Initiation ceremony at Sant Gobindram Shadani Girls College

Raipur. The process of drafting a comprehensive Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has accelerated in Chhattisgarh. Representatives from Bastar to Surguja spoke before the UCC committee at the New Circuit House in Raipur on Tuesday.

During the discussion, the president and representatives of the Sarva Adivasi Samaj, the chairperson of the State Women's Commission, the chairperson of the State Scheduled Tribe Commission, and the chairperson of the State Film Development Corporation offered valuable suggestions on sensitive issues such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, and inheritance. Committee members—retired IAS officer M.K. Raut, senior advocate Mohan Pawar, retired Mrs. Jyoti Rani Singh, and member secretary Shyam Dhavade—listened to all suggestions carefully and assured them that the state's unique cultural identity and social fabric would be fully respected.
During the meeting, representatives from major tribes such as the Kanwar, Gond, Baiga, and Oraon tribes spoke, calling for the new law to fully protect the centuries-old traditional customs, traditions, and cultural distinctiveness of the tribal communities. The committee also discussed practical issues such as marriage registration, property rights, and live-in relationships.Discussing the issue of women's rights and social security, Dr. Mamta Sahu, Chairperson of the State Women's Commission, supported the preservation of tribal traditions as well as positive social change. She underlined the need for the UCC to ensure the right to maintenance for Muslim women, strengthen national unity, and prevent religious conversion. Mona Sen, Chairperson of the State Film Development Corporation, suggested preserving Chhattisgarh's rich folk art and tribal heritage, saying that equality in marital and property rights would provide new confidence and legal protection to women at the bottom of society.
Under Article 44 of the Constitution, the committee is conducting extensive public dialogue across the state. The primary objective of the proposed code is to create a uniform legal framework for all citizens, regardless of religion or community. The committee will deliberate on ideas and suggestions regarding marriage and divorce, maintenance, succession and inheritance, and live-in relationships. Currently, the committee is gathering the opinions of the general public, legal experts, and social organizations through district-level field studies, online portals, and face-to-face meetings, so that a transparent, just, and public-friendly Uniform Civil Code can be implemented in Chhattisgarh.

Chhattisgarh will make the closing presentation of the national session on theme 2 “Catch the Rain”, Deputy Chief Minister will make the presentation

In the concluding session, in the august presence of the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister will present a summary of the water discussions of the states across the country.

New Delhi/Raipur. Chhattisgarh has received a double honour at the Departmental Summit being organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, on 1-2 September 2026 at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. In this national conference, attended by Water Resources Ministers and Secretaries from all states, Chhattisgarh has been entrusted with the responsibility of concluding the National Session on Theme 2 “Catch the Rain” (Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari), and in the valedictory session, in the august presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the honour of presenting the summary of the brainstorming from across the country on this theme has been given to the Honourable Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh.

On the second day of the conference, in the national session on Theme 2, the Deputy Chief Minister, nominated by the Chief Minister, will deliver a 30-minute closing presentation on Chhattisgarh, showcasing the state's work culture, innovation, and public participation models for water conservation. That evening, in the closing session, the Chief Minister, the Prime Minister, and ministers and secretaries from across the country will present the unanimously agreed, time-bound action points for Theme 2.

The Jal Sanchay Abhiyan, which began with the Honorable Prime Minister's call to "Conserve water wherever it falls, whenever it falls" (Catch the Rain, 2021), has today become the world's largest people-led water conservation movement. In the first phase of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari, 27.6 lakh structures were built against a target of 10 lakh, in the second phase, more than 1.5 crore structures were registered against a target of 1 crore, and now the national target is 2 crore new structures by 31 May 2027.

Chhattisgarh is among the leading states in this national movement. Under JSJB 2.0, more than 24.07 lakh water conservation structures have been registered in the state. Chhattisgarh's "5% Model," which began in Korea district and involves farmers voluntarily dedicating 5% of their land for water recharge structures, has been included in the Ministry of Jal Shakti's national document, and campaigns like "More Village, More Water" have made water planning a public practice at the Panchayat level.

This national responsibility is a national recognition of the work culture of the Water Resources Department and public participation of the state under the guidance of the Honourable Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh in the ongoing water movement under the overall leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister.

The Chief Minister said, "This is an honor for every hand in Chhattisgarh that has saved water in their villages. Our farmers, women, and youth transformed the Prime Minister's 'Catch the Rain' call into a mass movement. We are taking their voice to the national stage. The path to a developed India 2047 lies through a water-secure India, and Chhattisgarh is walking shoulder to shoulder on this journey."

There will also be presentations from the states on three other themes related to water infrastructure, drinking water source sustainability and rural drinking water operation and maintenance in the conference.

A national-level educational institution will be set up on 40 acres in Sector 18. The lease agreement and land registry process were completed in the presence of the Chief Minister.

The youth of Chhattisgarh will get national level opportunities for management, skill development and modern employment oriented education in their own state.

The first batch will commence in two to three years and will benefit approximately 10,000 students when fully developed.

A major achievement towards developing Nava Raipur as an education and knowledge hub

Raipur, 1 September 2026/ Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, an important milestone was achieved today towards making Chhattisgarh one of the leading states in the country in the field of higher education, skills and knowledge. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), one of the prestigious higher education institutes of the country, will now establish its campus in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. In the presence of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the lease agreement process for the establishment of the institute was completed today and the registration of the land was also completed. With this, the way has been paved for the establishment of NMIMS in Nava Raipur.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the state government is continuously working towards ensuring that the youth of Chhattisgarh do not have to travel to major cities for quality and modern higher education and that they receive opportunities within their own state, similar to those offered at prestigious institutions in the country. The establishment of NMIMS is an important step towards this commitment. He said that the government's priority is to prepare the state's youth for future needs by providing quality education, skill development, and better employment opportunities.

On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Vijay Sharma, Finance Minister Mr. O.P. Chaudhary, Principal Secretary Mr. Subodh Singh, Housing and Environment Secretary Mr. Ankit Anand and Chief Executive Officer of Nava Raipur Atal Nagar Development Authority Mr. Chandan Kumar were present.

The state-of-the-art campus will be developed on 40 acres.

NMIMS's modern campus will be developed on approximately 40 acres of land in Sector 18 of Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. The land has been granted to Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal (SVKM), which operates the institute, on a 90-year lease. The state cabinet approved the land allotment proposal for the institute on January 21, 2026. Following this, the necessary procedures were expedited and the crucial process of signing the lease agreement and land registry was completed today.

The goal is to complete the entire process of establishing the institute within the next seven years. However, students across the state will begin to benefit from it even before then. The goal is to start the first academic batch within two to three years. Once fully developed, the institute will be able to accommodate approximately 10,000 students.

New doors of quality higher education will open for the youth

The establishment of a prestigious institution like NMIMS will open up new possibilities for higher education in Chhattisgarh. The state's youth will have the opportunity to receive national-level education in management, skill development, and modern, employment-oriented courses within their own state.

This will reduce the need for talented students to travel to major metropolitan cities for quality higher education. Additionally, students from various parts of the country will come to Chhattisgarh to study. This will foster a diverse and rich educational environment in Naya Raipur.

Along with education, employment, skills and entrepreneurship will also gain momentum.

The impact of establishing NMIMS will not be limited to higher education. The institute will also create new opportunities in the state for skill development, employment, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Improved coordination between students, faculty, researchers, and industry will help develop skilled human resources to meet the changing needs of industry.

The presence of a national-level institute will also expand the possibilities for collaboration between academia and industry. Students will have greater opportunities for practical experience, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This will also increase the availability of skilled youth for the new industrial and service sectors developing in the state.

Nava Raipur will be recognized as a national level education hub.

The state government is moving forward to develop Nava Raipur Atal Nagar as an education and knowledge hub, equipped with modern infrastructure and improved connectivity. The establishment of a prestigious institution like NMIMS will give new impetus to this vision.

The influx of students, faculty, and researchers from across the country will expand the educational, cultural, and intellectual landscape of Naya Raipur. This will also enhance educational support activities, services, and employment opportunities. This will further strengthen Naya Raipur's identity as one of the country's leading emerging educational centers.

It is noteworthy that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the state government's youth-centric development policy places special emphasis on integrating education, skills, innovation, and employment. The establishment of NMIMS is an important step towards realizing this vision. With the completion of the lease agreement and land registry process, a new chapter is set to be added to Chhattisgarh's higher education landscape. In the coming years, this institute will not only provide quality education to thousands of youth in the state, but will also play a key role in establishing Naya Raipur as a national-level education, skills, and knowledge hub.

New Delhi. UPI Without Internet: If you don't have a smartphone but still use a feature phone, there's big news for you regarding digital payments. PhonePe has launched the UPI 123Pay service for feature phone users, allowing UPI payments from select feature phones without a standard internet connection.

Raipur. CG Weather Update: The weather in Chhattisgarh has changed due to the influence of weather systems. With the monsoon active, rain is continuing in many areas. Surguja and Raipur divisions received heavy rainfall during the last 24 hours. So far, the state has recorded approximately 2 percent less rainfall than normal during the monsoon season.

The Meteorological Department stated that a well-marked low pressure area persists over Gangetic West Bengal, adjoining northern coastal Odisha, and the northwest Bay of Bengal. As a result, heavy to very heavy rainfall occurred at isolated locations in northern Chhattisgarh until August 31st, and isolated heavy rainfall occurred. Rainfall intensity is expected to decrease from September 2nd.

Rain expected in Raipur today.
Rain is expected to continue in Raipur. Local forecasts indicate a cloudy sky with a possibility of rain or thunderstorms today. The maximum temperature is expected to be 27 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature is expected to be 23 degrees Celsius.

Rain alert issued in many districts
The Meteorological Department has predicted rain in many areas on Tuesday morning. According to this, a yellow alert has been issued for light rain in Sukma, Bijapur, South Bastar Dantewada, Bastar, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, North Bastar Kanker, Dhamtari, Balod, Rajnandgaon, Gariaband, Mahasamund, Raipur, Baloda Bazar, Janjgir-Champa, Raigarh, Bilaspur, Korba, Jashpur, Gaurela-Pendra Marwahi, Durg, Bemetara, Kabirdham, Mungeli, Surguja, Surajpur, Korea and Balrampur.

How much rain where:
In the last 24 hours, 29 cm of rain was recorded in Chando, 17 cm in Kotadol, 13 cm in Kusmi, 12 cm each in Pratappur and Shankargarh, 9 cm in Samari, 7 cm each in Bhakhara and Dhamtari. Raipur also recorded 7 cm of rain. Balrampur, Kukrail, Kelhari, Daura Kochli, and Tokapal recorded 6 mm of rain each. Janakpur-Bharatpur, Kurud, Ambikapur, Surajpur, Latori, Labhandih, Rajpur, Magarlod, Gurur, Mana-Raipur-AP, Ramanujnagar, and Belargaon received 5 mm of rain each. Sonhat, Nerharpur, Mainpur, Bhatgaon, Dundi, Balod, Keshkal, Rajim, Biharpur, Bhanupratappur, and Gariaband recorded 4 mm of rain each. Apart from this, most other places in the state received less than this amount of rain.

Durg : A team of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided the house of former Patwari and former President of the Patwari Association, Kamlesh Rajput.

According to reports, a team of officials arrived in two vehicles at the Bengali Colony at Sikola Gate and began the investigation. It is reported that both of Kamlesh Rajput's daughters are also Patwaris. Kamlesh Rajput previously served as the President of the Patwari Association.

Raipur: In line with the National Critical Mineral Mission and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of a self-reliant India, Chhattisgarh is promoting the exploitation of mineral resources and their local value addition. To this end, Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation Limited (CMDC) has re-started the corundum mine in the Kuchnur area of ​​Bijapur district after a gap of nearly 25 years. Aiming to develop the entire value chain from corundum mining to cutting, polishing, jewelry manufacturing, branding, and marketing, this important MoU was signed between CMDC and Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, at the Mayfair Resort in Naya Raipur in the presence of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai. The university has been selected as the knowledge partner, providing modern technology-based training to local youth and artisans.

Chhattisgarh Corundum Mines Limited, a joint venture between CMDC and Messrs. N.C. Nahar, operates a corundum mine in the village of Kuchnoor in the Bhopalpatnam area of ​​Bijapur district for the exploitation and marketing of corundum in the state. After a gap of nearly 25 years, the mine has been operational again since February 2025, and high-quality corundum is being extracted scientifically. Currently, the mine has a stock of approximately 240 kilograms of corundum, of which 157,643 kilograms have been transported. The transported corundum includes 107,989 kilograms of B-grade and 49,654 kilograms of industrial-grade corundum.

Employment to local youth through mining

The operation of the Kuchanur Corundum Mine has provided employment and self-employment opportunities to 14 local youth in Bijapur district. The State Government and CMDC strive to ensure that the benefits of mineral-based activities are not limited to mining alone, but also to create new income opportunities through the participation of local communities, youth, artisans, self-help groups, and entrepreneurs.

Training in cutting and polishing will increase value addition

To maximize the value of corundum, gemstone handling, cutting, polishing, and other value-added activities will be promoted locally. Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University has been appointed as the knowledge partner for this purpose. Through modern technology-based training, local youth will be trained in gemstone identification and skilling activities. This will provide them with employment opportunities and opportunities to start their own businesses.

Jewellery and gemstone products will get market under 'Bastar Brand'

The plan is to integrate high-quality corundum from Kuchanur with local design, quality, and authenticity under the "Bastar Brand." Corundum jewelry and gemstone products will be created, branded, and marketed. This will help integrate Bastar's local arts, crafts, and natural mineral wealth into the market. New corundum-based enterprises can be developed with the participation of local enterprises, startups, artisans, and investors.

Identification and exploration of new corundum areas underway

Work is underway to identify, explore, and prospect new corundum-producing areas in Bijapur district. In the Bhopalpatnam region, potential areas, including the village of Kuchanur, are being identified and action is being taken to expand mining activities. Areas have been reserved in various areas, including Dhangol, and the application process is being advanced.

Transparent auction will generate revenue for the government and give Bastar national and international recognition.

Transparent auctioning of mined corundum will increase state government revenues and enhance the potential for national and international recognition for the Bastar region's corundum. Scientific and sustainable use of mineral resources, combined with local value addition, will enable better utilization of the mineral's true economic potential. This CMDC initiative is a significant step toward realizing the concept of "mining creates value addition, value addition creates employment, and employment creates economic empowerment." Its objective is not merely to mine corundum, but to transform Bastar's mineral wealth into a foundation for local prosperity and self-reliance by engaging local youth and communities in the entire value chain.

Raipur: The Ministry of Mines today organized a road show in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, to mark the 8th series of auctions of critical and strategic mineral blocks. The Honorable Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, was the chief guest, along with the Honorable Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey. Also present on the occasion were Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Tokhan Sahu, and CMDC Chairman, Shri Saurabh Singh, along with senior officials, industry representatives, and other stakeholders.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted Chhattisgarh's rich mineral resources and the state's important role in India's mining and industrial development. He emphasized the need to harness the state's mineral potential through increased investment, accelerated development of mineral resources, and improved coordination between the central and state governments. He assured stakeholders of the state government's commitment to facilitating investment and creating an enabling environment for sustainable mineral development.

Addressing the event, Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, underlined the strategic importance of critical and strategic minerals for India's economic development, industrial progress, clean energy transition, and emerging technologies. He emphasized the need to accelerate exploration and development of these resources and encourage greater participation by industry and investors. He said that strengthening domestic capabilities across the mineral value chain will play a key role in strengthening India's mineral security and advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Tokhan Sahu, highlighted Chhattisgarh's strong mining and industrial base and the state's potential to develop new mineral value chains. He stated that investment in critical minerals can foster new industrial growth centers, strengthen sustainable infrastructure, and create new opportunities for local communities. He added that the state's infrastructure, skilled workforce, and institutional support provide a strong foundation for long-term investment.

CMDC Chairman Mr. Saurabh Singh urged investors to explore Chhattisgarh's vast mineral potential and highlighted the state's efforts towards faster operations, transparent mining processes, and technology-based mineral monitoring. He also mentioned various initiatives, including the Tin Portal to benefit tribal tin collectors in a transparent manner and the exploration of critical minerals like columbite from tin-bearing resources.

Shri Keshav Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, said that policy reforms, transparent auctions and faster operations have strengthened India's critical mineral ecosystem and 56 out of 88 critical and strategic mineral blocks offered so far have been successfully auctioned. He informed that the 8th tranche comprises 20 blocks spread across nine states, comprising 17 composite licenses and 3 mining lease blocks, and includes minerals such as graphite, rare earth elements, rare metals, vanadium, gallium, titanium, molybdenum, tungsten, potash, phosphorite and glauconite, of which five blocks are located in Chhattisgarh.

In his address, Shri Sandeep Kadam, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Mines, underlined the importance of critical minerals for India's economic growth, energy security, and strategic industries. He emphasized the need to move beyond mining and focus on processing, refining, and value addition, and to expedite the operationalization of auctioned blocks. He also called for strong collaboration between the Centre, states, and industry to build a robust domestic supply chain and a self-reliant critical minerals ecosystem.

The technical session began with a presentation by Mr. Pankaj Garg, Director General, NMEDT, on the NMEDT Scheme for Partial Reimbursement of Exploration Expenditure for Composite License Holders. Potential bidders were then provided with detailed information about the mineral blocks offered for auction under the 8th series and the auction process. Mr. Shrikant Sharma, HOD (Exploration), MECL, explained the mineral blocks and their prospects, Mr. Pratin Sharma, Assistant Vice President, SBICAPS, explained the mineral auction process and tender documents, and Mr. Pushkar Hajela, Assistant Manager, MSTC, explained the e-auction process.

The session concluded with interaction with potential bidders, resolving their queries and providing clarifications on the auction process and related aspects. The road show reflects the Government's continued commitment to accelerate mineral exploration, promote investment and private sector participation and strengthen India's critical mineral supply chain, furthering the vision of a self-reliant and mineral-secure India.

Following the roadshow, a review meeting was held with mineral block allottees and preferred bidders, chaired by Shri Keshav Chandra, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, with the objective of expediting the operationalization of the allocated blocks. Officials from the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, and the Government of Chhattisgarh reviewed the progress of the blocks, discussed key challenges, and provided guidance for their timely resolution. The meeting also provided a platform for allottees to raise implementation-related issues and seek necessary support, further reinforcing the shared commitment to accelerated project implementation, increase domestic mineral production, and strengthen India's mineral supply chain.

Raipur . The process of implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) law has begun in Chhattisgarh, and a state-level committee has been formed for this purpose. A one-day meeting has been organized by the Raipur Muslim community to submit suggestions to the committee. This information was provided by Dr. Salim Raj, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board (Cabinet Minister rank). The

meeting will be held on September 1st at Guru Ghasidas Auditorium.  
This meeting of the Muslim community will be held on Tuesday, September 1st, 2026, at Guru Ghasidas Auditorium, in front of the office of the Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board, Collectorate Chowk, Raipur. The meeting will gather suggestions from intellectuals within the Muslim community. This announcement has been made through announcements on Fridays in all mosques in Raipur. The organizers have appealed

for written suggestions in duplicate.  
Suggestions regarding the UCC should be submitted in duplicate, addressed to the Chairman, Uniform Civil Code Committee, Chhattisgarh. The meeting will be attended by Shahar Qazi Qari Dr. Mohammad Imran Ashrafi as the chief guest, and chaired by senior advocate Mr. Faisal Rizvi. Suggestions made by the Muslim community will be collected at the meeting and presented to the members of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Committee, Chhattisgarh, at 4:00 p.m.

From Bank Mitra to BC Sakhi, Didi became a millionaire by owning her own electronic scooter and a permanent house.

Deputy Chief Minister unveiled the statue of martyr Veer Narayan Singh.

Raipur . Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission Chairman Ms. Rita Shandilya met Governor Shri Ramen Deka at Lok Bhavan today. She handed over the twenty-fifth annual report of Chhattisgarh State Public Service Commission for the period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 to Shri Deka. State Public Service Commission members Dr. Praveen Verma, Dr. Sarita Uikey, Shri Santkumar Netam, Shri D Rahul Venkat, Shri Chandra Kumar Ajgale, Shri H L Dhruv and Smt. Leena Kosam were present on the occasion.

Raipur - Chhattisgarh's rich mineral resources and vast potential for critical minerals have the potential to propel the state to new heights of development. Our goal is not just to extract minerals from the earth, but to develop the entire mineral value chain in Chhattisgarh, from exploration to excavation, processing to value addition, and advanced manufacturing to recycling. This will increase investment in the state, establish new industries, and create large-scale employment opportunities for the youth. Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai stated this while addressing the road show for the eighth tranche of auction of critical and strategic mineral blocks, organized by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, at the Mayfair Lake Resort in Nava Raipur today.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai stated that critical and strategic minerals will be the key pillars of the country's economic progress, technological self-reliance, and strategic security in the future. In today's rapidly changing global and technological landscape, the importance of these minerals has greatly increased. Reliable availability of these minerals is essential for almost every emerging sector of the modern economy, from the defense industry to artificial intelligence, clean energy, electric mobility, digital technology, electronics, and advanced manufacturing. Chief Minister Shri Sai launched the e-Sand Sangwari portal and the TIN portal. Important MoUs were also signed at the event by the Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC) with the Indian Overseas Bank and Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University.

Self-reliance in critical minerals is essential for a developed India.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is rapidly establishing itself among the world's leading economic and technological powers. Through Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat and National Critical Mineral Mission, exploration, processing of critical minerals and development of advanced industries related to them have gained new momentum in the country. He said that in the current global situation, all the major countries of the world are engaged in securing their strategic resources and their supply chain. At such a time, self-reliance in the availability of critical and strategic minerals is extremely important for India not only from the economic necessity but also from the national security point of view.

From Defense to AI - Critical Minerals are the Cornerstone of the New Economy
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India's defense industry has rapidly moved towards self-reliance. The world witnessed the effectiveness of Indian defense capabilities and indigenous technology during Operation Sindoor. Many strategic minerals play a vital role in the manufacture of modern defense equipment. Therefore, their secure and consistent supply is essential for a strong and self-reliant defense industry.

Similarly, minerals such as lithium, graphite, rare earth elements, vanadium, nickel, and chromium are crucial for AI, semiconductors, batteries, clean energy, electric mobility, digital technology, and advanced manufacturing, he said, adding that their role in the future economy will continue to grow.

Chhattisgarh has great potential in the field of critical minerals.
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that Chhattisgarh is among the country's leading mineral-rich states and is now poised to establish a new identity in the field of critical minerals. There are promising deposits of lithium and rare earth elements in Katghora and Bastar, graphite, vanadium, and gallium in Balrampur, phosphorite in Balod, and nickel, chromium, and glauconite in Mahasamund. Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai stated that the eighth tranche of the auction of critical and strategic minerals includes 20 mineral blocks from seven states, including five from Chhattisgarh. Calling for active participation from investors in the auction, the Chief Minister stated that this is not just an opportunity to acquire mineral blocks; it is an opportunity to reshape the economy of Chhattisgarh and the country through exploration, processing, value addition, innovation, and new industries. These critical mineral blocks can become a key pillar in the creation of a developed India

Emphasis on developing the entire mineral value chain in Chhattisgarh.
The Chief Minister stated that the state government's vision is not limited to increasing mineral production. Our effort is to develop the entire value chain of mineral-based industries within the state. Instead of shipping minerals abroad after exploration and excavation, their processing, value addition, and related advanced manufacturing should take place within the state, ensuring that Chhattisgarh and its people reap the maximum economic benefits from natural resources. He noted that an AI-based data center park and electronics manufacturing cluster are being developed in Nava Raipur, and an electronics manufacturing cluster in Rajnandgaon. These modern industries will require critical minerals. The close availability of mineral resources will provide the state with a natural competitive advantage for these industries.
Significant Increase in Mineral Revenue
The Chief Minister noted that at the time of statehood, Chhattisgarh's mineral revenue was approximately ₹400 crore. Two and a half years ago, it was approximately ₹12,000 crore, which has now increased to over ₹16,000 crore. He added that revenue generated from mineral wealth is being utilized for the state's development and public welfare. Through the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMF), various initiatives are being undertaken to enhance the socio-economic well-being of local people, including the expansion of education, health, drinking water, and other basic amenities in mining-affected areas. Calling upon industry and investors to partner in Chhattisgarh's development journey, Chief Minister Sai said the entire country is looking towards Chhattisgarh. The state is rich in natural resources and is rapidly progressing towards industrial and economic development.

Raipur - Chhattisgarh State Election Commissioner Ajay Singh paid a courtesy call on Governor Ramen Deka at Lok Bhavan today. He apprised the Governor of the Commission's activities.

Raipur. Thanks to the efforts of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, a significant step has been taken toward expanding sports infrastructure in Jashpur district. The Chhattisgarh government has granted administrative approval of ₹5.49 crore for the construction of a modern football stadium in the district headquarters of Jashpur.
Following Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai's initiative, the department, under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister and Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Arun Sao, approved the stadium's construction. The construction of this modern football stadium will provide improved sports facilities to the players of Jashpur district. Additionally, local talent will have a better platform to hone their athletic skills and advance beyond the district level to the state and national levels.

Given the special enthusiasm and interest in football among players and youth in Jashpur district, this stadium will play a vital role in promoting sports activities. It will provide better infrastructure for regular training, competitions, and sporting events in the district. It is noteworthy that Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai has been continuously emphasizing the promotion of sporting talent and the expansion of sports facilities in Jashpur district. This approval for the construction of the football stadium is an important achievement towards strengthening the sports infrastructure in the district.

Raipur . There is no shortage of talent in the remote and tribal areas of Chhattisgarh. All that is needed is the right direction, quality guidance, and opportunities. The free "Gyanguri" coaching institute, run by the Bastar district administration with this vision, is emerging as an inspiring example of positive change in the field of education in the state. Four promising students from the institute have brought glory to Bastar by securing MBBS seats in government medical colleges in the first round of NEET counseling.
This success of the Gyanguri students is also significant because this achievement was achieved by young people who come from remote areas of Bastar and did not have easy access to the facilities of metropolitan cities for better higher education. The initiative of the district administration, the dedicated efforts of the teachers, and the hard work of the students have transformed these circumstances into opportunities.

Four students have successfully secured MBBS admissions: Sameer Markam and Geeteshwari Salam have been selected for the Government Medical College, Dimrapal, Jagdalpur, Kumari Krishna Sen for Kanker Medical College, and Khushboo Biswas for Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Medical College, Raipur. The students' admissions to government medical colleges in the first round are a testament to the students' excellent preparation and Gyanguri's effective educational system.
Fifty out of 90 students successfully cleared the NEET exam
. Gyanguri's achievements are not limited to just four MBBS selections. Fifty out of 90 students studying at the institute have cleared the NEET exam. Four of these students secured direct MBBS seats in the first round of counseling. This result demonstrates that if students from rural and remote areas are provided with timely, quality coaching, study materials, and consistent guidance, they are unmatched in national-level competitive examinations.
The successful students visited the Collectorate and paid a courtesy visit to Bastar Collector, Mr. Akash Chhikara. The students attributed their success to the continued support of the district administration and the Collector's guidance. Collector Mr. Chhikara congratulated the students and presented them with tablets to promote digital learning in their higher education. He praised the hard work of the students, their teachers, and their parents, stating that this achievement is not just a personal success for the students, but a testament to the potential and determination of Bastar's new generation. He made an emotional appeal to the students, urging them to return to Bastar after completing their medical studies and contribute to serving the needy.  Successful students shared that
the pin
-point study tips provided by Collector Mr. Chhikara at Gyan Gudi throughout the year strengthened their preparation strategy. They received expert guidance on time management, subject-wise preparation, regular practice, and tailored exam strategies. The Collector and other officials have been regularly visiting the Gyan Gudi center to interact with the students. They have also been inspiring them with practical experiences from their studies and UPSC preparation. 
Gyan Gudi is writing a new chapter of opportunities in Bastar.
Gyan Gudi's success sends the message that if quality education and proper guidance are made available at the district level, even students from remote areas can fulfill their dreams of becoming doctors, engineers, and other prestigious professionals. Providing a better environment for Bastar students to prepare for competitive exams in their own region is also an important step towards preventing local talent from migrating and connecting them with the development of their region.

Raipur. Dalpat Sagar, the symbol of Bastar and a historic heritage of Jagdalpur, will soon return to its former natural and attractive form. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and the continuous efforts of Jagdalpur MLA Shri Kiran Singh Dev and Mayor Shri Sanjay Pandey, significant initiatives have been taken towards the conservation and beautification of Dalpat Sagar. An MoU has been signed between the Jagdalpur Municipal Corporation and NMDC Nagarnar Steel Plant.
Under the MoU, NMDC Nagarnar has approved a total of ₹50 lakh from its CSR funds for the conservation and cleanup of Dalpat Sagar. This amount will be used to carry out necessary cleaning and conservation work, including the removal of the long-standing water hyacinth in the lake. The first installment of ₹20 lakh has been released for the first phase of the project.
Water hyacinth will be eradicated, and its natural appearance will be restored.
The large amount of water hyacinth in Dalpat Sagar had long been a threat to its beauty and environmental balance. Water hyacinth was affecting a large part of the water surface, and citizens and environmentalists were constantly feeling the need for a solution. Now, with the CSR support of NMDC, the Municipal Corporation will conduct a planned and phased cleaning campaign. 
Tourism and environmental protection will get a boost
. Dalpat Sagar is not just a reservoir, but an important part of Bastar's historical heritage and Jagdalpur's identity. Its conservation is important for the city's environment, tourism, and civic amenities. The clean and beautiful lake will enhance the natural aura of the city. On this occasion, the Collector, Additional Collector, Municipal Corporation Commissioner and on behalf of NMDC Nagarnar, Executive Director Mr. TP Singh, Chief General Manager and Assistant General Manager were present.