Raipur - Governor Ramen Deka visited the Jagannath Temple in Gayatri Nagar, Raipur today, offered prayers to Lord Jagannath, and prayed for the prosperity and well-being of the people of the country and the state. MLA Shri Purandar Mishra was present on the occasion.

 17 Kabir Kutis received assistance of Rs 25,000 each.
00 This will be used for bhajans, satsangs, kirtans and religious events.

Raipur. Deputy Chief Minister and Kawardha MLA Shri Vijay Sharma today distributed cheques amounting to Rs 4 lakh 25 thousand to 17 Kabir Kutis at the MLA office in Kawardha, at the rate of Rs 25 thousand each to each Kabir Kuti for bhajan, satsang, kirtan and other religious events. This was approved for the purchase of musical instruments from the public relations fund with the aim of strengthening the religious and cultural activities related to Kabir Panth. This amount approved by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Sharma was given to the concerned Kabir Kutis today, so that necessary musical instruments can be made available for the bhajan, satsang, kirtan and other spiritual programmes organised there regularly. 

It is noteworthy that the Kabir Kutis in the area had submitted applications for musical instruments. Keeping this community's need in mind, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Vijay Sharma acted swiftly and approved an amount of 25,000 rupees each for 17 Kabir Kutis. Today, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sharma formally distributed the cheques to the Kabirpanthi community, presenting this gift to them.

00 Chief Minister gave appointment letters to the newly selected mining inspectors, gave the message to work with honesty and integrity
Raipur. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai gave appointment letters to the newly appointed mining inspectors selected by the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission in his residence office today. On this occasion, he said that Chhattisgarh is one of the richest states in the country in terms of mineral wealth and the role of the field staff is very important in the effective functioning of the mineral administration.

Chief Minister Shri Sai, while congratulating and wishing the newly selected Mining Inspectors, said that the future of the country and the state depends on the youth. He said that the new appointments in the Mineral Department will strengthen the department's workforce and further accelerate mineral exploration and mining activities. He expressed confidence that the newly appointed Mining Inspectors will play a key role in the effective implementation of mineral administration related tasks by properly discharging their responsibilities.

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that Chhattisgarh's land is rich in various mineral resources, including iron ore, coal, bauxite, limestone, tin, diamond, gold, and lithium. Minerals are also a major source of revenue for the state, and the government is continuously striving to increase mineral revenue. Chief Minister Shri Sai encouraged the newly appointed officials to actively contribute to increasing mineral revenue.

The Chief Minister said that as Mining Inspectors, you all have a huge responsibility. Play your important role in the conservation and systematic use of the state's resources by working with transparency, honesty, and integrity. It
is noteworthy that the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission released the selection list of 33 Mining Inspectors on October 15, 2025. On February 19, 2026, the Mineral Resources Department issued appointment orders for a total of 32 Mining Inspectors, of which the Chief Minister presented appointment letters to 30 newly selected Mining Inspectors today.

On this occasion, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation, Mr. Saurabh Singh, Secretary Mineral Resources Department, Mr. P. Dayanand, Director Geology and Mining, Mr. Rajat Bansal and other senior officers of the department were present.

00 Lakhs of rupees are spent in private hospitals, free surgery in medical college under Ayushman Yojana
Raipur. The facility of complex surgeries like knee transplant and hip transplant has now been successfully started in the orthopedic department of Sant Baba Guru Ghasidas Ji Smriti Government Hospital, affiliated to Raigarh Medical College. Till now, patients who had to go to big cities for such operations and spend lakhs of rupees, are getting safe treatment with the latest technology under the supervision of expert doctors in their own district. The continuous efforts of the state government to strengthen the health sector have played an important role behind this achievement.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, continuous work is being done to strengthen the health infrastructure. Under the guidance of Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal and Finance Minister Shri O.P. Chaudhary, state-of-the-art medical facilities are rapidly expanding at Raigarh Medical College.

This new facility, launched under the leadership of Dean Dr. Santosh Kumar and Hospital Superintendent Dr. Manoj Kumar Minj, is providing high-quality treatment to the residents of the district in their own city. Dean Dr. Santosh Kumar explained that joint replacement surgery costs approximately 2.5 to 3 lakh rupees per joint in private hospitals. However, with the availability of this facility at the Government Medical College, Raigarh, patients are receiving free, high-quality treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana (Ayushman Bharat Yojana). This not only reduces financial burden but also provides the district with access to better healthcare in their own city.
Chhaviraj Kumar, a 28-year-old patient, explained that he had suffered from a serious leg problem for a long time, making it difficult to walk. He initially consulted a private hospital, where the cost of the surgery was estimated to be approximately 2.5 lakh rupees. This was financially challenging.
He said that upon learning of the launch of the surgery under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana at the Raigarh Medical College Hospital, he underwent treatment there. After a successful operation, his leg is now free of any problems. He stated that he began walking the second day after the operation and is now able to move around with complete ease and confidence. Expressing his gratitude to the team of doctors and the hospital management, Chhaviraj said that receiving free and high-quality treatment has brought a significant positive change to his life.
Dr. Praveen Jangde, Head of the Orthopedics Department, stated that joint replacement surgery is a highly effective treatment for patients suffering from arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, joint damage after an accident, or chronic knee and hip pain. He explained that after surgery, patients experience a significant reduction in pain and a rapid return to normal life. The improved mobility is leading to positive changes in patients' quality of life. Dr. Jangde appealed to the public not to ignore chronic knee or hip problems and to seek timely consultation with specialist doctors in the Orthopedics Department's OPD and seek appropriate treatment.
Hospital Superintendent Dr. M.K. Minj stated that the hospital offers knee and hip replacements using state-of-the-art technology and following established medical protocols. These surgeries are performed with complete safety and efficiency by an expert team led by Dr. Praveen Jangde, Head of the Orthopedics Department, and Dr. A.M. Lakra, Head of the Anesthesia Department. In the past few days, approximately 10 patients have undergone successful surgery, including five hip and five knee replacements.

00 New Labour Code a historic decision for the economic and social development of workers - Mishra
00 More than Rs 1 crore disbursed to 1242 workers under various schemes

Raipur. In order to create awareness about the schemes run by the state government for the welfare of workers, a workers' public dialogue conference was organized on Thursday in the district auditorium located at the district headquarters Balodabazar. In the program, under various schemes of the Labor Department, an amount of more than Rs 1 crore 4 lakh was transferred to the accounts of the workers and their families through DBT.

Chief guest of the program, Revenue Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma, said that the state government operates more than 31 programs and schemes to ensure the well-being of workers and their families. It is essential for all working brothers and sisters to be aware of these schemes, as this will enable them to benefit from them. This is the objective of the Workers' Public Dialogue Conference. Praising the program, he said that such programs play a significant role in ensuring that the benefits of these schemes reach as many working brothers and sisters as possible.

Presiding over the event, Yogesh Dutt Mishra, Chairman of the Labor Welfare Board, stated in his address that the central government has taken revolutionary steps to protect the interests of workers by implementing four new labor codes, which is undoubtedly a major step towards empowering workers and their families economically and socially. He stated that 45 percent of the country's population is unorganized workers, and without their economic and social development, the country's development is impossible. He explained in detail the benefits of the four new labor codes: the Wage Code 2019, the Social Security Code 2020, the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code 2020, and the Industrial Relations Code 2020. According to the new labor laws, a national minimum wage will be established across the country. Once established, states cannot set a lower minimum wage. He also discussed the safety and medical facilities for workers and their families, and the provision of a provident fund. He appealed to the public representatives and workers present at the event, saying, "You should understand your moral responsibility and motivate and educate as many workers as possible to take advantage of departmental schemes. Only then will we be able to realize the vision of a developed Chhattisgarh and a developed India."
Municipal Council President Ashok Jain stated that the state government is continuously striving for the welfare of workers who play a vital role in development and construction. During the event, the program also spoke with beneficiaries of various schemes and learned about their experiences. Kanchan Verma shared that she received the Noni Suraksha benefit, which enabled her to pursue her college education. Bhagwan Dutt, a beneficiary of the Siyan Sahayata Yojana, said that upon reaching the age of 60, he received 20,000 rupees, which greatly helped him. Similarly, Deepti Vishwakarma shared that she received the Naunihal Scholarship Scheme. All beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the Chhattisgarh government.In the programme, under the Minimata Mahatari Jatan Yojana under Chhattisgarh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, 113 women of the district were provided an amount of Rs. 20,000 each. Thus, a total of Rs. 22.60 lakh was provided under the scheme. Under the Chief Minister's Naunihal Scholarship Scheme, Rs. 19.43 lakh was given to 918 children, under the Chief Minister's Shramik Sian Sahayata Yojana, Rs. 19.40 lakh was given to 97 elderly workers, under the Chief Minister's Noni Empowerment Scheme, Rs. 17.80 lakh was given to 89 girls, Rs. 14 lakh was given under the Chief Minister's Construction Workers Death and Disability Assistance Scheme, Rs. 11 lakh was given under the Unorganized Workers Death and Disability Assistance Scheme under Chhattisgarh Unorganized Workers State Social Security Board. In the workers' public dialogue conference, a total amount of Rs. 1 crore 4 lakh 23 thousand was distributed to 1242 workers under various schemes. 
There are over 400,000 registered workers in the district. So far, over 900,000 rupees have been distributed to workers under various schemes. District Panchayat President Akanksha Jaiswal, District Panchayat President Sulochana Yadav, State Vice President of Bharat Scouts and Guides Vijay Kesharwani, along with a large number of public representatives, labor department officials and employees, and workers were present at the event.

Raipur. The Chhattisgarh Government, Water Resources Department, has approved ₹7,12,63,000 for two irrigation projects. Among the approved projects, ₹3,72,82,000 has been sanctioned for the topside works, canal renovations, and lining of the Rauchan Reservoir Project in the Bodla development block of Kabirdham district. Upon completion, the proposed projects will provide irrigation facilities to farmers in a total area of ​​378.55 hectares, including the 160-hectare shortfall against the projected irrigation capacity of 346.55 hectares, and additional irrigation of 32 hectares using water savings.
₹3,39,81,000 has been approved for the construction of the Rano Dam and Barrage in the Saja development block of Durg district. The project will provide drainage, drinking water, and groundwater enrichment, as well as 50 hectares of irrigation facilities for farmers using their own resources. Administrative approval has been issued from Water Resources Ministry Mahanadi Bhawan to Chief Engineer Mahanadi Godavari Floodplain, Water Resources Department Raipur.

00 The long-standing aspirations of the old Korba city will be realised, the traffic pressure on Sarvamangala bridge will be reduced.
Raipur. Due to the special efforts of Korba city MLA and Chhattisgarh government's cabinet minister Shri Lakhan Lal Dewangan, the development of Korba city is getting a new direction. In this connection, the government has given administrative approval of Rs 13.44 crore for the construction of a causeway on Hasdev river between Rani Road Korba and Sarvamangala temple.

Industry Minister Shri Lakhan Lal Dewangan stated that the old Korba city had long demanded the construction of a causeway between Rani Road and the Sarvamangala Temple, so that those traveling to the Sarvamangala Temple, Kusmunda, or Kanki Bilaspur would no longer have to detour via the Sarvamangala Bridge from the Usha Complex Railway Crossing. Senior citizens, public representatives, social workers, and the public had long demanded this. Taking this public aspiration as a priority, a special request was made to the Honorable Chief Minister, Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, upon his visit to Korba. The Chief Minister granted his approval. Subsequently, the drawing design and estimate for the causeway construction were prepared through the Bridge Corporation. 

The state government has approved ₹13.44 crore for this important construction. Construction will begin soon after the tender process is completed. Its completion will not only reduce traffic pressure on the Sarvamangala Bridge but also open a new path to development and prosperity for the region. Cabinet Minister Shri Dewangan expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Saw, and Finance Minister Shri OP Chaudhary for this important approval.

The ideal life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a source of inspiration for the youth.

Raipur illuminated with the glorious story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, staging of Janata Raja begins

Raipur. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai said that the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is an inspiring example of courage, patience, strategy and ideal leadership, therefore we all should set goals like Shivaji in our lives. He said that Shivaji Maharaj displayed amazing courage and intelligence even in adverse circumstances. Referring to the incident that happened with Afzal Khan, he said that Shivaji, sensing the crisis, took decisions with patience and strategy and achieved victory. Similarly, his clever strategy against Shaista Khan teaches that even the biggest enemy can be defeated with wisdom and courage. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai said this while addressing during the staging of the historical drama Janata Raja after reaching the Science College ground.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Shivaji Maharaj was not only a great warrior but also a ruler with high ideals. He respected the faith of people of all religions and gave top priority to the dignity of women. Referring to the values ​​of his mother Jijabai, he said that Shivaji Maharaj's character teaches us dignity, morality, and respectful conduct.

Chief Minister Shri Sai, while sharing memories of his student days, quoted lines from the great poet Bhushan, which provide a wonderful description of the valor and bravery of Shivaji Maharaj. He said that Shivaji's life is not just history, but a source of inspiration, motivating us to remain steadfast in our goals even in difficult circumstances.

This special staging of the historical epic, "Janata Raja," which began in the capital, Raipur, will be presented every evening at the Science College grounds until February 22. This grand, nearly three-hour presentation, based on the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the saga of the establishment of Hindavi Swarajya, offers audiences a vivid experience of the historical period through live visuals, elaborate stage decorations, and technical excellence.

It is noteworthy that auditions for this grand play, organized under the auspices of the Chhattisgarh State Youth Commission, were held at the Sant Dnyaneshwar Auditorium of the Maharashtra Mandal, in which approximately 40 local artists from various age groups were selected. The selected artists practiced intensively under the guidance of director Mr. Yogesh Shirole. Local artists Pranjal Bakshi, Vartika Kshirsagar, Kriti Lad, Akanksha, and Aastha Kale, among others, participated enthusiastically.

During the staging, the contingent of soldiers along with horses was the centre of attraction for the audience, while camels were also included in the presentation. Technical experts from Pune, Mr. Kaushik Naik and Mr. Vaibhav Joshi are taking care of the stage decoration and lighting arrangements. Various cultural dimensions including Koli songs in the traditional presentations added special attraction to the programme. On this occasion, MLA Mr. Purandar Mishra, Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Youth Commission Mr. Vishwa Vijay Singh Tomar, Mr. Ajit Rao Apte of Mahanritya Janta Raja, along with officials of Maharashtra Mandal and a large number of citizens were present.

00 Thousands of youth of Chhattisgarh will get opportunity in government job
Raipur. The School Education Department is going to issue advertisement for recruitment on 5000 posts of Assistant Teacher, Teacher, Lecturer and Assistant Teacher Science (Laboratory) soon. The government has authorized Chhattisgarh Vyapam for conducting the examination and the department has completed all the procedures related to issuing the advertisement and the necessary forms have been made available to Vyapam. With this, the recruitment process of Direct Recruitment 2023 has been completed.

The Chhattisgarh government will begin direct recruitment for over 5,000 positions in the School Education Department in February 2026. Selection for these positions will be done through a written examination conducted by the Professional Examination Board. Following the Chief Minister's directives, this recruitment is being conducted to address the teacher shortage in various schools across the state. This decision by the Education Department will help address the teacher shortage in government schools across the state. Detailed guidelines regarding the recruitment process will be released in the coming days. 

The recruitment of teachers in Chhattisgarh's government schools will not only provide employment to thousands of young people but also strengthen the education system. Significantly, the recruitment includes various positions such as lecturers, teachers, assistant teachers, and laboratory assistants, providing opportunities for candidates with diverse qualifications.

It is noteworthy that in the fifth phase of recruitment process for the post of Assistant Teacher under Teacher Direct Recruitment 2023 by the School Education Department, as per the direction of the Honorable Court, the opportunity of appointment has been provided to the D.Ed qualified candidates on the replacement of 2621 B.Ed qualified candidates whose services were terminated.

Raipur/New Delhi. Tokhan Sahu, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, today announced that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is approving a flagship demonstration housing project in Ratanpur, Chhattisgarh. Developed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0, this project is a significant step towards mainstreaming green and emerging technologies in India's housing sector, with Chhattisgarh becoming a major demonstration hub for their implementation.
The project will be implemented with 100 percent central funding, with full central assistance, and an estimated investment of approximately ₹10 crore. The project will construct a maximum of 40 high-quality housing units using innovative, disaster-resilient, and sustainable technologies.
Unlike the traditional ownership model, these units will be designated for social purposes and will be used for community use and by devotees/pilgrims coming from across the state and across the country to visit the Siddha Shakti Peeth Mata Mahamaya. This initiative is expected to strengthen local infrastructure, promote religious tourism, and community well-being.
Underscoring the government's commitment under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Sahu said this initiative symbolizes our ongoing efforts to promote innovative, sustainable, and affordable housing solutions. Ratanpur will serve as a live laboratory for new-generation construction technologies, ensuring faster execution, improved structural quality, and higher cost-efficiency.
He further stated that such projects align with the goal of Housing for All and accelerate inclusive urban development by demonstrating the viability of alternative construction materials over traditional brick-and-mortar methods. The formal project proposal has been submitted to the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee for final approval. The Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council is leading the preparation of the detailed project report to ensure construction meets the highest global standards for green housing. Utilizing technologies that reduce carbon footprint and construction time—with a targeted completion time of 12-15 months—the Ratanpur project is expected to become a role model for future urban housing in Chhattisgarh and the country.

Raipur. Chhattisgarh Forest and Cooperation Minister Kedar Kashyap has sharply targeted State Congress President Deepak Baij over the Assistant Teacher Recruitment 2023 issue. Mr. Kashyap stated that by reaching the capital's Central Jail at midnight on Wednesday, the State Congress President was shedding crocodile tears and engaging in cheap politics to mislead the protesting candidates on this issue. The truth is that the previous Congress government jeopardized the future of D.Ed. diploma holders by admitting B.Ed. holders into primary schools. FIRs were filed against several candidates who peacefully protested against this injustice, threatening their future prospects for government employment.
Kashyap stated that Baij should never forget that during the Congress regime, when the issue of education workers, especially D.Ed. candidates, erupted in protests on the streets, the then Congress government, instead of choosing dialogue and resolving the issue, resorted to confrontation and force, using the guise of the administration to resort to lathicharge. Clarifying the situation regarding the Assistant Teacher Recruitment 2023, Mr. Kashyap stated that the state government is fully concerned about the quality of education in government schools and the future of qualified candidates. Quality education and protecting the interests of new candidates are our priorities. As per the court's directive, in the fifth phase of the Assistant Teacher Recruitment process, D.Ed. candidates were included in the recruitment process in place of 2621 B.Ed. qualified teachers. Following the government's directive, a total of 2615 posts were filled, of which 1319 candidates were found eligible and have been issued appointment letters.
He clarified that in the fifth phase of the Teacher Direct Recruitment 2023 recruitment process, D.Ed. qualified candidates were included in the recruitment process to replace 2621 B.Ed. qualified assistant teachers who had been terminated, as per the Honorable Court's directive. As per the government's directive, 2615 candidates were provided the opportunity for appointment in place of 2621 candidates in the fifth phase of the recruitment process. 1,319 candidates qualified for the recruitment process and have been issued appointment letters. Lower-ranked candidates are now demanding the release of the sixth round of the list to fill the remaining 1,302 vacant positions. Mr. Kashyap stated that in the fifth round of recruitment, the cutoff rank for the general category was 6,666, for the Scheduled Castes was 10,990, for the Scheduled Tribes was 72,852, and for the Other Backward Classes was 9,193. The candidates demanding the release of the sixth round of the list are below the cutoff rank in their respective categories. If the sixth round of the list is released, the cutoff ranks for all categories could drop even lower, as follows: General Category – 10,324, Scheduled Castes – 12,697, Scheduled Tribes – 78,002, and Other Backward Classes – 11,499. Now there is a strong possibility that the appointment of candidates with very low ranks will have a negative impact on the future and educational level of the students studying in government schools.
Kashyap, highlighting the new recruitment and future plans, noted that more than two years have passed since the Direct Recruitment 2023 exam was conducted. During this period, thousands of newly qualified and eligible candidates from across the state have been awaiting the new recruitment exam. Our government's primary goal is to maintain the quality of education. Currently, the department is recruiting for 4,708 teaching positions, including 2,000 specifically for assistant teachers. We are committed to providing opportunities to new and more qualified candidates.

Devotion is now emerging as the new identity of youth, and inspired by this, "Bhajan Clubbing" is being organized in the capital Raipur on February 28, 2026. The poster for this event was released by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai . He said that such events play an important role in connecting youth with Indian culture, devotion, and spiritual values. The event is being organized under the auspices of Samajik Chetna Manch and has received special support from the Chhattisgarh Government's Culture Department, Public Relations Department, and ISKCON .

Raipur, February 19 . The Jal Jeevan Mission has realized the dream of tap water for every household in Tharakpur village, 25 kilometers from the Mungeli district headquarters in Chhattisgarh. Under the mission, a pipeline was laid in Tharakpur and tap connections were provided to every household. This has ensured not only the availability of potable water in the village, but also improved the quality and regularity of the water. Now, clean drinking water is reaching every household in the village. This has changed the story of Tharakpur.

The picture of Tharakpur, which once struggled with a drinking water crisis, has completely changed today. There was a time when long queues at hand pumps for water, crowds of villagers with pots and buckets, and the village faced water scarcity during summer. Previously, the entire village relied on eight hand pumps for drinking water. Due to falling water levels in summer, these hand pumps often failed, forcing villagers, especially women, to fetch water from distant water sources.

Ganga Yadav of Tharakpur says that earlier, young children had to be left at home to fetch water from a distant hand pump. It was very troublesome in the summer. Now, with a tap installed in the house, there is plenty of water available, and life has become easier. The Tap Water Scheme is saving women their hard work and time, which they can now use for family, childcare, and other creative pursuits. This has brought smiles to the faces of the women there. In Tharakpur, the Jal Jeevan Mission has become not just a water system, but a medium of health, convenience, and respect. Clean water has reduced diseases and improved the standard of living of the villagers.

Raipur, February 19. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai has given instructions to empower women in self-help groups financially. In this regard, Pinky Soni, a resident of Gram Panchayat Manora in the Manora development block of Jashpur district, is associated with a women's self-help group under the Bihan Yojana. After joining the group, she learned about government schemes and received the opportunity to move towards economic self-reliance.

Pinky dreamed of expanding her grocery business. To realize this dream, she took out a Swayamsiddha loan of ₹70,000 under the PM Mudra Loan and expanded her shop. The expansion not only increased her income but also strengthened her customer trust and reach.

Pinky Soni says that joining the group has brought positive changes to her life. She learned about Chhattisgarh government schemes and gained the confidence to become self-reliant.

Today, Pinky has become a strong financial support for her family. Her hard work and the support she received from the Bihan Yojana have led her to self-reliance. She thanked Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai for this.

Raipur, February 19 (HS). Governor Ramen Deka paid his respects to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary on Thursday. He extended his greetings and best wishes to all the countrymen. The Governor paid his respects to Shivaji by lighting a lamp and offering a wreath before his statue in Tatyapara, Raipur.

Governor Deka said that despite limited resources, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established a strong and welfare state through his indomitable courage, vision, and organizational ability. His administrative structure was based on justice, transparency, and accountability. The organizing committee honored the Governor on this occasion by presenting him with the Maratha Warrior Honor memento.

MLA Purandar Mishra, Sunil Soni and members of the organizing committee were present on this occasion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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