The two-day Ministerial Contemplation Camp was organized jointly by the Department of Good Governance and Convergence, Government of Chhattisgarh, and IIM Raipur. This is being held for the third consecutive year.

Scholars from across the country come to lecture on various topics and share their views on issues such as good governance, transparent and accountable governance. The state has benefited greatly from the Chintan Shivirs held over the past two years.

-Shri Vishnu Dev Sai,
Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh

Discussions on digital governance, emerging technologies, agricultural prosperity and leadership development

Previous Chintan Shivirs resulted in innovations like e-Office, Chief Minister Helpline 1076 and Seva Setu

Raipur: The objective of Chintan Shivir 3.0 is to prepare a strong foundation for visionary policy-making for a developed Chhattisgarh by making governance and administration more effective, modern, transparent and people-friendly. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai said that the Chief Minister, members of the Council of Ministers and eminent experts of the country said this while extensively brainstorming on various dimensions of governance in the two-day Cabinet Chintan Shivir organized under the joint aegis of the Department of Good Governance and Convergence and IIM Raipur at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Chintan Shivir is not just a forum for discussion, but has also become a medium for continuous improvement and innovation in the work culture of governance. The government has effectively implemented the suggestions received from the last two editions, the positive results of which are clearly visible in the state's administrative system today. He said that the primary objective of this camp is to move forward by focusing on technology, transparency, accountability, and public concerns in governance.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that on the first day of Chintan Shivir 3.0, detailed sessions were held on important topics such as leadership development, good governance, emerging technologies, and agricultural prosperity. Renowned spiritual thinker Gaur Gopal Das shared his views on leadership, emotional balance, service, and the moral responsibilities of public representatives. He described value-based leadership and sensitive administration as the most important requirements for effective good governance.

Addressing the session on "Emerging Technologies," NITI Aayog Member Prof. Abhay Karandikar elaborated on the potential for making governance more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric through artificial intelligence (AI), digital public infrastructure, 5G, drones, geospatial technology, blockchain, and data-driven governance. He also discussed the opportunities available to Chhattisgarh for technology-enabled service delivery, innovation, job creation, and digital inclusion.

In the agriculture-themed session "Prosperity through Agriculture," agricultural economist Dr. Ramesh Chand and agricultural expert T. Vijay Kumar shared their experiences on natural farming, climate-resilient agriculture, crop diversification, value addition, market linkages, and technology-based agricultural reforms. The experts highlighted successful models from various states across the country and offered practical suggestions for increasing farmers' incomes, strengthening the rural economy, and making agriculture more competitive. Ministers and senior officials also participated in group brainstorming sessions.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that based on suggestions received from previous brainstorming sessions, the e-office system was implemented in the Secretariat, making the file processing process faster, transparent, and timely. Similarly, important innovations like the Chief Minister's Helpline 1076 and Seva Setu are also the result of this brainstorming process. Today, through Seva Setu, more than 520 services from 36 departments are being made available online to citizens, providing simple, quick, and transparent services to the public.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai expressed confidence that the suggestions received from Chintan Shivir 3.0 will set new standards of good governance, technology-based administration, agricultural reforms, departmental coordination and public service. He said that to build a developed Chhattisgarh in line with the resolution of Developed India 2047, the government will continue to encourage innovation, knowledge, technology and effective policy-making and the ideas emerging from the Chintan Shivir will soon be implemented in the form of concrete policy and administrative initiatives.

Under the joint aegis of the Good Governance and Convergence Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, and IIM Raipur organised a two-day Chintan Shivir – Leardeship and Policy Retreat – for Ministers. This is the third consecutive year that the programme is being held.

Scholars and experts from across the country participate in the Chintan Shivir to deliver lectures on a range of subjects and share their insights on themes such as good governance, transparent administration, and accountable governance. The Chintan Shivirs organised over the past two years have yielded significant benefits for the state.

– Shri Vishnu Deo Sai
Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Fertilizer Minister Shri J.P. Nadda.

Raipur/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda for allocating 46,500 metric tonnes of additional DAP to Chhattisgarh.

The Chief Minister said that this decision, taken with the guidance of respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the special support of Union Minister Shri Nadda, is extremely important for the farmers of the state. This will greatly help in providing timely fertilizers to farmers during the Kharif season.

Chief Minister Mr. Sai stated that during a recent meeting with Union Minister Mr. Nadda in New Delhi, he had requested additional DAP for Chhattisgarh to meet the Kharif season's needs. The Union Minister had assured positive cooperation, prioritizing the interests of farmers, resulting in the state receiving an additional DAP allocation.

The Chief Minister said that the state already had adequate urea availability, and now the additional DAP has ensured adequate fertilizer availability for the Kharif season. This will ensure farmers will not face any difficulties regarding fertilizer availability, and agricultural operations will continue smoothly.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the state government is giving top priority to the interests of farmers and ensuring that they have timely access to all essential agricultural inputs, including DAP and urea. He said that the double-engine government is working with full commitment to the welfare of farmers and strengthening the agricultural sector.

Raipur, July 5, 2026: Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai planted a sapling as part of the "One Tree for Mother" campaign on the second day of the "Chintan Shivir 3.0" event held at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Nava Raipur. Members of the Council of Ministers also planted saplings on the occasion, promoting environmental protection and public participation.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam" campaign is an important effort to strengthen social sensibilities along with environmental protection. He called on the people of the state to join this campaign and plant trees. He said that the state government is continuously encouraging public participation-based environmental protection campaigns to build a green and developed Chhattisgarh.

Raipur, July 5, 2026/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai planted a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign on the second day of Chintan Shivir 3.0 at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Nava Raipur. Members of the Council of Ministers also planted saplings, reinforcing the message of environmental conservation and public participation.

Shri Sai said the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign is an important initiative that promotes environmental conservation while strengthening social values. He urged the people of the state to join the campaign by planting saplings and said the state government is continuously encouraging public participation-based environmental initiatives to build a greener and more developed Chhattisgarh.

Raipur, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday felicitated meritorious students who excelled in the state board examinations at the district and state levels during the Meritorious Students Felicitation Ceremony held at the Sakti District Office. Presenting mementoes to the students, he congratulated them on their achievements and wished them a bright future.

Interacting with the students, Shri Sai enquired about their career aspirations and future goals. Students expressed their ambition to become Collectors, Superintendents of Police, Chartered Accountants, doctors and professionals in other fields. Appreciating their confidence and aspirations, the Chief Minister said that dedication, discipline, continuous learning and hard work are the true keys to success, adding that those who pursue ambitious goals with sincerity ultimately achieve them.

He said the state government is continuously strengthening quality education, modern learning resources and holistic student development to ensure every student in Chhattisgarh gets the opportunity to realise their potential and contribute to nation-building. He also urged students to uphold moral values, social responsibility and a spirit of serving nation alongside academic excellence.

Among those present on occasion included In-charge Minister Shri Guru Khushwant Saheb, MP Smt. Kamlesh Jangde, Collector Shri Amrit Vikas Topno, Superintendent of Police Shri Prafull Thakur, other public representatives, officials, employees and a large number of citizens.

Raipur . Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai and the instructions of Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, various schemes are being effectively implemented to promote livelihoods in forest areas and economically empower forest management committees. In this regard, the Kasoli Forest Management Committee of the Geedam range of the Dantewada Forest Division has set an inspiring example of increasing income through fish farming. 

By producing 400 kg of fish, an income of about 80 thousand rupees is earned.

The pond was constructed in compartment number 1338 of Kasoli village in the 2025-26 fiscal year. Subsequently, the Forest Management Committee released one kilogram of fingerlings (fish seeds) into the pond about 10 months ago. As a result of planned care and management, the pond has now produced approximately 400 kilograms of fish, with a market value of approximately 80,000 rupees.

The committees are being made self-reliant by linking them with livelihood activities.

As directed by Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Forest Management Committees are being connected to livelihood-based activities to make them self-reliant. Schemes like fisheries are not only increasing the income of villagers but also creating new employment opportunities locally. This is simultaneously accelerating forest conservation and rural economic development.

Raipur  On the occasion of the national launch of the Vikasit Bharat Ji-Ram-Ji (VB-GRAM-G) scheme, a district-level public conference and launch programme was organised in Gram Panchayat Sonaidih under Bamhnidih development block of Janjgir-Champa district. During this, the live telecast of the national launch and address given by Union Rural Development, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan from Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh was seen and heard through virtual medium. Public representatives, officials, villagers and a large number of workers participated in the programme.

Addressing the program, District Panchayat President Engineer Satyalata Anand Miri said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, effective work is being done towards the overall development of villages and ensuring that the benefits of schemes reach the last person. She said that the pledge of a developed India will only be realized through public participation, and every citizen has an important role in this.

He said that through the Vikasit Bharat Ji-Ram Ji Yojana, rural workers will now have access to 125 days of employment and a daily wage of ₹300. This will increase the income of rural families, strengthen the village economy, and give new impetus to the creation of a self-reliant rural India.

The District Panchayat President stated that the implementation of the scheme will be carried out with complete transparency. Priority will be given to water conservation, water enrichment, and the creation of sustainable assets, which will ensure the protection of natural resources and sustainable development in rural areas.

District Panchayat member Mrs. Mohan Kumari Sahu said that the scheme will provide villagers with more employment opportunities at the local level, which will reduce migration and give a new direction to village development. District Panchayat President Mrs. Manisha Chauhan said that through the scheme, every village will be connected to the mainstream of development and basic facilities will be expanded.

Mr. K.K. Chandra, Mrs. Rupa Singh Dev, Mrs. Uttara Sidar, Mrs. Amita Lahare, Mr. Suresh Sahu, and Mr. Gokul Jaiswal also expressed their views at the program. At the end of the program, all those present resolved to realize the vision of a developed India and to play an active role in the overall development of villages.

On this occasion, Chief Executive Officer of District Panchayat, Shri Gokul Raote, Chief Executive Officer of Janpad Panchayat, public representatives, officers, rural citizens, members of women self-help groups and a large number of workers were present.

Raipur ). The Chief Minister's Helpline 1076, operated under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, is emerging as a reliable medium for quick, sensitive, and effective resolution of common citizens' problems. The timely resolution of the problem of student Aradhana Singh, a resident of village Kariya in Surguja district, is an inspiring example. An error in the date of birth on her Aadhaar card was affecting her higher education and future prospects. However, after registering a complaint on the Chief Minister's Helpline, the problem was quickly resolved through the administration's proactive initiative.

Aradhana Singh was preparing for college admission after completing her 12th grade. During document verification, she discovered that her date of birth on her Aadhaar card was incorrect by approximately three years, hindering her further educational process, including college admission. She attempted corrections at various levels, including the Aadhaar Service Center and the post office, but due to a lack of proper guidance and knowledge of the required procedures, the problem remained unresolved.

Meanwhile, her family filed a complaint with the Chief Minister's Helpline 1076. Upon receiving the complaint, the concerned officials contacted the student, gathered complete information, and explained the prescribed procedure for correcting her date of birth. They provided guidance through the entire application process, including the necessary documents, affidavit, and birth certificate.

Following the administration's guidance, Aradhana Singh prepared the necessary documents and resubmitted her application to the Aadhaar Service Center. Prompt action was taken on the application and within about a week, her revised Aadhaar card was issued, completely correcting the date of birth error.

Expressing her happiness at the resolution of her problem, Aradhana Singh said that she will now be able to continue her higher education without any obstacles and confidently appear for competitive examinations. She added that without the support of the Chief Minister's Helpline, her problem would not have been resolved so quickly.

Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the district administration, and the concerned officials, Aradhana Singh said that the Chief Minister's Helpline 1076 is a very useful and reliable system for ordinary citizens. She appealed to the public to use the Chief Minister's Helpline for any government-related issues, where complaints are being resolved with sensitivity and timeliness.

Jammu: The holy Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026 formally commenced on Thursday. The first batch of pilgrims left for the darshan of Baba Barfani from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu at around 4 am.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the pilgrimage for the pilgrims. Chants of "Bam Bam Bhole" and "Har Har Mahadev" filled the entire complex with a devotional atmosphere.

This year's 57-day Amarnath Yatra will run from July 3 to August 28 (Raksha Bandhan). Pilgrims will reach the holy cave via both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. The first batch included only those pilgrims who had pre-registered online, obtained RFID cards, and completed the e-KYC process.

According to the administration, nearly four lakh pilgrims have already registered for the pilgrimage this year. All necessary arrangements, including security, health, transportation, accommodation, drinking water, and help desks, have been made to ensure a safe and smooth journey.

Additional security forces have been deployed on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and the entire Yatra route is being monitored from the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC).

Meanwhile, the enthusiasm of devotees for the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is steadily increasing. As of July 1st, more than 1.45 million pilgrims have visited Badrinath and more than 1.375 million have visited Kedarnath.

The number of devotees visiting Badrinath has increased rapidly since the third week of June and has now surpassed Kedarnath.

The administration has appealed to the devotees to follow all weather and safety related guidelines and to travel as per the prescribed rules.

Raipur. Former state president of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), Ravi Bhagat, has resigned from the primary membership of the BJP. His resignation went viral on social media on Wednesday, sparking a flurry of discussions in Chhattisgarh's political circles. However, he cited only personal reasons in his resignation and did not mention any other controversy.

Ravi Bhagat, from the Lalunga area of ​​Raigarh district, wrote in a brief letter addressed to BJP Mandal President Ramesh Hota that despite being a worker from a small village, the party gave him recognition and respect, for which he is grateful. He stated that he was resigning from the party's primary membership due to personal reasons. A copy of his resignation has also been sent to the BJP's national president, state president, and district president.

Attempts were made to contact Ravi Bhagat, but he remained unanswered. This three-line resignation letter, which has gone viral on social media, has sparked various political speculations.

In fact, this isn't the first time Ravi Bhagat has been in the news for differences with the organization. In July 2025, the BJP state office issued him a show-cause notice. The allegation was that he had made comments on social media that were contrary to party policies and organizational discipline. The party demanded an explanation within three days and warned of action if an unsatisfactory response was received.

Ravi Bhagat has been raising questions about the use of District Mineral Trust (DMF) funds for some time. He has repeatedly expressed his displeasure on social media and public platforms regarding alleged irregularities in the use of the funds. His resignation has once again sparked political debate about these issues and ongoing activities within the party.

Raipur. After 21 years of closure due to Maoist violence, schools in the Pidia area of ​​Bijapur district are now bustling with children. Under the ongoing development and good governance campaign led by Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, 11 closed schools in the Pidia area have reopened. This will provide 539 children from 11 villages with the opportunity to receive education in their own villages.

At the Praveshotsav program held at Pidia, District Panchayat President Janaki Korsa began the program by worshipping Goddess Saraswati. Children were welcomed with tilak (a sacred thread) and were distributed school bags, notebooks, pens, slates, and other educational materials. Education ambassadors were also provided with necessary registers and educational materials. A large number of villagers, parents, and public representatives attended the program.

Schools in the villages of Pedia, Pedapal, Chhotegotodi, Kuem, Madpal, Undri, Idenar, Donditumnar, Mirganghotool, Gampur, and Tamodi were closed years ago due to Maoist violence. Now, with these schools reopening, children will no longer have to travel to remote areas for education.

District Education Officer Rajesh Pandey said that under the special campaign, a total of 37 closed schools, including 20 primary and 17 upper primary schools, have been reopened in the district so far this year. Buildings, drinking water, electricity, and other basic facilities are also being developed in these schools.

Collector Vishwadeep stated that providing education to every child in the district is the administration's top priority. Closed schools are being reopened in a phased manner in areas where peace has now settled. The reopening of schools in Pidia after 21 years is not only a return to education, but also a symbol of development, trust, and a strong beginning for a new future in a changing Bastar.

Raipur. The SIT's investigation into the alleged theft of offerings at the Ram Temple is yielding new revelations every day. Now, a box labeled "Ramrajya Kosh" has been recovered from the yoga center of accused Avinash Shukla in Kaushalpuri, giving the investigation a new twist.

The box also contained a picture of Lord Ram, a website, and a Paytm QR code. However, it remains unclear what the box was used for and where the money deposited in it was going.

During the investigation, ₹20.39 lakh in cash and 1,121 US dollars were recovered from Avinash. Meanwhile, Bhaskar Singh of Varanasi claims that he owns the Ramrajya Kosh organization and that he placed the box there. He says that the bank account linked to it is still active, but the QR code is old and inactive.

Given the seriousness of the case, the SIT's mandate has been extended until July 15. Eight accused have been arrested so far, and approximately ₹8 million in cash, gold, silver, and investment-related documents have been recovered.

Meanwhile, Jyotirmath's Shankaracharya, Avimukteshwarananda Saraswati, has called the entire incident a conspiracy and accused the trust's treasurer of being protected. All eyes are now on the SIT's next action and new revelations.

Raipur. The wait for thousands of candidates in Chhattisgarh is finally coming to an end. A major decision was taken at the Higher Education Department's review meeting in Nava Raipur, which approved the direct recruitment process for 700 vacant assistant professor positions.

Higher Education Minister Tankaram Verma has instructed officials to ensure the recruitment process is not delayed and to begin action immediately. This is no less than great news for the youth who have been waiting for recruitment for a long tim

It was also decided at the meeting that the appointment of regular principals in all government graduate colleges would be completed by July 31. Assistant professors appointed before 2019 will receive promotion benefits under the old rules, and a list of senior and advanced pay scales will also be released soon.

There are also indications of improvements in the service conditions of guest professors. Furthermore, a decision has been made to recruit Assistant Grade-3 and Class-IV employees through the State Staff Selection Commission

A "90-hour, 90-day" English communication program will be launched for students in rural and tribal areas, while the National Education Policy will now be implemented in postgraduate courses. The department has also placed special emphasis on financial discipline, transparency, and administrative reforms.