Raipur. The Chhattisgarh Government's Sports and Youth Welfare Department has invited applications from athletes for scholarships for the year 2025-26 under the Chhattisgarh Sports Promotion Scheme, a talent search program. These scholarships will be awarded based on the athletes' achievements in the previous year, 2024-25.
Talented athletes from the district who have placed first, second, or third in the senior, junior, or sub-junior categories in the National Games/National Championships, including those included in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and National Games, will be eligible for this scheme. The scholarships will be awarded to athletes up to the age of 25. According to information received from the district office, scholarships will be awarded for ₹75,000, ₹50,000, and ₹40,000 in the senior category, ₹60,000, ₹40,000, and ₹30,000 in the junior category, and ₹50,000, ₹25,000, and ₹20,000 in the sub-junior category.
In individual and team sports, only those players will be eligible who have actually participated in the competition, proof of which will be mandatory to be submitted by the officials of the concerned State Sports Association. It is necessary for the player to be a native of Chhattisgarh and represent the state in the competition. A player will be eligible for sports scholarship only once in a financial year and in case of more than one achievement, the sports scholarship will be given only on the basis of the best achievement.
Director, Sports and Youth Welfare will be the competent authority for sanctioning the sports scholarship. Application forms along with certification from the State Sports Associations can be submitted to the District Office or Directorate till office hours on 16 February 2026.

Raipur. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj National Gaurav Yatra, arriving in Raipur on February 16th, will receive a grand welcome at Tatibandh Chowk. Responsibility for all preparations, including the route map, the meeting place, and accommodation and food arrangements for the approximately 500 pilgrims arriving from Maharashtra, has been finalized. Representatives from all communities attended a meeting at the Maharashtra Mandal that lasted late Friday evening. They were assigned responsibilities in keeping with the grandeur of the event.
Maharashtra Mandal President Ajay Madhukar Kale stated that the leaders of the Maratha community, Kurmi community, Kunbi community, Agarwal Dau community, and Maharashtrian Teli community have been entrusted with the responsibility of the Gaurav Yatra's entry from Tatibandh to Krishi Mandapam, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, including the formwork, administrative permissions, route decoration, and flag hoisting. Meanwhile, the women's groups from all communities will be responsible for worshipping and garlanding the statue of Shivaji Maharaj at Tatyapara Chowk. Women from all communities will be seen in a uniform dress code for this occasion.
Dhananjay Sharma, Ajay Sharma, Dhananjay Verma, and Ajay Madhukar Kale were responsible for the accommodation and food arrangements at the welcome ceremony held at the Agricultural University. At the venue, Dr. Kuldeep Solanki, Subodh Tole, and the women leaders of all communities were responsible for stage decoration, lighting, microphones, welcome, cultural programs, and seating arrangements.
The National Gaurav Yatra, which will begin on February 12th from Sindhkhed, the maternal home of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's mother Jijau Bai, will travel through Nashik, Jalna, Amravati, Nagpur, Rajnandgaon, Durg, and Bhilai, and will reach Raipur at 4:00 pm on February 16th. From Tatibandh Chowk, the Yatra will proceed via the main road to Tatyapara Chowk, where prayers will be offered before the statue of Shivaji Maharaj. Following this, a welcome ceremony will be held at the Indira Gandhi Agricultural University at 6:00 pm. Extensive preparations are underway for the Gaurav Yatra. From the arrival of the chariot in Raipur to the welcome ceremony, the entire society is busy in making preparations to make everything special and memorable.
Dr. Kuldeep Solanki, Lokesh Pawar, Dhananjay Singh Verma, Lalit Kankade, Savita Baghel, Dr. Mukti Bais, Shankar Verma, Bharat Bhushan Chandravanshi, Parag Dalal, Abhay Bhagwatkar, Deepak Rao Ingle, Sumit Dhinge, Ganesha Jadhav Patil, Malti Mishra, Namita Shesh, Amit Doye, Chandrika Pargahaniya, Pushpalata Verma, KS Verma, Atul Gadre, Shyam Sundar Khangan, Sukrit Ganodwale and many officials of various societies were present in the meeting.
Janata Raja to be staged from 19th
In the meeting, Ajay Kale gave important information that with the courtesy of Youth Commission and the entire society, Asia's biggest drama 'Janata Raja' based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj will be staged at Sapre Shala ground in Raipur from 19th to 22nd February. Raipur's theatre artists will also have a chance to showcase their talent in this four-day production. For this, experts from the "Janata Raja" team will visit Raipur on February 10th and will not only select local artists for the play but will also conduct rehearsals with them.

 RaipurPresident Draupadi Murmu, who arrived to attend the inauguration ceremony of Bastar Pandum, today visited a grand exhibition showcasing the fragrance of Bastar's soil and primitive tribal traditions. During the event, the President visited various stalls and received detailed information about the arts and products displayed from local residents and artisans. President Murmu described Bastar Pandum as a powerful medium for preserving tribal heritage and promoting it to the world. She visited and appreciated the impressive exhibitions, one by one, featuring Dhokra handicrafts, terracotta, wood carving, sisal art, bamboo art, iron craft, tribal costumes and jewelry, tumba art, Bastar tribal paintings, local cuisine, and folk paintings. The exhibition, dedicated to tribal handicrafts at the Bastar Pandum venue, featured a special display of Dhokra art. This handicraft utilizes the lost wax casting technique. It is an ancient tribal metal art of India, vividly depicting nature, deities, and rural life. Each Dhokra piece is entirely handmade. Clay, wax, wire, brass, a hot kiln, and a cleaning machine are used in its creation. Clay figures depicting local terracotta art were also on display, vividly depicting folk traditions, rural life, and traditional beliefs. The exhibition showcased the vibrant expression of cultural and religious traditions through woodcarving. Teak, bija, siwan, and sal wood are used to create wooden sculptures, where artisans carve intricate shapes using traditional tools. The President also observed jute fabrics and other handicrafts made using sisal art. Another stall displayed traditional utility and decorative items made from bamboo. Artifacts made using wrought iron also particularly captivated the President. The stall displaying tribal jewelry drew the President's attention. This stall showcased tribal jewelry handcrafted from silver, pearls, shells, and various metals. These ornaments symbolize the identity, social traditions, and cultural heritage of tribal communities. Traditional musical instruments and decorative items made from dried gourd-like pods, known as Tumba art, were also on display. The tribal costumes and jewelry stall showcased traditional costumes and jewelry of the major tribes of the Bastar region—Dandami Madia, Abujhmadia, Muria, Bhatra, and Halba—by young men and women. President Murmu also visited a live exhibition of tribal paintings at the Bastar Pandum site. This exhibition presented a vivid glimpse of tribal life, nature, and traditions through Bastar paintings. Bastar art depicts the forest, folk deities, andFestivals and daily life are depicted through simple colors and symbols. This painting is an important medium for preserving cultural heritage passed down through generations. The local cuisine stall displayed food items and beverages used in tribal daily life. Traditional dishes like Jondhri Laai Laddu, Jondhra, Mandia Paej, Amat, Chapra Chutney, Bhenda Chutney, Kulathi Dal, Paan Bobo, Tikhur, along with beverages like Landa and Sulfi were displayed. The exhibition of folk paintings related to folk life displayed photographs related to Bastar's culture and history, natural beauty, folk life and folk traditions, as well as literature related to Bastar's tribal society and folk culture. 

0 President calls for educating tribal girls
00 President arrives in Bastar for the division-level inauguration of Bastar Pandum

Raipur. President Smt. Draupadi Murmu reached Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Bastar division this morning, where she inaugurated the division level Bastar Pandum-2026. On this occasion, President Smt. Murmu said that the soul of Chhattisgarh resides in the culture of the tribals. She started her address with the chanting of Maa Danteshwari, the revered goddess of Bastar. The President said that Chhattisgarh is such a state in the country, where the government is organizing events like Bastar Pandum to preserve its culture, tribal traditions and ancient heritage. This event is a living reflection of the glorious culture of the tribals. 

A large number of tribal artists and a large crowd attended the inaugural ceremony, held at the historic Lalbag grounds in Jagdalpur. Addressing the gathering, the President stated that the Vishnudev government in the state is dedicatedly working for the tribal people of Chhattisgarh. Continuous efforts are being made to uplift the tribal people through various schemes. Through schemes like PM Janman, Pradhan Mantri Janjati Gaurav Utkarsh Abhiyan, and Niyyad Nella Nar, tribal communities are being integrated into the mainstream of development.

The President, while laying special emphasis on the education of tribal girls in the Bastar region, said that not only the government but also society and their parents must come forward to connect tribal girls with education. Praising Bastar's rich tribal culture and glorious traditions, he said that the roots of ancient traditions remain strong in Chhattisgarh. Bastar Pandum is an important platform for promoting the identity, pride, and rich traditions of the tribal community. The President informed that more than 54,000 tribal artists have registered for Bastar Pandum, which reflects their deep connection to their cultural roots.
He said that Maoists are abandoning the path of violence and joining the mainstream, and their faith in democracy is increasing. Schools closed for years are reopening, roads and bridges are being constructed in inaccessible forest areas, and villagers are becoming involved in development. He said that Bastar's beauty and culture have always been a center of attraction for people, but unfortunately, for four decades, the region was plagued by Maoism, causing immense hardships to its residents.

President Murmu stated that as a result of the Indian government's decisive action against Maoist terrorism, the atmosphere of fear, insecurity, and distrust that had prevailed for years is now ending. Maoists are abandoning violence, and peace is returning to the lives of citizens. Thanks to the efforts of the state government and the cooperation of local people, a new dawn of development is dawning in Bastar. Electricity, roads, water, education, and health facilities are reaching every village. Schools that had been closed for years are now resuming classes for children. The President urged the gathering to preserve their culture and traditional heritage, emphasizing the need to showcase Bastar's tribal traditions on national and global platforms.

Bastar Pandum is a celebration of tribal folk culture - Governor Deka.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Governor Shri Ramen Deka said that Bastar Pandum is not an ordinary fair, but a celebration of Chhattisgarh's tribal folk culture. The folk dances, folk songs, traditional attire, jewelry, drums, and traditional cuisine together present a beautiful picture of Bastar to the world. He said that the Gaur dance, Parghoni dance, and dances like Dhurva, Muria, and Leja are symbols of Bastar's cultural consciousness. Such events are a powerful means of connecting our tribal culture and traditions with the new generation. The Governor said that Bastar is identified by its tribal culture and traditions. The Gond, Muria, Madia, Halba, Bhatra, and Parja communities have preserved their original traditions for generations. Harmony with water, forest, and land is Bastar's greatest strength. Through Bastar Pandum, artists will gain recognition, respect, and livelihood opportunities. Folk art will survive only when artists are prosperous.
Governor Deka said that Dhokra art is the pride of Chhattisgarh. Dhokra sculptures made in Bastar are popular both domestically and internationally. This art is a testament to the culture, hard work, and skill of tribal artisans. Bastar's culture embodies the folk traditions and diversity not only of Chhattisgarh but of the entire country.

Bastar is a land of rich culture and traditions - Chief Minister Sai
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, while paying homage to Goddess Danteshwari, said that President Smt. Draupadi Murmu's visit to Bastar Pandum is not merely a formal presence, but a blessing for Bastar, respect for the tribal community, and a sense of belonging for the mothers and sisters. He said that Bastar Pandum is not just an event, but a vibrant reflection of the tribal community's life, faith, dialect, dance, song, costume, food, and philosophy of life. Bastar is not just a land of forests, but a land of rich culture and traditions. The Chief Minister informed that this year, more than 54,000 artists registered for Bastar Pandum across 12 genres, including tribal dance, song, drama, costumes, jewelry, crafts, painting, cuisine, beverages, regional literature, and forest medicines, reflecting the vibrancy and richness of Bastar's culture.
Now a new Bastar - trust in place of fear, development in place of violence
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that there was a time when Bastar was known for Naxalism and violence, but today trust has replaced fear and development has replaced violence. Due to the determination of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji, the target of complete eradication of Naxalism has been set by March 31, 2026. He said that where once the sound of bullets echoed, today school bells ring. Where the tricolor could never be hoisted, today the national anthem can be heard. On Republic Day, the tricolor was hoisted for the first time in the most sensitive villages of Bastar division, which is a victory of democracy and the Constitution.

The Chief Minister stated that the Niyada Nella Nar, Prime Minister Janman, and Dharti Aaba Abhiyans
are milestones in development in tribal areas. These schemes have brought roads, electricity, water, education, health, and communication facilities to remote areas. With the new rehabilitation policy, those who once faced the gun are now returning to mainstream society with dignity. Villages like Chilkapalli, Temenar, and Handawada have received electricity after years; this is not just light, but hope and a future.
Making tribal communities self-reliant and globally recognized is our priority.
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that Bastar is also known for its forest produce. Tendu leaf collection rates have been increased, the Charan-Paduka scheme has been relaunched, and forest produce is being provided with fair prices and markets through Van Dhan Kendras. He informed that Dhudmaras village in Bastar has been listed among the best tourist villages in the world by the United Nations. Chitrakoot, Tirathgarh, Kanger Valley and Kotmasar Caves are not only tourist destinations but also the identity of Bastar.

Youth are now making their mark through sports and art, not weapons.
The Chief Minister said that events like the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum prove that Bastar's youth are now making their mark through sports and art, not weapons. The participation of millions of youth and women is the strongest evidence of this change.
Calling to strengthen Bastar's new identity,
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai expressed his gratitude to President Smt. Draupadi Murmu and said that her visit to Bastar is historic. This will boost the confidence of artists, give wings to the dreams of daughters, and give Bastar new energy. He said that together we will make Bastar a center of peace, prosperity, and culture, something the entire country can be proud of. Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal delivered the welcome address on this occasion.

A short documentary based on Kondagaon Bastar Pandum was screened and artists from Kondagaon and Bastanar gave captivating performances. Union Minister of State Shri Tokhan Sahu, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Jagdalpur MLA Shri Kirandev Singh, MP Shri Mahesh Kashyap, Mayor Shri Sanjay Pandey, Commissioner Shri Doman Singh, Inspector General of Police Shri Sundarraj P, Collector Shri Akash Chhikara, Superintendent of Police Shri Shalabh Sinha along with public representatives, singers, priests, Manjhi-Chalaki, Bastar Pandum artists and a large number of dignitaries were present in the programme.

00 President Mrs. Murmu praised and encouraged by clapping
Jagdalpur. Abujhmad, known for its remote forest region and long struggles in Chhattisgarh, displayed its talent on Saturday. In the inaugural ceremony of the division level Bastar Pandum held at Lalbag ground in Jagdalpur, the young players of Abujhmad Mallakhamb and Sports Academy mesmerized everyone by giving a wonderful performance of Mallakhamb in front of the country's highest constitutional officer, President Mrs. Draupadi Murmu.

This was the first time that children from the Abujhmad region had come together to perform a lively and daring Mallakhamb performance before the President. The spectators in the arena were amazed as these young artists demonstrated extraordinary balance, agility, and difficult feats on the wooden pole. This performance, imbued with passion, discipline, and excellent technique, filled the entire atmosphere with emotion. President Draupadi Murmu herself was deeply impressed by the children's talent. She not only praised their courage, skill, and discipline, but also wished them a bright future.

The foundation of this historic achievement was laid in the remote and rugged areas of Narayanpur district, where even today, basic facilities are limited. Emerging from remote forest areas like Kutur, Karpa, and Parpa, these children have proven that talent is neither dependent on resources nor geographical boundaries. The inspiration behind this arduous journey is Manoj Prasad, who, besides being the founder of the academy, also serves as a constable in the 16th Battalion. Under his able leadership, discipline, and constant guidance, these children have overcome their hardships and established their unique identity at the national and international level.
These young Mallakhamb athletes have already proven their talent on the global stage by winning the title of India's Got Talent and becoming runners-up in Romania's Got Talent. With over 40 to 50 television shows in various countries, including India, hundreds of stage performances across the country, and gold and silver medals in numerous competitions, this group is continuously achieving new heights of success.
Now, the group is ready to take its earthy flavor, folk culture, and unique skills across the seven seas in an even stronger form. The academy's next goal is to showcase the folk art of India and Abujhmad on prestigious global platforms like America's Got Talent and Britain's Got Talent. This historic performance in Jagdalpur is a matter of pride not only for the Abujhmad Mallakhamb & Sports Academy, but for the entire Bastar region and Chhattisgarh. This event presents a powerful picture of a changing Bastar, where new stars of talent are emerging from the land of struggle.

Raipur. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah will arrive in Raipur this evening on a three-day visit to Chhattisgarh. Home Minister Amit Shah will be on a three-day visit to Chhattisgarh from February 7th to 9th.

Home Minister Amit Shah will arrive in Raipur on Saturday evening and will stay at a private hotel. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai and several other prominent state leaders will welcome him at the airport.

Union Home Minister Shah will arrive at Raipur Airport at 4:40 pm and will depart for a private hotel. Home Minister Shah will rest at the private hotel and will participate in several important meetings from 11 am to 1 pm on Sunday. Home Minister Shah will hold a high-level meeting on Naxalism on February 8th until 5 pm. This meeting will discuss Naxalism with central and state officials.

After the meetings are over, Home Minister Amit Shah will attend a private programme from 5 pm to 6.10 pm and will then take night rest in a private hotel. After this, Home Minister Shah will leave for Maa Danteshwari Airport from Raipur on Monday by a special plane. From Danteshwari Airport, Home Minister Amit Shah will reach Bastar Pandum programme venue by car. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the closing programme of Bastar Pandum from 12:05 pm to 4 pm. After this, Home Minister Shah will leave for Delhi from Jagdalpur at 4:20 pm.

Raipur, President Draupadi Murmu arrived at Jagdalpur, the headquarters of Chhattisgarh's Bastar division, on Saturday. At Maa Danteshwari Airport

The President was given a warm welcome by Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai.

President Murmu has arrived to inaugurate the three-day division level 'Bastar Pandum 2026' to be held at the historic Lalbag ground in Jagdalpur headquarters.

Celebrating "Bastar Pandum 2026," a "festival of nature and tradition" organized by the Department of Culture and the Chhattisgarh government, the celebrations began today. This three-day event will be a historic moment not only for Bastar but for the entire state, where modernity will be combined with the fragrance of the soil. To enhance the grandeur and dignity of this event, the country's first citizen and President Draupadi Murmu has specially come to Bastar as the chief guest. The President's presence will give this cultural extravaganza a new identity on the national stage.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, and Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap greeted the President at the airport. Member of Parliament Mahesh Kashyap, Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Singh Deo, and Mayor Sanjay Pandey also greeted and welcomed the President. Commissioner Doman Singh, Inspector General of Police Sundarraj P., Collector Akash Chhikara, and Superintendent of Police Shalabh Sinha, along with other public representatives, also extended a warm welcome to the President.

Korba. Korba district has achieved remarkable success in the Kayakalp Ayush program run under the National Ayush Mission on standards based on cleanliness, infection control, building and premises maintenance, beautification and service quality for the year 2024. In the Ayush Center and Specialty Clinic category, Primary Health Center cum Ayush (Homeopathy) Center Rampur secured first place and Primary Health Center cum Ayush (Homeopathy) Center Sargbundia secured second place, bringing laurels to the district at the state level.

The award was presented in the presence of Chhattisgarh Government's Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Health Secretary Medical Education (AYUSH) Amit Kataria (IAS), AYUSH Director Santan Devi Jangde (IAS) and Joint Director Dr. Sunil Kumar Das. District AYUSH Officer Dr. Uday Sharma received this honour on behalf of Korba district. For the first place, Center Rampur was given a prize money of Rs. 75,000 and a citation, and for the second place, Center Sargbundia was given a prize money of Rs. 50,000 and a citation.

Dr. Uday Sharma stated that the AYUSH Department is continuously working to provide effective and quality AYUSH healthcare services to the general public, tribal communities, laborers, and citizens living in rural and remote areas. He expressed his gratitude to Korba District Collector Kunal Dudawat (IAS) for his guidance and support. He also congratulated all members of the AYUSH team for this achievement, stating that this success is the result of collective efforts.

Dr. Sharma extended special congratulations to Dr. Shyamacharan Sahu, Medical Officer of the Primary Health Center cum AYUSH (Homeopathy) Center, Rampur, and Dr. Amit Kumar Jatwar, Medical Officer of the Center, Sargbundia. He said that both centers have performed exceptionally well in terms of service quality, cleanliness, and a patient-friendly environment.

Giving information about other important works done by the AYUSH department in the district, it was told that 31 patients have been successfully treated so far through the modern OT and IPD operated at the AYUSH Polyclinic in Dingapur, Korba. Under the National Ayurveda Program, 7,483 children were given information about the AYUSH system through awareness camps organized in 103 schools.

Under the Vyomitra program, 76,889 elderly people were treated in the 2025-26 session, while under the Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders program, 9,335 patients benefited from Panchakarma therapy in the year 2025-26. In the camps organized every Thursday at all AYUSH health centers in the district, 46,309 elderly patients were treated.

Treatment was provided to 1,967 patients at three district-level AYUSH health fairs and to 4,347 patients at ten block-level camps. 1,520 patients benefited from the three-day district-level AYUSH health fair organized on the occasion of Rajyotsav 2025. During the same period, 87,988 citizens benefited from yoga camps and yoga therapy.

Under the Women and Child Development Department's Mission Vatsalya, medical services are being provided by organizing AYUSH camps regularly on the first, second, and fourth Fridays at the Child Protection Home, Kohadia. Furthermore, AYUSH medical camps are also being organized from time to time at the Social Welfare Department's Sneh Sadan Old Age Home, Korba District Jail, Korba Sub-Jail, and Korba District Court.

The district's government Ayurvedic dispensary in Barpali has been NABH-certified, while 11 AYUSH dispensaries have been upgraded and prepared for NABH certification. Energy conservation and sustainable healthcare services have been promoted by installing solar panels in six Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in the district.

00 Prime Minister's Housing is not just a house, but the foundation of dignity, security, and self-reliance for poor families - Chief Minister Sai,
Raipur. Chhattisgarh has once again set a strong example of good governance, strong will, and result-oriented administration in the effective implementation of the Prime Minister's Housing Scheme. The historic decision to approve 1.8 million Prime Minister's Housing was taken in the very first Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai. As a result of the sustained, organized, and tireless efforts of all districts in the state to implement this decision, Chhattisgarh has set a new national record under the Prime Minister's Housing Scheme. In the current financial year 2025-26, Chhattisgarh has completed the construction of 500,000 Prime Minister's Housing, the highest in the country, in just 10 months and 4 days. This achievement is also special because, for the first time since the inception of the scheme, Chhattisgarh has set a record for the construction of 500,000 houses in a single financial year. By constructing an average of more than 1,600 houses per day, including the monsoon period, the state has set a new example of timely, quality, and targeted work execution.

00 National CEC Conference being held after a gap of more than 25 years
Raipur. The Election Commission of India will host a National Conference of State Election Commissioners on February 24, 2026. State Election Commissioners from all States/Union Territories of the country are expected to attend the Conference, which will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The National SEC Conference is being held after a gap of more than 25 years. The last such Conference was held in the year 1999. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Shri Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, will chair the conference and address the State Election Commissioners at the inaugural function. State Election Commissioners will participate and present their views along with their legal experts and technical experts. The Chief Electoral Officers of the Election Commission of India from all 36 States/Union Territories will also participate in the national conference. The primary objective of this conference is to synergize the functioning of the Election Commission and State Election Commissions with respect to electoral processes and logistics within their respective legal frameworks.

Participants will engage in discussion sessions on topics such as electoral laws on voter eligibility in States/Union Territories, technological interventions undertaken by the Election Commission of India, such as the recently launched ECNET digital platform, and EVMs. The Election Commission of India will also provide its expertise from its experience in preparing electoral rolls and conducting elections in accordance with the Constitution of India and the legal framework of the nation.

Raipur. As directed by Collector Dr. Gaurav Singh, action was taken against encroachments on drains and government land in Amlidih village. A joint team from the Revenue Department and the Municipal Corporation identified and removed the encroachments.
Led by SDM Mr. Nandkumar Choubey, the drain's altered flow was restored to its original state in the presence of Naib Tehsildar Ms. Jyoti Singh, Revenue Inspector Mr. Yash Varah, Patwari Mr. Rajaram Potai, Fundhar Patwari Mr. Dharmendra, and Zone Commissioner Mr. Vivekananda Dubey. The area was also secured by removing illegal encroachments on drains and government land. Additionally, government land, including grazing grounds and roads, was also identified and protected, preventing future encroachments. The administration clarified that encroachments on government land and natural water sources are unacceptable under any circumstances. Strict action will continue in such cases

Raipur. The Bharatiya Janata Party organized the "Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Training Maha Abhiyan-2026" at the BJP Central Headquarters in New Delhi on Thursday, with the aim of strengthening the organization's ideology and efficiency. BJP National President Nitin Naveen was the main participant in this program.
Mr. Naveen discussed in detail the essential role of training in the organizational structure. Mr. Naveen stated that this Maha Abhiyan is based on the principle of "organization building through individual development and nation building through organization building." Training is the medium that deeply connects workers with the party's ideology and methodology. Mr. Naveen stated that this Abhiyan will further energize and empower the organization to realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve for a "developed India."Representing the state of Chhattisgarh in this mega campaign, prominent BJP officials including BJP State General Secretary Dr. Naveen Markandey, Chhattisgarh Housing Board Chairman Anurag Singhdev, State spokespersons Mrs. Shatabdi Pandey and Tekeshwar Jain and State coordinator of Training Department Dr. Awadhesh Jain participated.

00 Discussion on the effective implementation of the National Education Policy 2020
00 High-level one-day workshop held in Raipur
Raipur. The Higher Education Department organized a one-day workshop at the New Circuit House, Civil Lines, Raipur, to discuss the challenges and possibilities associated with the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020. At the workshop, Higher Education Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma stated that it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that the National Education Policy 2020 reaches every student, not just limited to paper. Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, college principals, and professors should personally study the National Education Policy. He emphasized the need for regular review by state-level committees, district cluster systems, task force meetings, and effective monitoring at the university level. He also stated that incorporating the Indian knowledge tradition into the curriculum is the need of the hour to connect students with their culture, heritage, and values. Local folk arts and crafts will be included in the curriculum. Online competitions will be organized among students to raise awareness about the Indian knowledge tradition. Through the National Education Policy 2020, education is being made employment-oriented, innovative, and globally competitive. Minister Shri Verma emphasized the need to organize such comprehensive and multi-day workshops in the future

The workshop was attended by special guests including Mr. Atul Kothari, President of the Bharatiya Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, Dr. Om Prakash Sharma, National Co-ordinator of the Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas, Dr. Rajiv Prakash, Director of IIT Bhilai, educationists Mr. Dilip Kesharwani, Dr. Narayan Gavandkar, and professors from various colleges.
On this occasion, Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Santosh Kumar Dewangan highlighted the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020 and its effective implementation. Keynote speaker Mr. Atul Kothari explained important aspects of the National Education Policy 2020, such as the inclusion of Indian knowledge traditions in the curriculum, the credit system, multiple entry and exit systems, and the formation of task forces. Dr. Rajiv Prakash shared his experiences with the policy's practical implementation. Similarly, Mr. Om Prakash Sharma highlighted the implementation of the National Education Policy at the national and state levels. A question-and-answer session concluded the workshop, where experts addressed questions posed by participants.

Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, in a press conference today, informed about the state government's health department's achievements in the last two years and its action plan for the next three years. He said that the government's goal is not only to treat diseases, but also to ensure timely detection, prevention, and quality health care. The minister said that human resources are the backbone of health services. In the last two years, approximately 1639 posts of doctors, nurses, and various cadres have been filled under DHS and NHM, while the recruitment process for 2300 posts is ongoing. Under the National Health Mission, medical specialists and physicians are being recruited every month through online applications.

Raipur. The Chhattisgarh Real Estate Regulatory Authority has taken a tough stand in a significant case of serious violations of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, imposing a fine of ₹10 lakh. This penalty was imposed under Section 59 of the Act for violating Section 3 of the Act.
This order was passed in the case of Chhattisgarh RERA vs. Pancham Colony. In this case, the promoters of the Pancham Colony project located in village Pendra, District GPM, Mr. Pancham Keshari, Mr. Manish Keshari, Mrs. Rajni Keshari, and Mr. Nidish Keshari, deliberately submitted misleading information to obtain exemption from the Congestion Act. The investigation revealed that the project was actually classified as a residential (housing) project, but the promoters falsely presented it as a plotted project. In a previous case, the promoters obtained exemption from RERA registration by submitting a completion certificate issued by the competent authority in 2016.
However, during the hearing of the case filed with the Authority based on the complaint submitted by the allottee, it was established that the promoters had obtained proper building permits from the competent authority and constructed and sold residential units in the same development area. Thus, the promoters misled the Authority and obtained undue benefits by submitting false statements.
CG RERA clearly stated in its order that obtaining exemptions from the Act by providing false information is not only a violation of the law but also a serious betrayal of consumer trust. The Authority also clarified that transparency, disclosure of true information, and compliance with the law are essential in the real estate sector. Strict legal action will be taken against any attempt to circumvent the Act, ensuring the full protection of homebuyers' rights.

Jagdalpur. The Chhattisgarh government has taken a strict and important decision to maintain financial discipline and prevent the rush to spend the budget at the end of the financial year, i.e., March. According to new directives issued by the Finance Department, a complete ban has been imposed on the purchase of any new material or the issuance of purchase orders from the 2025-26 budget provisions after February 15, 2026. The primary objective of this order is to maintain the state's financial situation.
The government has taken this step because it has often been observed that in the final months of the financial year, various departments hastily purchase materials that are not immediately needed, simply to prevent budgetary expenditure. This trend leads to unnecessary blockage of government funds, which the Finance Department has deemed inappropriate for the government's interests. Under the new rules, departments are not only prohibited from placing new orders after February 15th, but are also mandated to ensure that all orders placed before February 15th are paid by March 15th, 2026. However, keeping in mind public interest and essential services, the government has exempted certain critical items from this restriction. Purchases of basic necessities such as food, clothing, and medicines for prisons, government hospitals, hostels, and ashrams will continue uninterrupted. Similarly, there will be no restrictions on the supply of nutritional food to children in Anganwadi centers and their transportation. Exemptions have also been granted for central government schemes, foreign-aided projects, and NABARD and SIDBI-funded works. Furthermore, construction agencies such as the Public Works Department and Forest Department will be permitted to purchase materials for the next one month for ongoing projects. Petrol, diesel, vehicle repairs, and small contingencies up to ₹5,000 will also be exempted.
Taking strict administrative measures, the department has clarified that the financial powers granted to officials for purchases after February 15th will be suspended by this order, and if a purchase is absolutely necessary in any special circumstances, special permission will be required from the Finance Department. This restriction will not apply to the Legislative Assembly Secretariat, Raj Bhavan, Chief Minister's residence and Secretariat, the High Court, and subordinate courts.