panthi, Raut Nacha, Suwa, and Karma have become the cultural identity of the state.

The state's natural, historical, and religious sites are rapidly becoming a favorite among tourists. Chhattisgarh, with its diverse tourism offerings, is attracting tourists from both India and abroad. Chitrakoot Falls, known as the Niagara of Asia, is a favorite destination for adventure lovers. Jashpur's Madheshwar Mountain, home to the world's largest natural Shivalinga, captivates. The mysterious Kutumsar Caves offer a thrilling adventure. Ramgarh's ancient theatre, the site of Rama's exile, is a living symbol of religious heritage. Dongargarh's Maa Bamleshwari remains a major center for religious tourism. All these sites are being enriched by the state government's development plans. Dhudmaras village, selected as the Best Tourism Village by the UNWTO, has brought global recognition to Chhattisgarh's tribal culture.

Roads, lighting, security and tourist facilities are being expanded around these sites, due to which the number of tourists is continuously increasing. Due to government schemes, tourism is not limited to mere sightseeing, but it is becoming a major source of local employment. Income of rural and tribal areas is increasing through home-stays, handicrafts, local food and guide services. In the coming years, Chhattisgarh can be included among the major eco-cultural tourism states of the country. Chhattisgarh is emerging from the Naxal image and is creating a new identity of tourism and is seen taking a new flight of development.

The connection with the soil was shown in the exhibition during the meeting of the authority.

Raipur, February 17, 2026/ An intimate and simple side of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai was seen when he himself made clay diyas and kalashas on the potter's wheel, giving a strong message of respect and attachment towards traditional crafts.

The occasion was a meeting of the Surguja Development Authority, which he had attended in Baikunthpur, the district headquarters of Korea. The meeting was held in the District Panchayat meeting hall, along with an exhibition of self-help groups and local products on the premises. At this exhibition, craftsman Shri Devi Dayal Prajapati, a resident of the Sonhat development block, was giving a live demonstration of making clay diyas and kalashas on an electric wheel. During the inspection, Chief Minister Shri Sai visited his stall and closely observed his craftsmanship for some time. Intrigued by the art, the Chief Minister expressed his desire to try his hand at the wheel himself. With the craftsman's consent, he adjusted the wet clay placed on the rotating wheel with his hands, instantly shaping it into a beautiful diya. The craftsman himself was astonished by the Chief Minister's effortless skill, while the crowd present welcomed the moment with thunderous applause.

During this visit, Chief Minister Shri Sai inquired from craftsman Devi Dayal Prajapati about his business, income and family and encouraged him to take advantage of various self-employment and artisan-friendly schemes of the government. He said that the state government is continuously striving to empower traditional crafts, artisans and rural livelihoods, so that local art and skills can get a new identity and market.

On this occasion, Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Food Minister Shri Dayal Das Baghel, Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, Vice President of Surguja Development Authority Smt. Gomti Sai, MP Shri Chintamani Maharaj, MLA Shri Bhaiyalal Rajwade, Collector Shri Chandan Tripathi, Superintendent of Police Shri Ravikumar Kurre along with public representatives and officials were present.

Raipur - The Chhattisgarh government has launched a pilot project in six districts, entrusting women self-help groups with the task of producing ready-to-eat food to eliminate malnutrition and empower women in the state. Under this initiative, women self-help groups have been assigned the task of producing nutritious food for Anganwadis in Raigarh, Bastar, Dantewada, Balodabazar, Korba, and Surajpur districts. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai stated that the state government has decided to entrust the production and distribution of supplementary nutrition (ready-to-eat) for Anganwadi centers to women self-help groups. Forty-two women self-help groups across six districts have been assigned the task of producing and distributing ready-to-eat food. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, this mission of women empowerment and malnutrition eradication is being implemented as a pilot project in the first phase in six districts of the state: Bastar, Dantewada, Balodabazar, Korba, Raigarh, and Surajpur. Meanwhile, Raigarh has become the first district in the state where women's groups have begun producing "ready-to-eat" food. This initiative will provide a new direction for both women's economic prosperity and children's health. According to information received from the Women and Child Development Department, 10 self-help groups in Korba have been assigned the task of producing ready-to-eat food. Similarly, 10 self-help groups in Raigarh, 7 self-help groups each in Surajpur and Balodabazar-Bhatapara districts, 6 self-help groups in Bastar district, and 2 women self-help groups in Dantewada have been assigned the task of producing ready-to-eat food. These self-help groups are producing and distributing supplementary nutrition (ready-to-eat) for Anganwadi centers. Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade said that the sisters of these groups will now not only provide nutritious food to Anganwadi children but will also increase their income through this work, thereby empowering them economically. This scheme is a major step towards self-employment as well as social and economic empowerment of women. She said that this is an important and result-oriented initiative of the state government for better health and nutritional security of children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. She said that this decision will also play an important role in improving the nutritional level of the state by providing nutritious food to children. 

Regional development will get a new dimension due to strengthening of infrastructure – Chief Minister Shri Sai 

 Raipur - Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai attended the inauguration and groundbreaking ceremony for development projects held at Podi in the Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district. On this occasion, he presented a significant gift to the residents of the region by performing the groundbreaking ceremony for 59 development projects worth over ₹88 crore and inaugurating 82 development projects worth over ₹38 crore. Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that these development projects will strengthen the region's infrastructure and expand public amenities, bringing positive changes to the lives of local residents. He stated that these projects, including roads, buildings, community facilities, and other essential infrastructure, will provide new impetus to the region's overall development. The Chief Minister stated that the state government's goal is not merely to formulate plans, but to implement them with speed, transparency, and quality. With a result-oriented work culture, the government is constantly striving to ensure balanced and inclusive development in every region of the state. Chief Minister Shri Sai said that ensuring development reaches remote areas of the state is the government's top priority. With this vision, continuous work is being done in the areas of infrastructure, education, health, drinking water, roads, and public amenities, so that ordinary citizens can directly benefit. 

Raipur. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai visited the residence of 92-year-old democracy activist Dr. Nirmal Ghosh, a resident of Baikunthpur, and inquired about his well-being. Chief Minister Shri Sai honored Dr. Ghosh with a shawl and a coconut. He also had a cordial conversation with his family members. 
Chief Minister Sai said that Dr. Ghosh's struggle, patriotism, and tenacity continue to inspire us. Even at this age, his memory and wisdom are exemplary for all of us. It was a privilege to meet the democracy activist and receive his blessings. On this occasion, Dr. Ghosh shared his experiences during the Emergency imposed in 1975 with the Chief Minister. He explained that he was detained in various jails for approximately 19 months during the Emergency. Sharing memories of his student days, Dr. Ghosh recalled studying at Mission School, Madhav Rao Sapre School, and Nagpur. In 1955, he enrolled in Ayurvedic College and received a BMS degree from Sagar University. Instead of joining the government service, he opened a private clinic in Baikunthpur in 1960 and continued to serve the public for a long time. Agriculture Minister Shri Ram Vichar Netam, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Shri Bhaiya Lal Rajwada, and other public representatives were present on the occasion.

00 24,752 farmers benefited from agricultural equipment under different schemes
Raipur. Due to the schemes of Chhattisgarh government, the farmers of the state are rapidly moving towards modern farming. Modern agricultural equipment is being made available to the farmers on government subsidy through State Seed and Agriculture Development Corporation Limited, due to which the cost of farming is decreasing and production is increasing. This has made farming easier and profitable. Due to which the farmers of the state are moving towards self-reliance. 

The Seed Corporation is providing farmers with modern agricultural equipment for tillage, sowing, planting, and harvesting through the CHAMPUS portal. These include rotavators, automatic reapers, paddy transplanters, laser land levelers, power weeders, mulchers, threshers, seed drills, and drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. 

Agriculture department officials informed that in the current financial year, 912 farmers have been benefited by the Seed Corporation under Mechanization Submission (Component-1), 3375 farmers under Shakambhari Yojana, 3821 farmers under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (Drip) and 16,644 farmers under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (Sprinkler) by providing modern agricultural equipment. 

The use of these modern machines has reduced the hard work of the farmers and has increased the production capacity along with saving of time. While traditional farming used to require more labour and cost, farming with modern machines is now giving more profit at less cost.
Farmers in the tribal dominated areas of the state, especially in Bastar division, are also getting better results in farming by adopting modern agricultural techniques. Earlier, farmers were dependent only on paddy cultivation, but now they are rapidly moving towards vegetable production and horticultural crops as well. Farmers are earning good profits by selling the produce in local markets as well as outside markets through drip irrigation system.

Narayan Dallu Patel, a farmer from Bilaspur district, said that with the automatic reaper, one acre of crop can now be harvested in 2 to 3 hours, whereas earlier it used to take a whole day with 10 to 12 laborers. This has reduced harvesting costs by 50 to 60 percent.
Hiralal Dhanuram Sahu, a farmer from Raipur district, said that with the rotavator, field preparation is done in just a few hours. Whereas earlier it used to take 3 to 4 days, now the field is ready in less time, due to which production has increased by 20 to 25 percent.

Lekhuraam Kailash Chhediya, a farmer from Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district, reported that sowing with a seed drill has resulted in 15 to 25 percent seed savings and a 20 to 30 percent increase in production.
The Seed Corporation's objective is to empower farmers with modern technology and make them self-reliant. This initiative by the corporation empowers the state's farmers, empowering them technically and financially, and contributing to the vision of a developed India.