Jashpurnagar. To ensure that farmers do not face any problems during the sowing of Kharif crops, adequate stock of chemical fertilizers and certified seeds has been arranged in all the cooperative societies of Jashpur district. 

The Agriculture Department has appealed to farmers not to pay heed to any rumours and to purchase fertilizers and seeds from their nearest cooperative society at the government-fixed price. Deputy Director of Agriculture MR Bhagat said that a total of 5056.740 metric tonnes of chemical fertilizers are currently available in the district. This includes sufficient stock of 2283.140 metric tonnes of urea, 1401.050 metric tonnes of DAP, 524.540 metric tonnes of NPK, 467.500 metric tonnes of super phosphate and 380.510 metric tonnes of muriate of potash. In addition, to promote balanced and modern use of fertilizers by farmers, 5,124 bottles of nano urea and 6,421 bottles of nano DAP, a total of 11,545 bottles, have also been made available at cooperative societies.

Providing information on seed availability, the Agriculture Department stated that 1454 quintals of paddy, 88 quintals of pigeon pea, 457.64 quintals of black gram, 10 quintals of groundnut, 8.14 quintals of ramtil, and 0.72 quintals of sesame certified seeds are available in the district through cooperative societies and the Agriculture Department. The Agriculture Department has urged farmers to purchase fertilizers and seeds as per their needs from their nearest cooperative society. The department has clarified that there is no shortage of fertilizers and seeds in the district and that adequate availability of all essential agricultural inputs has been ensured. The Deputy Director of Agriculture has appealed to farmers to purchase fertilizers and seeds only at the government-prescribed rates and to avoid unnecessary hoarding or misleading rumors. He stated that the Agriculture Department is fully committed to providing quality agricultural inputs to farmers in a timely manner so that sowing and production of Kharif crops are not affected.

Raipur In Chhattisgarh, the Agriculture Department and the Chhattisgarh State Seed and Agricultural Development Corporation provide free mini-kits of certified improved seeds to farmers. GAM-5 is an excellent and high-yielding mung bean variety that matures in 60-65 days and is resistant to yellow mosaic (YMW) disease. To promote mung bean sowing, the Agriculture Department is providing certified mung bean seeds to farmers at a subsidized rate. Under the Agriculture Department's ATMA scheme, continuous guidance and technical support is being provided to farmers in the region to connect them with modern farming techniques and promote advanced agricultural practices. In this regard, a local farmer in Ambikapur, with the support of the Agriculture Department, has set a new example in the region by sowing improved mung bean seeds.

Under the ATMA scheme, ATM (Agricultural Technical Manager) Anju Adile and BTM (Block Technical Manager) Kanchan Kushwaha provided the farmer with free seeds of the improved mung bean variety GAM-5. Under the supervision of departmental officials, the farmer sowed the seeds in his field using the line sowing method. During sowing, agricultural experts also shared detailed technical information with the farmer regarding field preparation, seed treatment, sowing at appropriate spacing, and crop management.

Sharing his experience, the farmer explained that line sowing is far more beneficial than traditional farming (the broadcast method). This modern technique ensures uniform and balanced plant growth. Crop care and weeding become easier. Plants receive adequate sunlight and air, greatly reducing the likelihood of pest and disease infestations. The farmer expressed hope that this technique will significantly increase both crop production and quality.

Mung bean is a pulse crop that matures in a very short period. It's low-cost, yet has the potential to provide farmers with a better income. According to the farmer, receiving free improved seeds and timely technical guidance through the ATMA scheme has further strengthened his confidence in adopting modern farming. Expressing gratitude to the Agriculture Department, the farmer said that the officials' constant guidance and encouragement are inspiring other farmers in the area to adopt new agricultural techniques. He is confident that this initiative will prove to be a great source of inspiration for other farmers in the region in the future.

Raipur - Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma presented National Quality Assurance Standards Certificate to eight health institutions of the district in a program organized in Kawardha. On this occasion, he said that the aim of the state government is to provide quality and accessible health services to every citizen. He said that National Quality Assurance Certification is not just an achievement but a proof of better functioning of health institutions and sensitive services towards patients. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma presented National Quality Assurance Standards Certificates to Ayushman Arogya Mandir Palansari, Minminiya, Gochhiya, Virendranagar, Gaurmati, Dharamgarh, Gendpur and Ranjitpur. 

Sixty government health institutions in Kabirdham district have achieved significant health care achievement by receiving the National Quality Assurance Standards certification. This certification is a testament to the excellent quality of health services and patient-centered care provided by these institutions. It is awarded to institutions that meet rigorous standards for service provision, patient rights, support services, diagnostic services, infection control, and quality management.

National Quality Assurance Standards require healthcare institutions to undergo extensive preparations according to a prescribed checklist. District and state-level teams then inspect the institution, reviewing documents, conducting interviews, assessing cleanliness, availability of essential medicines and testing kits, building condition, water and electricity supply, and patient facilities. Only after achieving a score of more than 70 percent in each standard can an institution apply for national-level certification on the Saksham portal.

In the financial year 2025-26, the state government had given the target of preparing 73 health institutions of the district for certification. Against this, Kabirdham district has achieved the first position in the state by starting the work of quality improvement in 91 government health institutions (125 percent). Out of these 91 health institutions, National Quality Assurance certification of 60 institutions has been completed, while the results of 12 institutions are pending and preparations are going on in 19 institutions. In these, certification of District Hospital, Community Health Center Pandariya, one urban primary health center, five primary health centers and 52 sub health centers has been completed.

After being certified by the National Quality Assurance Standard, an incentive of Rs 2.16 lakh is provided to sub-health centres, Rs 3 lakh to primary health centres, while Rs 10,000 per bed is provided to community health centres and district hospitals every year for three years. This amount is used for upgrading health institutions and providing better facilities to patients. On this occasion, District Panchayat President Shri Ishwari Sahu, District Panchayat Member Shri Ram Kumar Bhatt, Dr. Virendra Sahu, Shri Nitesh Agrawal, Municipal Council President Shri Chandra Prakash Chandravanshi, Municipal Council Vice President Shri Kailash Chandravanshi, Collector Shri Gopal Verma along with public representatives, officers-employees and a large number of citizens were present.

Raipur  The Swami Atmanand Government Excellent English Medium School, Jamgaon (M), located in Patan development block of Durg district, was held in an enthusiastic and dignified atmosphere. The chief guest of the program was Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai. Organized in the august presence of School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav, the program was attended by Durg Rural MLA Shri Lalit Chandrakar, Saja MLA Shri Ishwar Sahu, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Khadi and Village Industries Board Shri Rakesh Pandey, Chairman of Oil Mill Development Board Shri Jitendra Sahu, School Education Secretary Dr. Kamalpreet Singh, Durg Division Commissioner Shri Satyanarayan Rathore, Inspector General of Police Shri Abhishek Shandilya, Commissioner of Comprehensive Education Smt. Kiran Kaushal and Collector Shri Abhijeet Singh. A large number of public representatives, officials, parents and students also participated in the program.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai and the guests warmly welcomed the children taking admission in the school for the first time by applying tilak and offering them sweets. He distributed books and uniforms to the selected students of class 1st, 6th and 9th and gave cycles to the eligible girl students of class 9th. The newly admitted students of class 1st included Bhupendra Singh Pahadi, Parth Yadav, Veer Chandrakar, Vivaan Thakur, Yash Markande, Dali Sinha, Divyanshi, Lavanya Sahu, Lishika Chandrakar and Manvi Sen. While wishing all the children, the Chief Minister said that they should study diligently and bring glory to the society and the state with their knowledge, talent and values.

Addressing the program, Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai stated that education is the key to development and the state government is committed to providing quality education to every child. He emphasized that education is not just a means to obtain a government job, but also the strongest foundation for social service, nation-building, and success in life. He explained that several innovative initiatives are being implemented in the state, such as smart classes, timely distribution of books and uniforms, additional nutritious meals, regular parent-teacher meetings, and invitation feasts. Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the state currently operates 15 medical colleges and 24 Nalanda campuses have been developed. A 200-seat hostel has been established for students studying in Delhi. He added that after rationalization, no school in the state is without a teacher, and new educational centers are being developed in remote areas, including Bastar. An education hub is being developed in Jagargunda, which will provide better opportunities for quality education to the children there. Referring to the ancient Gurukul tradition, he said that the importance of education has always been paramount, and the state government strives to ensure that no child in the state is deprived of education. Chief Minister Shri Sai said that through the National Education Policy-2020, implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, special emphasis is being placed on inculcating values, skills, and employment-oriented education along with academics. In the last two and a half years, many innovations have been made in the field of education, and the future will be the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In the coming time, smart classes will be started in 9,000 schools across the state. The Chief Minister informed that a 200-seater Tribal Youth Hostel is being operated in Delhi for tribal youth preparing for competitive examinations, where 13 students have succeeded in prestigious examinations like the UPSC this year. He urged parents to connect their children with education and motivate them to take competitive exams. 

School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav said that the state government is implementing numerous innovations to continuously improve the quality of education. The Education Quality Campaign has yielded positive results, and board exam results have also been remarkable. He said that computer education is being developed in all schools in the state in a phased manner. Special efforts are being made to improve Hindi proficiency at the primary level, English proficiency at the middle level, and mathematics proficiency. He also informed that more than 8,000 toilets are being constructed for girls. 

Durg district received four major gifts of education and sports infrastructure.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai made four important announcements at the event to strengthen the education and sports infrastructure in Durg district. He announced the construction of a modern composite office building to replace the Education Department's JD, DEO, and BEO offices, a fully equipped auditorium in Durg city, a football field and athletics track for sports talent, and the establishment of 100-seater boys' and girls' hostels for students preparing for NEET and JEE. Students who excelled at the state level in the 2025-26 National Means Cum Merit Scholarship Examination were honored at the event. Among them, Ms. Payal Rajni (PM Shri Vidyalaya, Kumhari) secured first place in the state, Naitik Amte (PM Shri Vidyalaya, Kumhari) secured seventh place, and Ms. Shraddha Indoria (SEGES, Janjgiri) secured tenth place in the state. The Chief Minister and guests honored them and wished them a bright future.

Raipur Desk. The 16-year wait is finally over. Spain has won the 2026 World Cup. In the final played in New Jersey, Spain defeated defending champions Argentina 1-0. No goals were scored for the entire 90 minutes, but in extra time, Ferran Torres scored a goal that made Spain the world champions once again

With this victory, Spain lifted the World Cup trophy for the second time since 2010. Argentina's dream of becoming champions for the second consecutive time was shattered.

With the victory, Spain not only won the trophy but also a record prize money of $51 million, or approximately ₹440 crore (approximately ₹440 crore). Runner-up Argentina received approximately ₹293 crore (approximately ₹293 crore).

This time, FIFA distributed approximately ₹7,500 crore in prize money among 48 teams. Notably, no team returned empty-handed from the tournament. FIFA also covered all the teams' participation, preparation, travel, and accommodation expvide.

Chhattisgarh is becoming stronger through good governance, farmer welfare and social harmony: Chief Minister Sai

* Announcement of Rs 15 lakh for the community hall of Jharia Yadav community in Raipur.

* Inauguration of the newly constructed community hall in Baroda village.

Raipur/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai has said that the state government is working tirelessly with the resolve to ensure the development of every section of society, prosperity of farmers, empowerment of women, transparent good governance and preservation of cultural heritage. He said that the double engine government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has strengthened public confidence by fulfilling most of the Modi guarantees in two and a half years.

Chief Minister Shri Sai was addressing the Jharia Yadav community's grand convention and community hall inauguration ceremony held in Baroda village in the capital Raipur today. On this occasion, he announced Rs 15 lakh for the Jharia Yadav community's community hall in Raipur and also inaugurated the newly constructed community hall in Baroda village.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Yadav community carries forward Indian culture, life values, and a rich tradition of cow service. Following the ideals of Lord Krishna, this community preaches the message of religion, service, and social harmony. He said that an organized and aware society is the foundation of a strong nation, and such social gatherings provide a new direction for social reform and social unity.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that in the very first cabinet meeting after the formation of the government, a historic decision was made to approve 1.8 million Prime Minister's Housing. 32,000 Prime Minister's Housing has been approved for Scheduled Tribes (PVTGs), bringing the benefits of development to the last person in society.

* Farmers will get Rs 3100 per quintal of paddy

The Chief Minister said that the state government is purchasing paddy from farmers at a rate of Rs 3,100 per quintal. Farmer welfare is a top priority for the government, and effective steps are being taken to make farming profitable.

* Economic empowerment of women through Mahatari Vandan Yojana

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that through the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, an amount of one thousand rupees is being transferred every month to the accounts of mothers and sisters of the state. This scheme has provided new strength to the economic empowerment of women and increased the financial security of families.

* A new era of peace and development in Bastar

The Chief Minister said that Naxalism was once the biggest obstacle to Bastar's development, but now a new environment of peace and development has been created there. Facilities like roads, education, health, housing, and employment are expanding rapidly, and the mainstream of development is reaching even the last village.

* Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana honours faith

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Chhattisgarh is the maternal home of Lord Shri Ram. Through the Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana, more than 50,000 devotees have had the opportunity to visit Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya. He said that the government is working on the principle of "development as well as heritage."

* Good governance and digital services are making life easier for the people

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that Chhattisgarh is the first state in the country to establish the Department of Good Governance and Convergence. Processes are being rapidly digitized to ensure transparent, accountable, and timely government services. Citizens can register their complaints 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through the Chief Minister's Helpline 1076. Approximately 8,000 officers and employees from various departments have been integrated into a four-tier system for quick resolution of complaints. Additionally, Atal Digital Seva Kendras are being established in every Panchayat, providing citizens with one-stop access to various certificates and government services.

MLA Shri Anuj Sharma, Shri Ramkumar Yadav, State President of Chhattisgarh Jharia Yadav Samaj Shri Jagnik Yadav, Shri Bhagat Singh Yadav, Smt. Asha Santosh Yadav along with office bearers of the society from across the state and a large number of people from the society were present in the program.

Raipur. The Chhattisgarh High Court has provided significant relief to those seeking caste certificates. The court stated clearly that if other family members, such as the father or sister, already hold a permanent caste certificate, the application cannot be rejected simply because the document is not from before 1950.

The case involved two siblings from Bilaspur district who had applied for permanent caste certificates. The administration returned their applications, stating that they did not have records prior to 1950 that documented their ancestral caste.

The High Court found this approach arbitrary, stating that the fact that the father and sister already possessed valid permanent caste certificates could not be ignored.

The court directed revenue officials to reconsider the application in accordance with the law and issue an order with reasons within 60 days. It also stated that additional documents may be requested if necessary, but returning the application without a valid reason is wrong.

The decision is expected to provide relief to thousands of people whose caste certificates were stuck due to lack of old reSa.

00 Chhattisgarh's cultural heritage gets national honour: Chief Minister Sai
Raipur. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai expressed happiness over the documentary film Ram-Nami, based on the rich heritage of Chhattisgarh's unique Ramnami community, getting the national honour of best documentary in the 72nd National Film Awards and called it a matter of pride for the entire state.Chief Minister Shri Sai extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the film's director, Shri Bharatbala Ganpati, and the entire team for this remarkable achievement. He stated that this honor represents significant national recognition of Chhattisgarh's rich folk culture, spiritual traditions, and cultural heritage. The Chief Minister stated that the unique tradition of the Ramnami Samaj is a living symbol of faith, dedication, and Indian cultural values. This documentary has effectively presented this heritage to the nation and the world.

Chief Minister Shri Sai expressed confidence that this honour will play an important role in giving a new identity to the folk traditions of Chhattisgarh, cultural heritage of tribal and folk communities and the diverse cultural identity of the state at the national and international level.

Raipur. As part of a major infrastructure package, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 17 inaugurated and dedicated to the nation 75 redeveloped railway stations under the flagship Amrit Bharat Station Yojana. This is the Prime Minister's second major nationwide dedication of stations redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Yojana. Previously, on May 22, 2025, the Prime Minister dedicated to the nation 103 redeveloped Amrit Bharat stations across 18 states and union territories.
These newly redeveloped stations have been transformed into modern, passenger-focused transit hubs. They now feature improved amenities and easy accessibility, while their architecture reflects local and regional heritage. Furthermore, structural changes have been made to address future needs. Located in 20 states across the country, these 75 new stations have been redeveloped at a total cost of approximately ₹1,570 crore. The stations dedicated to the nation by the Prime Minister included three stations in the state of Chhattisgarh under South East Central Railway namely Sarona, Balod and Champa and three stations in the state of Madhya Pradesh namely Chhindwara, Nainpur and Balaghat.
The detailed information about the above stations is as follows:-
3 stations in the state of Chhattisgarh under South East Central Railway
Balod: Highlights the strength of agriculture and the traditions of weaving.

Champa Junction: Showcases regional connectivity and agricultural heritage.
Sarona: Showcases growing connectivity and local weaving traditions. Chhindwara,
a three-station station in the state of Madhya Pradesh under the South East Central Railway
, celebrates the heritage of forests.
Nainpur Junction: Honors its historic railway heritage.
Balaghat: Incorporates tribal art traditions and forests.

The Ministry of Railways launched the Amrit Bharat Station Yojana (ABSS) in December 2022. This is a long-term, phased master-planning initiative that aims to redevelop railway stations as modern city centers, rather than simply giving them a makeover. So far, redevelopment work has been completed at 261 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Yojana. The plan is to redevelop 1,340 railway stations across the country in phases, with work underway at the remaining stations in various stages.

00 32 students of Kshitij Coaching performed brilliantly in NEET-UG-2026
Raipur. Students from remote and rural areas of Sukma district have set a new example in the field of education with their talent and hard work. 32 students of the free Kshitij JEE-NEET Coaching Centre run by the district administration have brought laurels to the district by crossing the qualifying cutoff of NEET-UG-2026. Out of these, 13 students have a strong possibility of getting admission in MBBS in government medical colleges.

Free coaching gives wings to the dreams of students from tribal and rural families.
Preparing for national-level medical entrance exams wasn't easy for these students from tribal and rural families in Sukma. In such a situation, the Kshitij Coaching Centre, run by the district administration, offered a new hope. Here, students received quality, free coaching from expert faculty, regular guidance, and better exam preparation. Through hard work and the guidance of their teachers, the students successfully cleared the challenging NEET-UG exam. Forest and District In-Charge Minister Mr. Kedar Kashyap congratulated them on this achievement and wished them a bright future.
Quality education under the guidance of the administration:
This achievement is the result of the district administration's continuous efforts in the field of education. Under the able leadership of Collector Mr. Amit Kumar and the guidance of District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mukund Thakur and District Education Officer Mr. G.R. Mandavi, the students were prepared for national-level competitive exams. Experienced teachers Suraj Singh, Sonam Singh, Nidhi Chauhan, and Rajneesh Patel from the training provider, Camp Academy, prepared the students through regular classes, subject-wise guidance, and exam strategies.
Success boosts students' confidence.
The success of Kshitij Coaching Center students has also fueled enthusiasm for higher education and competitive exams among other students in the district. Students from remote areas have proven that talent is independent of region or resources. With the right guidance, better opportunities, and consistent hard work, even students from remote villages can achieve national-level success. This is a boost
to youth confidence and a move toward a better future.

The district administration congratulated all the successful students, their parents, and teachers in NEET-UG-2026 and wished them a bright future. This achievement by Kshitij Coaching Center is an inspiring story of the positive change taking place in the field of education in Sukma. Students from this district, who once faced difficult circumstances, now dream of becoming doctors and are moving forward with determination towards achieving them. This success symbolizes the renewed confidence of Sukma's youth and their strides towards a better future.

Raipur NEET Protest: Raipur. Following the removal of social activist Sonam Wangchuk from Delhi's Jantar Mantar, youth in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, demonstrated in her support and on the paper leak issue on Sunday. A large number of youth braved the rain at Ambedkar Chowk, raising slogans with placards and posters. They also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Demographics

The youth who participated in the protest stated that repeated paper leaks are affecting the future of millions of students. They demanded the central government make the examination system completely transparent and accountable. They also demanded strict action against those responsible for the NEET paper leak. They also raised their voices for ensuring fairness in recruitment and entrance examinations.

Questions about steps taken in the interests of students

Protesters stated that moral responsibility should be fixed for irregularities in paper leak cases. Recently, Sonam Wangchuk also went on a hunger strike demanding reforms to address alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, paper leaks, and the education system. The government should take effective and lasting steps to protect the interests of students so that the credibility of any future examinations is not questioned. Police remained deployed at the protest site. However, the situation remained completely peaceful throughout the event, and no untoward incidents occurred. Student and youth organizations vowed to continue raising their voices democratically regarding their demands.

00 A new crop of prosperity grows on barren land
Special Article - Dhananjay Rathore, Joint Director, and Shashiratna Parashar, Deputy Director, 
Raipur. The Chhattisgarh Tribal, Local Health Traditions, and Medicinal Plants Board is running a special scheme in various rural areas, including Raipur. Under this scheme, medicinal plants like Sindoori, Satawar, and Ashwagandha are being provided free of charge to women in the backyards of unused houses, providing them with a regular income at home. Several inspiring initiatives have been seen by women in Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh, to grow medicinal plants using barren land and even sewage water. These efforts are not only turning barren land into greenery, but also providing women with self-reliance and improved health.

Where once there was barren land, medicinal plants now flourish. Where women were once confined to traditional farming, today they are writing a new chapter of self-reliance by earning lakhs of rupees. This is not just a success story of one district, but a model of rural development, women's empowerment, better use of natural resources, and agricultural innovation that has attracted the attention of the entire country. Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh has emerged as a national model for the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic crops. Here, such a coordination of agriculture, livelihood, environment, and rural economy is seen that realizes the concept of a developed India and self-reliant villages.

From Traditional Farming to Innovation:
Dhamtari is an agricultural district. The majority of its population has relied on rice-based farming. Although rice production is the hallmark of the district, limited income, natural hazards, and unused land had long posed challenges. The sandy land along the Mahanadi River, erosion-prone areas, and unused land belonging to gram panchayats were not being utilized economically. At this time, the district administration decided to transform these challenges into opportunities. The vision was clear: if crops with sustainable market demand, low costs and high profits are grown on unused land, a major transformation in the rural economy can be achieved.
Visionary Leadership and Coordinated Efforts
: In 2025, under the guidance of Collector Abinash Mishra, the district administration, in collaboration with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (Bihan) and the State Medicinal Plant Board, launched an innovative initiative to cultivate medicinal and aromatic crops. The most significant feature of this campaign was that it was not considered merely an agricultural program, but a comprehensive mission for women's empowerment and rural livelihoods. In the initial phase of the plan, a detailed survey of the district was conducted. Barren land, sandy areas, and low-productive land were identified and the potential for medicinal cultivation there was scientifically evaluated.

Ram Mandir Chanda Chori: Politics heats up over Ram Mandir donation theft; Rahul Gandhi and Kharge write to PM Modi

Ram Mandir Chanda Chori: New Delhi. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft case. The Congress leader has demanded an impartial investigation into the matter. The Congress leader wrote in the letter that millions of devotees who donated their hard-earned money with faith feel betrayed by this theft.

Demand for fair investigation in Ram temple offering theft case

Opposition leaders in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha said the Prime Minister's silence on the issue was unacceptable and urged him to fix accountability and ensure compensation for the losses.

Sharing the letter to the Prime Minister on the social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "Prime Minister, millions of devotees have donated their hard-earned money with faith to the Shri Ram Temple – the theft of donations there is no longer hidden from anyone. Every member of the Trust was selected by your government. Your silence on this theft of donations is unacceptable."

The Congress leader further wrote, "Immediately conduct an impartial investigation, make the full accounts public, and bring the culprits to justice. The credibility of your government now depends on your actions."

Mallikarjun Kharge also wrote on X today on Sunday, 'Our joint letter to PM Modi demanding an impartial and comprehensive investigation into the financial matters of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.'

Sharing the letter sent to PM Modi on July 18 on social media, Kharge wrote, 'Millions of devotees who had donated their hard-earned money with faith, devotion and trust are feeling cheated by this theft.'

What has happened in the case so far?

The theft of donations made to the Ram Temple came to light in the first week of June, and eight people have been arrested so far. Police filed an FIR on June 25th based on a complaint from the trust. Two senior officials of the Ram Temple Trust have

Raipur, July 19 : The Meteorological Department has issued an alert for heavy to very heavy rain and thunderstorms in Raipur, Durg, Bilaspur and Surguja divisions of Chhattisgarh for the next 48 hours due to the low pressure area formed over West Bengal and Jharkhand.

Districts under an orange alert (possibility of extremely heavy rainfall) include Bilaspur, Korba, Janjgir-Champa, Raipur, Gariaband, Dhamtari, Durg, and Bemetara, and districts under a yellow alert (possibility of heavy rainfall) include Surguja, Jashpur, Balrampur, Korea, Surajpur, Raigarh, and Mungeli. The administration has advised people in these areas to remain vigilant, especially in open spaces and during lightning. The continuous rain has caused temperatures to drop by 2°C to 3°C. Record-breaking rainfall in areas like Bilaspur has led to waterlogging on roads and flooding in low-lying areas, disrupting normal life.

The monsoon season in Chhattisgarh has been disappointing so far. According to data, seasonal rainfall has been 25 percent below normal. The state's long-term average rainfall for the entire monsoon season is approximately 1142 mm. According to this standard, the state should have received an average of 380 mm to 400 mm of rain from June 1st to July 18-19th, but only 285 mm to 300 mm of rain has been recorded so far.

The highest rainfall in the last 24 hours was recorded in Kusmi in Balrampur district at 280 mm. Bilaspur and Akaltara received 14 cm each, Pamgarh in Janjgir-Champa at 120 mm, and Pendra in GPM at 100 mm. Raipur city received 5.5 mm of rain, and the Mana Airport area received 7.3 mm.

Raipur, July 19 . The impact of investor-friendly policies, good governance, and administrative reforms under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai is becoming visible at the national level. In the Crisil-Niti Aayog Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) 2026, Chhattisgarh has secured first place among the country's 17 major states in two key investment parameters: regulatory ease and institutional environment. The state has secured second place in environmental resilience.

The Chief Minister's Office reported that Chhattisgarh received a total score of 47.5 in a joint assessment by CRISIL and NITI Aayog. The state ranks ninth among 17 large states in the overall ranking, but its performance on the most important parameters related to investor confidence is the best in the country. The state's growing investor confidence is also evident from the fact that investment proposals worth approximately ₹8 lakh crore have been received in the last 18 months. These include proposals related to future industries such as semiconductors, AI data centers, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agro-processing.

According to IFI-2026, Chhattisgarh scored 8.4 out of 12 on the ease of regulation metric, higher than states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu. This is primarily due to the speedy processes for industrial approvals, NOCs, construction permits, electricity and water connections, and low compliance costs.

The state scored 4.5 out of 6 on the institutional environment metric. Chhattisgarh's superior performance on metrics such as quality of governance, policy consistency, prompt grievance resolution, and effective labor dispute resolution earned it the top spot in this category.

The state scored four out of five in environmental resilience, trailing only Tamil Nadu in this category. Its key strengths include improved preparedness for natural disasters and a safe industrial environment.

Chhattisgarh ranks third among large states in terms of resource availability. It is the second-largest coal and lignite producer in the country. It also scored 5.4 out of 7 on the financial health metric. The industrial sector's 52.8 percent share of the state's gross value added (GVA) indicates a strong industrial economy.

The state offers reliable electricity to industries at competitive rates, and women's workforce participation, at 58.1 percent, is significantly higher than the average for larger states. Legal costs associated with business closures are also among the lowest in the country.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai's government has further simplified the investment process by implementing reforms such as the Industrial Development Policy 2024-30, the Public Trust Act, and the Ease of Doing Business Act 2026. Construction of the country's first AI data center park in Naya Raipur is also progressing rapidly, positioning the state to become a new hub for the digital economy and emerging industries.

Dhamtari, July 19. The PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative Society)-based drone agriculture service model developed in Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh has distinguished itself at the national level. At the 17th Foundation Day celebrations of the Common Service Center (CSC) e-Governance Services India Limited held in Kolkata, Dhamtari's innovative model was praised as an excellent example of effectively expanding technology-based agricultural services in rural areas and providing modern facilities to farmers.

Under the program, in the agriculture panel discussion organized on the topic of empowerment of PACS for availability of better agricultural services, District Panchayat CEO Jayant Nahata (IAS) gave a detailed presentation of this model of Dhamtari and its future action plan. Many experts of the country related to cooperation, agriculture, drone technology and agri-business participated in the discussion and praised the Dhamtari model. Instead of limiting the PACS committees of the district to just cooperative institutions, they are being developed as rural one-stop agriculture service centers, where modern technology, digital services and benefits of various government schemes will be made available to the farmers at one place.

He informed that liquid fertilizers are currently being sprayed using drone technology through 10 PACS committees in the district. This saves farmers time and labor and ensures scientific and uniform distribution of fertilizers.

The Zilla Panchayat CEO stated that this will increase the use of modern technology in farming, reduce costs, and increase production capacity. In the next phase, agricultural mechanization, drone services, crop surveys, farmer registration, digital services, banking and financial facilities, agricultural advisory, and various farmer-friendly schemes will be integrated through PACS committees, eliminating the need for farmers to visit multiple offices and providing quality services at the village level. During the panel discussion, experts shared their views on modern agricultural practices, the increasing use of drone technology, providing services to farmers through digital platforms, and the role of cooperatives. They stated that drone technology is paving the way for sustainable and profitable farming by increasing agricultural productivity and promoting efficient use of water, fertilizer, and labor. CSC Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) who have achieved outstanding work were also honored at the event.

It is noteworthy that last month, Dhamtari district achieved a historic milestone in the use of modern technology in agriculture by launching drone sprayer facilities at 10 Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative Societies (PACS). This made Dhamtari the first district in the country to provide drone-based agricultural services to farmers through cooperative societies. During a program held at Loharsi Societies, trained drone pilots demonstrated precise spraying of fertilizers and pesticides, demonstrating the benefits of time savings, cost reductions, and improved agricultural management. Drone services are being provided to farmers as needed through the Bodra, Loharsi, Donar, Achota, Kharenga, Bhothidih, Kundel, Gadadih, Jugdehi, and Kareli Societies in the district. The state and central governments are continuously striving to promote agricultural modernization and connect farmers with new technologies.

Farming picks up pace in Dhamtari, farmers demand timely fertilizers, seeds and relief

Dhamtari, July 19 . After two days of continuous drizzle, farming activities picked up across the district as the weather cleared on Sunday. After the rain filled the fields with sufficient water, water has now begun to drain, allowing farmers to quickly begin sowing, plowing, transplanting, and mulching.

Farmers are increasingly active in their fields in most rural areas of the district, including the Dhamtari, Nagari, and Kurud development blocks. Farmers say the recent rains are like nectar for their fields, and if the weather remains favorable, they expect a good harvest this year. However, with the Meteorological Department predicting more rain in the coming days, farmers are keeping an eye on the weather. Farmers who had previously lagged behind in sowing and transplanting due to the lack of rain have now quickly returned to their fields. So far, 288 mm of rainfall has been recorded in Dhamtari tehsil, 272 mm in Kurud, 321 mm in Magarlod, 291 mm in Nagari, 194 mm in Bhakhara, 288 mm in Kukrel, and 294 mm in Belargaon.

The highest rainfall in the district occurred in Magarlod tehsil and the lowest in Bhakhara tehsil. Meanwhile, farmers also highlighted problems related to farming. Panchram Sahu, a farmer from Rampur village in the Kurud development block, said that it is essential to provide fertilizers and seeds to farmers on time so that farming operations can be completed without interruption. Farmer Dinesh Kumar Sahu demanded that agriculture be integrated with the MNREGA scheme, saying this would provide additional relief to farmers and alleviate the burden of rising farming costs. He explained that due to the ever-rising price of diesel, plowing fields with tractors is becoming increasingly expensive. Meanwhile, Manoj Sahu and Birbal Sahu, farmers from Dahi village, said that the cost of farming is constantly increasing, so the government should formulate a comprehensive and effective policy to protect farmers' interests, making agriculture profitable and providing them with financial support.

69.83 percent transplantation and sowing in the district

Deputy Director of Agriculture Monesh Kumar Sahu said that this year the target of farming has been set on 1 lakh 38 thousand hectares in the district. Sowing, sowing and harvesting has been done on a total of 96900 hectares. Sowing has been done on 80.300 hectares, which is 97.46 percent of the target and sowing has been done on only 16600 hectares whereas the target of sowing has been kept at 56370 hectares in the district. The sown crop is now in dire need of irrigation water through rain.

Raipur. The School Education Department will organize the state-level school entrance festival for the academic session 2026-27 on July 20 at Swami Atmanand Excellent English Medium School, Jamgaon (M) located in Patan development block of Durg district. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai will be the chief guest of this program to be held from 12 noon. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in-charge of Durg district Vijay Sharma will attend the program as a special guest, while School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav will preside over the program.

During the programme, Chief Minister Sai and other guests will cordially welcome the children taking admission in the school for the first time by applying tilak and giving them sweets.

The objective of Shala Praveshotsav is to increase enthusiasm towards education among children, ensure 100% enrolment in schools and create a positive environment towards education in the society.

Durg Lok Sabha constituency MP Vijay Baghel, Patan MLA and former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Durg Rural MLA Lalit Chandrakar, Ahiwara MLA Doman Lal Korsevada along with other MLAs and public representatives will be present as special guests in the function.

The School Education Department stated that all preparations for the state-level school entrance ceremony have been completed. The department has appealed to parents, public representatives, and dignitaries to attend the event in large numbers to encourage the children.