00 Bihan Yojana is improving families, taking loans to turn farming into a profitable business.
Raipur. The effective implementation of the Chhattisgarh government's Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan) is bringing significant changes to the lives of women in rural areas. Dhaneshwari Sahu of Surguja district has not only become financially self-reliant but also serves as an employment provider for other villagers. A
journey from struggle to self-reliance
: Dhaneshwari Sahu, a resident of Gumgarkalan village panchayat in the Lakhanpur development block of Surguja district, explains that before joining the Jai Santoshi Maa Self-Help Group, her family's financial situation was challenging. Limited resources meant for their future were uncertain. However, after joining the group, her fortunes changed. Through the Bihan Yojana, she strengthened her livelihood through various activities. Today, she took a loan of ₹1 lakh from the group and used it as a fresh start. Dhaneshwari Sahu
turned farming into a source of income.
Using a loan, she began cultivating cucumbers using modern methods on one acre of land. The cost of cultivation was approximately 1 lakh rupees. Her hard work and dedication have resulted in a good crop yield. Currently, she sells the cucumbers produced on her farm in the Ambikapur market, where she receives a good market price of approximately 25 rupees per kilogram. Dhaneshwari Sahu explains that her financial situation was previously very weak, but after joining the self-help group, her identity has changed. Today, she stands confidently on her own feet and is becoming self-reliant. She is
also becoming a support for others.
Dhaneshwari's success is not limited to her own income. Today, she provides employment to two to four local laborers on her farm. Her husband, Santosh Sahu, also fully supports her in this work. The family, which once struggled on its own, is now providing employment for other villagers. Dhaneshwari Sahu expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai for her economic progress and social recognition, saying that through the government's Bihan scheme, millions of rural women are now getting the opportunity to live a respectable life.
Through the Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission, rural women are being provided with better livelihood opportunities by joining self-help groups, enabling them to become self-reliant and play an important role in the development of society.

00 Health Minister directs to prepare an action plan for regular monitoring and inspection of IVF and surrogacy centres
00 PCPNDT and ART Act will be strictly followed in the state, important instructions in the meeting of the Health Minister
Raipur. A meeting of the State Supervisory Board was held under the chairmanship of Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal to improve the sex ratio in the state and better implementation of reproductive services. The effective implementation of PCPNDT Act 1994 and ART-Surrogacy Act 2021 was reviewed in the meeting. MLA Ms. Lata Usendi (Kondagaon), Smt. Raimuni Bhagat and Smt. Gomti Sai along with Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department Amit Kataria, Commissioner of Education Ritesh Agarwal and other members were present in the meeting.

During the meeting, Director of Epidemic Control, Dr. Surendra Pambhoi, provided information on the provisions of both Acts and the current status of their implementation in the state. The Health Minister directed that strict compliance with the PCPNDT and ART Acts be ensured in the state, so that illegal activities like sex selection can be completely stopped. Several important decisions were taken in the meeting to improve the sex ratio. Minister Shri Jaiswal directed that a detailed study be conducted of the three districts with the highest and lowest sex ratios in the state, so that the reasons for the disparity can be identified and corrective measures can be taken.
In view of the lack of sonography services in the state, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal also directed that a maximum number of participants be included in the six-month training program for MBBS doctors, so that this facility can be made available even in remote areas.

It was also decided in the meeting that an action plan will be prepared for regular monitoring and inspection of IVF and surrogacy centres operating in the state, so that the concerned beneficiaries do not have to face unnecessary problems. Congratulating all the members present in the meeting, the Health Minister said that providing better reproductive health services to the poor and common people in the state is the priority of the government. In this sequence, it has been decided to start IVF facility soon in Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Raipur, so that needy couples can get free benefits.

Raipur. The Chhattisgarh Government, Water Resources Department has approved ₹11 crore 8 lakh 31 thousand for the renovation and lining of three reservoirs in the Balodabazar-Bhatapara district. ₹4 crore 99 lakh 86 thousand has been approved for the renovation of the top works of the Kumhari Medium Reservoir in the Balodabazar development block and for the canal lining of the Bitkuli Minor and Bhatbhera Minor. After completion of the proposed works, irrigation facilities will be available in the fully developed area, including filling the shortfall of 200 hectares against the designed irrigation capacity of 420 hectares. 
Similarly, ₹3 crore 72 lakh 74 thousand has been approved for the renovation and canal lining of the Bagar Diversion Scheme in the Kasdol development block. After completion of the proposed works, irrigation facilities will be available in the fully developed area, including filling the shortfall of 82 hectares against the designed irrigation capacity of 97 hectares. Rs 2 crore 35 lakh 71 thousand has been approved for the renovation work of Kasdol Reservoir Scheme of Development Block-Kasdol. After completion of the proposed works, irrigation facility will be available in the fully designed area along with fulfilling the shortfall of 52 hectares against the designed irrigation capacity of 120 hectares. Administrative approval has been given to Chief Engineer Mahanadi Godavari Floodplain, Water Resources Department Raipur for carrying out the works of irrigation schemes.

Jashpurnagar . The mango hopper is a major pest of mango trees. It causes significant damage, particularly during the flowering stage. This insect sucks the sap from the leaves and buds, reducing fruit set.

According to information from the Horticulture Department, the disease is identified by the appearance of small green and brown insects on the buds and new leaves. The leaves and buds become sticky and develop a black mold. Flowers fall off and fewer fruits are produced.

For an effective solution, farmers should spray Azadirachtin 10,000 ppm at 1 ml per liter of water in the morning or evening. Spray 0.5 to 1 percent neem oil at 5 to 10 ml per liter of water.  

If the infestation is severe, spray one of these pesticides. Name of insecticide and quantity can be sprayed. These include Imidacloprid 0.3 ml per liter of water, Thiamethoxam 0.4 grams per liter of water, Lambda-cyhalothrin 1.0 ml per liter of water. Spraying 2-3 times at an interval of 10-15 days gives good control.

Additionally, trim dense tree branches to allow sunlight and air to penetrate, reducing the number of hopper species. Regularly clean the orchard. When the fruit reaches the size of a pea, begin light irrigation and maintain moisture.

Jashpurnagar . The Jashpur Forest Division provided immediate treatment to the injured elephant. The elephant is now safe and has moved towards the Dharamjaigarh Forest Division.

According to information received from the Forest Department, on March 11th, at around 7:00 a.m., a telephone call was received stating that a carcass of an elephant had fallen on the private land of farmer Mohar Sai Rathiya in Gayapara, a dependent village of Budhadand, under Beat Jhakkadpur of the Pathalgaon Forest Range. Upon receiving the information, the Forest Range Officer, along with the Pathalgaon Forest staff, immediately arrived at the scene and inspected the site.

During an on-site inspection, it was discovered that a male elephant had fallen on the private land of Mohar Sai Rathiya. At first glance, it appeared that one of the elephant's legs was unable to stand due to weakness. Considering the seriousness of the situation, the Forest Range Officer immediately informed senior officials.

In this regard, Divisional Forest Officer Jashpur Shashi Kumar immediately contacted the higher officials and informed them about the situation and necessary arrangements were made for the treatment of the elephant. After this, wildlife expert veterinary doctor Dr. Ajit Pandey from Ramkola of Surguja district reached Pathalgaon with his team and conducted a medical examination of the elephant. After the medical examination, Dr. Ajit Pandey provided the necessary treatment to the elephant. After the treatment, the condition of the elephant gradually improved and after some time the elephant got up from its place and went safely to Dharamjaigarh Forest Division.

During the incident, the Forest Department team maintained constant surveillance throughout the area and advised nearby villagers to maintain a safe distance to avoid any casualties or unwanted situations. Currently, the elephant has safely left the area and returned to the forest, and the situation is completely normal.

The Forest Department has appealed to the villagers of the area to remain alert during the presence of elephants, gather crowds and immediately give any kind of information to the Forest Department, so that necessary action can be taken in time.

Jashpurnagar -  Under the "Bihan" Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission Scheme, self-employment is being made available to poor women living in rural areas by organizing them into self-help groups and imparting them training.

Today, women are ready to take a new flight by joining the National Rural Livelihood Mission Bihan Yojana and moving towards self-employment and giving wings to their dreams.          

As per the vision of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, every possible effort is being made by the Panchayats at all three levels and the N.R.L.M team to empower and make women self-reliant.          

To promote financial inclusion in rural areas, the Reserve Bank of India introduced the Business Correspondent Model in 2006. Through this arrangement, banks ensured access to banking and financial services at the village level. Banks were required to engage banking correspondents. Subsequently, with the goal of providing doorstep access to banking services, the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, decided that Business Correspondents to be established by banks should be selected from among the members of self-help groups formed by the National Rural Livelihoods Mission.

In order to solve the problems faced in payments to the beneficiaries of various government schemes in the rural areas of Chhattisgarh state and to make the banking process convenient, the BC Sakhi model was formed by Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan). Women of the rural areas of Janpad Panchayat Manora are setting an example of social and economic upliftment by joining self-help groups. A similar story is that of Baby Gupta, a member of the Adarsh ​​Self-Help Group of Gram Panchayat Sonkaryari, who is working as a BC Sakhi and is becoming self-reliant by working for livelihood promotion and economic improvement. Permanent positive change is coming from the initiative of National Rural Livelihood Mission Bihan Yojana.

Baby Gupta, a resident of Sonkaryari Gram Panchayat, Manora Development Block, joined a women's self-help group and earned the position of "BC Sakhi" in 2020-21. Despite facing difficulties in performing her duties as a BC Sakhi, Baby Gupta began handling banking transactions.

Working as a BC Sakhi, Baby Gupta handles transactions worth between 2.8 million and 3.5 million rupees each month. She earns between 8,000 and 11,000 rupees per month as commission for each transaction, which is a significant achievement. By 

Jashpurnagar . Disability certificates and UDID cards were made for the disabled people in the camp and applications related to various welfare schemes were also received. 

During the camp, applications were taken from disabled people for pension schemes, assistive devices, bus passes, loan facilities, and other schemes, including the Disabled Marriage Incentive Scheme. Public representatives Pinky Gupta, District Panchayat member, former District Panchayat member Dinesh Gupta, Deputy Director of Social Welfare Dharmendra Sahu, Chief Executive Officer of District Panchayat Duldula Pushkar Patle, and Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. G.S. Jatra were also present on the occasion.

In the program, assistive devices were distributed to 20 disabled persons by the guests. These included hand-operated tricycles, wheel chairs, hearing aids, crutches and walking sticks. Along with this, disability certificates and UIDID cards were also provided to the eligible beneficiaries. A total of 130 disabled persons were registered in the camp. Out of these, certificates and UIDID cards were made for 52 disabled persons, while 16 cases were referred to the district hospital. Apart from this, 5 disabled persons applied for the loan scheme, 1 application was received for the Disabled Marriage Incentive Scheme, 10 applications were received for pension and 6 disabled persons received information related to pension. 

At the camp, 20 disabled people were provided with assistive devices, and one disabled person was identified for prosthetic limb fabrication. The Social Welfare Department stated that through such camps, certificates, UID cards, and benefits from various schemes are being made available to disabled people in one place, so they can easily access the benefits of government schemes.

Jashpurnagar. A review meeting of agriculture and related departments was held today in the District Panchayat meeting hall under the chairmanship of District Panchayat CEO Abhishek Kumar. The meeting reviewed preparations for the upcoming Krishi Kranti Expo and Kisan Mela, as well as discussed the progress of various departmental schemes in detail. 

In the meeting, the CEO reviewed the progress of AgriStake registration and directed officials to complete the pending farmer ID creation and registration work within 15 days. He also directed that pending registrations for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana be completed expeditiously. To promote water conservation and groundwater enrichment, he encouraged farmers to develop 5 percent water harvesting models (farm ponds) on their farms, so that rainwater can be harvested and irrigation facilities can be increased.

Guidelines given for successful organization of Krishi Kranti Expo and Kisan Mela: 

In the meeting, CEO Abhishek Kumar gave necessary guidelines for the successful organization of the upcoming Krishi Kranti Expo and Kisan Mela. He instructed to ensure wide publicity of this event up to the village level, to fill the application forms for farmer competitions, to form crop-wise agricultural clusters, to select leader farmers and to prepare for field visits for buyer companies. He said that all preparations for the expo should be completed in mutual coordination and in a timely manner and by connecting as many farmers as possible to this program, work should be done towards connecting them with modern agricultural techniques and the market.

Progressive farmers shared their experiences: 

Progressive farmers present at the meeting shared their experiences related to farming, marketing, and income. Senior farmer Garg explained the challenges faced in strawberry production, as well as the potential for Punjab Beauty pear and peach cultivation. Marigold producer Moti Banjara explained that marigold flowers can be stored for approximately 25 days after harvest. Similarly, fish farmer Basant shared that he earns approximately ₹5 lakh per year by farming fish through pond tanks on 4.5 acres. CEO Abhishek Kumar directed the formation of groups of fish farmers to promote fish farming in the district. Deputy Director of Agriculture M.R. Bhagat, Assistant Director of Agriculture Yogyata Singh, along with all the district's senior agricultural development officers and rural agricultural extension officers were present at the meeting.

Kanker. Large-scale water conservation work is underway in the hilly areas under the "More Village, More Water" campaign, aimed at arresting the district's declining groundwater levels and making villages water-sufficient. 3,443 water structures are being constructed in the district, primarily contour trenches, loose boulders, gabions, check dams, soak pits, and ponds. Their purpose is to increase groundwater levels by retaining maximum rainwater.
District Panchayat CEO Haresh Mandavi stated that approximately 43,500 trenches have been dug in the district so far through 58 contour trench projects. Work has been primarily carried out in the Kokanpur, Albera, Kapsi, and Dhanelikanhar gram panchayats. The plan has been developed using GIS technology based on the ridge-to-valley principle, allowing water flowing from the hills to be intercepted by the structures before reaching the valley. Trenches on hills – Contour trenches dug in lines of equal height on hill slopes allow rainwater to seep into the ground.

Raipur. As per the instructions of the Managing Director of Chhattisgarh State Forest Development Corporation, regular patrolling is being done in all the project divisions to prevent illegal felling of forests, encroachment and illegal excavation in the forest areas. In this sequence, the team of Kota Project Division, Bilaspur took action against illegal transportation of wood during patrolling. In compartment number P-1604 of Range Bhainsajar, 02 pieces of firewood of Palash species were being illegally transported in a Mahindra pickup vehicle. The Forest Department team caught the vehicle and confiscated the pickup vehicle number CG-05 AB-8843.

In this case, Case No. 80/3991, dated March 10, 2026, has been registered against the accused, Amrit Lal Dhiwar, son of Narottam Prasad Dhiwar, resident of Girjabandh, Navagaon, Tehsil Ratanpur, District Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), under sections 41(2)(b) and 52 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927. This action was taken under the leadership of Project Range Officer Vaibhav Sahu, under the guidance of Regional General Manager Abhishek Singh and Divisional Manager Satyadev Sharma. 
Assistant Project Range Officers Ashwani Mehra, Arun Kumar Singh, Toshpal Sahu, Govinda Verma, Range Officers Kaushalendra Pratap Singh, Kripananda Jogade, Kartikram Dhurve, and other staff members assisted in the operation. Managing Director Mr. Prem Kumar congratulated the team for this swift action against forest crimes. He also directed all officers and employees in the state to remain vigilant and take similar action to protect forest areas. He said that the role of officers and employees in forest protection and conservation will also be mentioned in the upcoming confidential report.

Raipur. BJP State Spokesperson Devlal Thakur welcomed the Vishnudev Sai government's decision to dissolve the Professional Examination Board (Vyapam) and form the Employee Selection Board, calling it a historic and revolutionary step in the interest of the youth of Chhattisgarh. Mr. Thakur said that Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai's government has fulfilled its promise to the youth upon assuming power. This major administrative reform has been implemented to remove the discrepancies prevalent in the old Vyapam system and bring transparency to the recruitment process.
BJP State Spokesperson Mr. Thakur said that by establishing a corruption-free and transparent system, the BJP government has now ensured that all recruitments, from peons to clerks, constables, and gazetted officers, are conducted under one umbrella by the "Employee Selection Board." This will bring uniformity and purity to the recruitment process. This excellent board is being formed after studying the models of several states. Its main objective is to ensure timely conduct of examinations and prompt declaration of results, so that precious time of the youth is not wasted. Mr. Thakur said that this is a great gift for the youth. The Chhattisgarh government has decided to eradicate the uncertainty and chaos that plagued examinations under the previous government. This decision is a significant relief for millions of competitive exam aspirants in the state. The formation of the Utkrisht Selection Board is a powerful step toward ensuring good governance and implementing Modi's promises. Mr. Thakur stated that the BJP government is committed to fulfilling the dreams of the state's youth. The dismantling of Vyapam and the establishment of the new Selection Board mark the beginning of a new and clean era of employment in Chhattisgarh.

Raipur. During the budget session of the Chhattisgarh Assembly, the issue of Vaishali Nagar MLA Rakesh Sen's security resonated in the House. Leader of the Opposition Charandas Mahant, former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, and MLA Umesh Patel raised the issue of the MLA's alleged death threat and demanded answers from the government. When the Chair refused to make immediate arrangements, the opposition MLAs created a ruckus and boycotted the House proceedings.
During Zero Hour, former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel stated that he had previously drawn the Home Minister's attention to this serious matter, but no clear statement had yet been issued by the government. Calling it a serious issue, the opposition MLAs demanded a response from the government. BJP MLA Rakesh Sen stated that for the past two years, a conspiracy has been hatched to destroy his political career by implicating him in false cases. He stated that he has full faith in the people of the state, the good governance of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, and the working style of Home Minister Vijay Sharma. He also stated that he will continue to work fearlessly for the interests of the people of the region and will not be intimidated by any conspiracy.
About an hour later, the opposition raised the issue again. The Parliamentary Affairs Minister assured them that the MLA's security concerns had been taken into account and necessary arrangements would be made.

care and social participation of senior citizens, Siyan Gudi Day Care Centers are being established in the state, for which a provision of ₹5 crore has been made. Furthermore, a budget provision of ₹6 crore has been made for the operation of old age homes, ₹20 crore for the National Family Assistance Scheme, and ₹20 crore for the Chief Minister's Tirtha Darshan Scheme. She also informed that special provisions have also been made in the budget for the operation of special schools, distribution of prosthetic limbs and assistive devices, and rehabilitation programs for the empowerment of persons with disabilities. Additionally, a provision of ₹1 crore has been made for the establishment of a transgender welfare board. Mrs. Laxmi Rajwade stated in the House that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, aims not only to implement schemes but also to provide justice, respect, and security to the last person in society. With these goals in mind, our government is continuously working for overall development with service, compassion, and determination.

00 Governor laid the foundation stone of Sant Shadaram Sahib Bhasha Bhawan
Raipur. Governor Ramen Deka laid the foundation stone of Sant Shadaram Sahib Bhasha Bhawan today. During this, he inaugurated the Ideathon organized under the Innovation and Incubation Centre under Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University. He said that our mother tongue is the simplest and most powerful medium to express our feelings, sorrow and happiness. Emphasizing on the prosperity and development of the mother tongue, he said that we all have an intimate connection with our mother tongue. When we meet a mother tongue speaker in an unknown place, we immediately get connected with them in a bond of affection.

Our country is known for its rich culture and diverse languages. Despite being multilingual, our nation is bound together by a common thread of unity. Sanskrit plays a significant role in this. Sanskrit is our oldest language. A closer look will reveal that the word "Sanskrit" is included in all Indian languages—Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Assamese, and others. Our cultural diversity is our greatest strength. Deka expressed his delight at laying the foundation stone for the Sant Shadaram Sahib Bhasha Bhavan, a significant step toward promoting the Sindhi language. Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University offers a one-year diploma and postgraduate (M.A.) course in Sindhi, a commendable effort to keep the language alive.

He said that many languages ​​and dialects are spoken in India. One of these is Sindhi, a language in which literature and culture are constantly flowing. He said that after Partition, the Sindhi community has remained a part of India. Through their hard work, the Sindhi community has achieved prosperity today, and the community is playing an important role in nation-building. He said that there is no state in the country where Sindhi speakers do not live. Chhattisgarh also has a large number of Sindhi people. He said that while it is good to make efforts to promote one's own language and culture, we must respect the language and culture of the state in which we live. Only then will harmony prevail in society. He
said that Indian languages ​​have a very ancient and rich history. Indian languages ​​are our cultural identity and play an important role in strengthening national unity. All languages ​​together express cultural richness. It is our duty to preserve and promote them. We should respect our mother tongues and Indian languages ​​and promote them. Efforts are also necessary to connect them with modern technology, so that the knowledge-science, history-heritage, literature and art-culture etc. contained in these languages ​​can be easily transferred to the coming generations.
In the program, awards were distributed to last year's Ideathon winners. On this occasion, the head of Shadani Darbar, Saint Shri Yudhishthir Lal Ji Maharaj, Professor Sunil Baburao Kulkarni from Rashtriya Sindhi Bhasha Vikas Parishad, New Delhi, Raipur city MLA Shri Purandar Mishra, Vice Chancellor of Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Professor Sachchidanand Shukla and Registrar Dr. Shailendra Kumar Patel, along with the university's professors and students and officials of Sindhi community were present.

Chief Minister Sai wrote a strong letter to Mamata Banerjee over the insult to President Draupadi Murmu.

Raipur. Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai has written a strong letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee, expressing his deep objection to the recent treatment meted out to the Honorable President of India, Mrs. Draupadi Murmu. Chief Minister Shri Sai has said that this treatment of the country's first woman President, who comes from the tribal community, is not just an insult to an individual but to the country's highest constitutional institution, the tribal community, and the women power.

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated in his letter that India's democratic traditions and etiquette are respected throughout the world. It has been our culture to never let differences of opinion become discord, but not observing even minimal courtesy towards the highest constitutional office of the President is contrary to democratic values. Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the negligence in the arrangements related to the program and the insult to the woman President, who comes from a tribal community, during her visit just before International Women's Day is highly condemnable and unfortunate. He said that this incident deeply hurts the sentiments of millions of tribals, backward classes, Dalits, and women in the country.

Chief Minister Mr. Sai also stated in his letter that this is the first time the President himself has had to publicly express his anguish over the behavior of a state government. He stated that this situation is extremely worrying in the country's democratic history and has tarnished the image of a prestigious state like West Bengal. Chief Minister Mr. Sai also mentioned the Sandeshkhali incident in his letter, stating that the incidents involving tribal women there had shocked the entire nation. He stated that such treatment of the deprived and tribal communities is unacceptable under any circumstances.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai has urged Ms. Mamata Banerjee to admit her mistake, apologize to the country and society on this issue, and assure the country that in the future, respect for democratic institutions and constitutional posts will be maintained. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai said that in India's democratic system, the President is the symbol of the country's highest constitutional institution and the dignity of democracy is linked to his respect. He said that constitutional posts should be respected, rising above any political differences.

Chief Minister Shri Sai clearly said that this issue related to the honour of the President coming from the tribal community is linked to the identity and self-respect of the entire country, hence, while respecting the sentiments of the country and society, it is necessary to take responsible steps in this matter.

00 State Capital Region to be developed on the lines of metropolitan cities, modern infrastructure and connectivity to gain momentum
00 Chief Minister chairs first meeting of Chhattisgarh Capital Region Development Authority
00 SCR to witness rapid development of systematic housing, education, health, trade and commerce, connectivity and modern infrastructure
00 SCR works to be completed as per the prescribed plan and timelines, Chief Minister directs for regular high-level review of progress
Raipur. The first meeting of the Chhattisgarh Capital Region Development Authority (State Capital Region - SCR) was held today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai in his office located in the Vidhan Sabha complex. The meeting discussed in detail the objectives, functioning, activities and action plan for the overall and planned development of the capital region.
Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Capital Region Development Authority has been envisioned to provide systematic housing, education, health, trade and commerce and better employment opportunities keeping in mind the city's growing population. He stated that the Authority's first meeting was extremely fruitful, and the positive results of the detailed discussions on various topics will be clearly visible in the future.
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the capital Raipur and surrounding cities are rapidly developing into a large urban area, requiring balanced and planned development along the lines of metropolitan cities. He stated that the announcement of the State Capital Region has raised public expectations, and meeting these expectations is the government's priority. He directed officials to ensure all work is completed in accordance with the established plan and timelines, and to ensure regular high-level reviews of progress.
The meeting was informed that the capital Raipur and its surrounding areas will be developed as the State Capital Region, encompassing Raipur, Durg-Bhilai, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, and surrounding areas. This region will be developed along the lines of major metropolitan cities and will become a major growth engine for Chhattisgarh's development in the future. The meeting considered the development of regional mobility and logistics in the capital region, the techno-economic feasibility study for metro operations, the conduct of surveys, and the appointment of expert consultants. Also discussed were proposals for delegation of administrative and financial powers to the Authority, the appointment of a chartered accountant for audit services, and the engagement of expert consultants for the Planning Division.
The meeting also discussed the action plan for preparing the Capital Region Development and Investment Plan. This plan includes the proper identification of investment areas, necessary surveys, research, and studies, and the development of a phased project implementation strategy. It was also agreed to issue necessary guidelines to simplify the land development and allotment process in the capital region. The meeting also provided information about a provision of ₹27 crore for the Authority's initial activities.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Saw, Finance Minister Shri OP Choudhary, Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Public Works Department Secretary Dr. Kamalpreet Singh, Chief Executive Officer of the Chhattisgarh Capital Region Development Authority Shri Ankit Anand, Urban Administration Department Secretary Dr. Basavaraju S., NRDA CEO Shri Chandan Kumar, and senior officials from various departments were present. It
is noteworthy that Chhattisgarh, geographically located in the center of the country, is rapidly emerging as an important center of trade, commerce, and industry. The development of the State Capital Region will provide planned urban expansion, better transport connectivity, modern infrastructure and new investment opportunities in the capital and surrounding cities.

108 armed Maoists carrying a reward of Rs 3.29 crore surrender in Jagdalpur, including 44 women cadres.  

Raipur - Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, describing the ongoing campaign against Maoist violence in the Bastar region as a major success, said that now it is not guns but trust that is prevailing in Bastar. He said that the decision of 108 armed Maoist cadres carrying a bounty of ₹3.29 crore in Jagdalpur to abandon the path of violence and return to the mainstream of society is a clear indication of the positive change taking place in Bastar towards peace, good governance, and development. Chief Minister Shri Sai said that these surrendered Maoist cadres also include 44 female Maoists. This demonstrates the growing confidence of the people of Bastar in moving forward on the path of development and peace. Chief Minister Shri Sai said that due to the state government's rehabilitation policy, the coordinated efforts of the security forces, and the rapid development work taking place in the Bastar region, a large number of Maoists are abandoning the path of violence and joining the mainstream of society. This is strengthening the atmosphere of peace in Bastar and positive changes are visible in the lives of the common people. Chief Minister Shri Sai praised the courage of the security forces, the efforts of the administration, and the cooperation of the local people for this success. He said that the people of Bastar now want to move forward towards development and prosperity, free from fear and violence. Chief Minister Shri Sai said that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, decisive action is being taken against Naxalism. The Chhattisgarh government, in coordination with the central government, is moving forward resolutely towards the complete elimination of Naxalism. He said that the state government's goal is to make Bastar, and the entire state of Chhattisgarh, free from fear, peaceful, and developed. To this end, continuous work is being done on all three fronts: security, development, and trust. The Chief Minister reiterated that the creation of a fear-free and developed Chhattisgarh is the government's unwavering resolve.