Emphasis on improving the quality, uniformity and utility of government data

Raipur, Chhattisgarh (AP) — The second state-level training workshop on "Data Harmonization" was successfully organized today under the auspices of the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Chhattisgarh. The workshop's objective was to ensure the quality, uniformity, and reliability of government data by coordinating its collection, management, and use.

Addressing the programme, Additional Director of Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Shri Narayan Buliwal said that standardization and coordination of data of various departments is very important for policy making, effective implementation of schemes and evidence-based decisions.

Several technical and policy sessions were held during the workshop. These included detailed presentations on the concept of data harmonization, the Operational Guidelines for Managing the Entire Data Lifecycle of Official Statistics (Master Toolkit), Unique Identifiers and Classification Systems, and the NMDS 2.0 Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India.

Experts also shared information on the Statistical Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) and the Digital Dwar platform developed under CHiPS. These presentations introduced participants to modern processes for data quality assessment, standardization, and digitization.

In the afternoon session, participants held an interactive exercise, including a group discussion on the possibilities of data linkage between various departments. Participants identified potential data integration points and agreed on a future plan of action and timelines.

Officials and technical experts from various departments actively participated in the workshop, sharing their experiences and suggestions. This workshop proved to be an important initiative towards further strengthening data-driven good governance in the state.

Mineral department takes major action against illegal sand mining in Shivnath river, three chain mountain machines seized

Raipur, In accordance with the directives of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the Mineral Department's campaign against illegal sand mining in the state is continuing. Central Flying Squads and district-level investigation teams are continuously monitoring mining areas in various districts and taking prompt action against illegal activities.

Following the instructions of the Secretary and Director of the Mineral Department, a joint team of the Central Flying Squad conducted a surprise inspection in Bilaspur district at midnight and took major action. During the inspection, illegal sand mining was discovered in the Shivnath River in the villages of Udaibandh and Amaldiha under Pachpedi tehsil. Three chain mountain machines were found engaged in illegal mining. Upon seeing the investigation team, the machine operators abandoned the machines and fled.

The Mineral Department took immediate action and seized and sealed two chain mountain machines in Udaibandh village and one in Amaldiha under Section 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Notices were issued for their response and posted on the main entrances of the machines.

During the action, the officials of the Mineral Department have said that strict action will continue against illegal activities causing revenue loss to the government.

Government on alert amid increased demand, uninterrupted supply of petrol and diesel across the state

Raipur, / Regarding the availability of petrol and diesel in Chhattisgarh, the state government has declared the situation completely normal and said that there is sufficient stock of fuel in the state and there is no need for the common consumers to panic. Currently, 3 crore 28 lakh 68 thousand liters of petrol and 7 crore 75 lakh 71 thousand liters of diesel are available in the state. The Director of the Food Department held a review meeting with all the oil companies today and has given instructions to ensure the supply of petrol and diesel on priority to those petrol pumps where there is a situation of shortage of stock.

It is noteworthy that the state government has clarified that there are adequate reserves of petrol and diesel in the state and there is no shortage. Citizens have been urged not to panic buy or hoard unnecessarily due to rumors or misinformation. The government has ensured all necessary arrangements so that consumers can easily access petrol and diesel as needed.

Food Department officials stated here today that a total of 2,516 petrol pumps operate across the state to supply petrol and diesel. Due to a sudden surge in demand on May 13th and 14th, petrol purchases increased by 43 percent and diesel purchases by 22 percent. Meanwhile, demand for diesel is also steadily increasing in rural areas due to agricultural activities.

Officials said that in view of the increased demand, petrol and diesel are being continuously supplied to the districts from the oil companies' depots located at Lakhauli and Mandirhasaud (Raipur) and Gopalpur (Korba). To maintain normalcy, the depots were operated even on Sunday holiday and fuel was supplied to various districts through about 370 tankers. Officials said that fuel is being sent as per the demand from all the depots of the oil companies in two shifts daily.

Villagers received significant relief, with farmers registered on Agristack.

Raipur, Under the guidance of Collector Mr. Amit Kumar, a Good Governance Camp was organized in Jhapra Gram Panchayat in Sukma district as part of the Good Governance Festival. A large number of villagers attended the camp and benefited from various government schemes and administrative services.

District administration officials directly interacted with villagers, listened to their problems, and resolved many on the spot. They were also provided with information about government schemes, application procedures, and required documents.

In the presence of Sukma Tehsildar Mr. Girish Nimbalkar, Sarpanch Mrs. Munni Madkami, and Deputy Sarpanch Mr. Praveen Barse, various certificates were distributed to eligible beneficiaries. Eight caste certificates, 12 residence certificates, eight Kisan Kitabs, and two mutation orders were distributed at the camp, providing significant relief to villagers, students, and farmers.

A significant achievement of the camp was connecting farmers to digital services. Five farmers were registered on Agristack. This will enable farmers to easily access digital agricultural services and various government schemes in the future.

Villagers expressed happiness at the quick solutions and availability of various services at one place in the camp. They said that such camps enable essential work to be completed in the village itself, saving both time and expense.

These camps, organized under the Good Governance Festival, are proving to be an effective initiative in ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach the last person and that the problems of the villagers are resolved quickly.

This will prove to be a milestone in the development of tribal areas: Minister Shri Netam

The campaign will run from May 18 to 25.

Raipur, As per the instructions of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, under the Janjati Garima Mahotsav, a campaign based on the theme 'Jan Bhagidari Sabse Door, Sabse Pehle' was launched today at the state level. This campaign is being conducted by the department under the guidance of Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam. On this occasion, Minister Shri Netam said that Janjati Garima Mahotsav will prove to be a milestone in the 100% development of the tribal settlements of the state. He said that the development of tribal areas has an important role in the vision of the country's successful Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of a developed India by the year 2047.

He said that just as a strong building can be built on a strong foundation, similarly, the development of 100% tribal settlements will play a strong role in the vision of a developed India. Chhattisgarh has established itself as a leading state at the national level due to its outstanding performance in the PM Janman, Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan, Adi Kamyogi Abhiyan, and the Sarve Setu app. Therefore, we must remain a leader in the implementation of this campaign and achieve its core objectives.

The campaign is being continuously monitored under the leadership of Principal Secretary of the Tribal Development Department, Mr. Sonmani Bora, and Commissioner, Mr. D. Rahul Venkat. This campaign is scheduled to be held in the state from May 18th to May 25th, 2026. Today, on the first day, an orientation program was held at the district level. The campaign's key objectives were explained in detail, and a call was made to ensure its success through mutual coordination.

It is noteworthy that the main objective of this campaign is to ensure effective access of government schemes and services to tribal communities and to promote public participation. Under the campaign, a comprehensive publicity campaign will be conducted at the state level. In this, public hearing programs will be organized in the Adi Seva Kendras built under the Karmayogi Abhiyan, including ground contact, service saturation, health awareness, etc. Along with this, the complaints received in the public hearing will be listed and resolved and a progress report of all the activities done under the above mentioned public participation campaign will be prepared and uploaded daily on the Adi Prasaran portal.

In the state, tribal beneficiaries are to be saturated with the government's individual schemes by running intensive public awareness programmes in 1544 villages selected under PM Janman Yojana, 6691 villages selected under Dharti Aaba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan and through 7222 Adi Seva Kendras. Along with this, public hearings are also to be organised in each Adi Seva Kendra. Under this campaign, in order to achieve 100% saturation of the government's public welfare schemes in tribal villages, along with prompt resolution of the complaints and problems received, information about the public welfare schemes run by various departments will be made available to the general public.

Industry Minister Shri Lakhanlal Devangan reviewed the works of the Municipal Corporation.

Raipur: Commerce, Industry, Public Enterprises, Excise and Labour Minister Shri Lakhanlal Devangan, while giving directions to the officials today, said that due to the unavailability of bitumen arising due to the war in Middle East Asia, the work of asphalting of roads is not being started, whereas the process of sanctioning the amount and tendering etc. has been completed long ago, hence, after discussion at high level, find an alternative way and improve the condition of the roads. He told the officials that the construction work of drains and sewers must be completed before the rains, bring the required speed in the development works and take strict action against the construction agencies which are showing negligence in the work, blacklist them.

Industry Minister Shri Lakhanlal Devangan gave the above instructions to the officials during the review meeting of development works held in Korba today. Minister Shri Devangan today held a meeting of the officials and ward councillors of Kosabadi, Pt. Ravishankar Nagar and Balco Zone of Municipal Corporation Korba and reviewed the development works of 28 wards of these three zones ward wise. Mayor Smt. Sanjudevi Rajput, Commissioner Shri Ashutosh Pandey, Chairman Shri Nutan Singh Thakur, Senior Councillor Shri Narendra Devangan, Ashok Chavalani and other ward councillors were present during the meeting. Taking the arrival of rainy season and non-completion of road asphalting work seriously, Industry Minister Shri Devangan directed the officials and said that there is not much time left for the rains to arrive, the approval for asphalting of all the major roads of the corporation area has been received long ago, the tender process etc. has also been completed, work orders have also been given but due to the war in Middle East Asia, asphalt is unavailable everywhere, as a result of which the asphalting work of roads is stopped in Korba also, while guiding the officials he said that they should discuss at a higher level and find an alternative way and improve the city roads so that the city residents do not have to face problems in commuting during the upcoming rainy season. While reviewing the unstarted development works ward wise, Industry Minister Shri Devangan gave strict instructions to the officials to issue notices to the concerned construction agencies and get the works started immediately. Similarly, during the review of the ongoing development works, it came to light that some works were stopped midway. On this, Industry Minister Shri Devangan took a strict stand and directed the officials to issue notices to the concerned construction agencies to start the work. If the work is still not started by them, then their security deposit should be confiscated and action should be taken to blacklist them.

Industry Minister Shri Devangan told the officials that during the execution of development and construction works, the concerned engineers should continuously monitor the works, pay special attention to the quality and finally ensure that the development works are executed with complete quality and the materials used in the work are as per the prescribed standards.

State currently has 3.29 Crore litres of petrol and 7.76 crore litres of diesel available

Government on alert amid rising demand; uninterrupted fuel supply being maintained across the state

Raipur, Chhattisgarh government assured that the availability of petrol and diesel in the state remains completely normal and that there is adequate stock of fuel available. At present, the state has around 3.28 crore litres of petrol and around 7.75 crore litres of diesel in stock.

Hence, citizens have been appealed not to be influenced by rumours or misinformation and to avoid panic buying or unnecessary stockpiling.

In this regard, Director of the Food Department on Monday held a review meeting with all oil companies and directed them to ensure priority supply of petrol and diesel to those petrol pumps where stock shortages may arise. The government has ensured all necessary arrangements so that consumers can easily access fuel as per their requirements.

Officials of the Food Department informed that a total of 2,516 petrol pumps are operational across the state for the supply of petrol and diesel. Due to a sudden surge in demand on May 13 and 14, petrol purchases increased by 43 % while diesel purchases rose by 22% . Diesel demand in rural areas has also been increasing continuously due to agricultural activities.

Officials further stated that in view of the increased demand, fuel is being continuously supplied to districts from oil company depots located at Lakholi and Mandir Hasaud in Raipur, and Gopalpur in Korba. To maintain normal supply conditions, depots remained operational even on Sunday holidays, and fuel was supplied to various districts through nearly 370 tankers. Oil company depots are dispatching fuel daily in two shifts according to demand, officials added.

Raipur: Acting on inputs regarding illegal sand excavation, the Central Mineral Flying Squad and District-level inspection teams recently conducted a surprise midnight inspection in Bilaspur district and seized three chain-mounted machines engaged in unlawful mining activities in the Shivnath River.

The action comes as part of the state government’s intensified drive against illegal sand mining being carried out under the directions of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai. The Mineral Department, under the guidance of the Department’s Secretary and Director, has been conducting continuous monitoring across mining zones through central and district-level enforcement teams to curb illegal extraction and prevent revenue loss to the state exchequer.

According to officials, the joint inspection team carried out raids in village Udaibandh and Amaldiha under Pachpedi tehsil of Bilaspur district, where illegal sand mining through heavy machinery was found underway in the Shivnath River. The machine operators fled the location immediately after spotting the inspection team, leaving the machinery behind.

The Mineral Department subsequently initiated action under Section 21 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. Two chain-mounted machines were seized and sealed in village Udaibandh, while one machine was seized in Amaldiha. Notices seeking explanations were also issued and affixed on the surface of the seized machines.

During the operation, officials of the Mineral Department stated that strict action against illegal activities causing revenue loss to the government will continue in the future as well.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai extended a warm welcome to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami.

The 26th Central Zonal Council meeting will be held in Jagdalpur on May 19 under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah.

The meeting will give a new direction to inter-state coordination, security and development.

Raipur/Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said that May 19, 2026, will be recorded as an important and historic day in Bastar's history. For the first time, the 26th meeting of the Central Regional Council is being held in Jagdalpur, chaired by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah, and attended by Chief Ministers of various states.

Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai warmly welcomed Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who arrived in Chhattisgarh to attend this important meeting. During the meeting, Chief Minister Sai also held meaningful discussions with both Chief Ministers on various contemporary issues.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that this high-level meeting, being held for the first time in Bastar, is a matter of pride and confidence for the region. Bastar, once grappling with the challenges of Naxalite violence, is today establishing a new identity of peace, security, and development. At this time, the presence of senior leadership from across the country and Chief Ministers of various states symbolizes Bastar's changing face and growing confidence.

Chief Minister Shri Sai expressed confidence that this meeting will provide new strength to inter-state coordination and will also play a historic role in building a developed, safe and self-reliant Bastar.

Chhattisgarh Gets Major Technology Push in Emergency Response and Scientific Investigation

Advanced Dial-112 service expanded from 16 to all 33 districts

As many as 400 emergency vehicles, 33 surveillance units, 60 highway patrol vehicles and 32 mobile forensic vans deployed

Raipur, May 18, 2026/ In a significant step towards strengthening public safety through advanced technology and evidence-based policing, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah on Monday launched Chhattisgarh Police’s next-generation CG Dial-112 emergency response service and flagged off a fleet of modern mobile forensic vans at Mana Police Parade Ground in Raipur.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh, Director General of Police Shri Arun Dev Gautam, MLAs, public representatives and senior police officials were present on the occasion.

The initiative aims to strengthen emergency response systems, expand scientific investigation capabilities and modernise law enforcement infrastructure in the State in line with the new criminal laws.

During the programme, the Union Home Minister flagged off 400 advanced Dial-112 emergency response vehicles and 32 mobile forensic vans for deployment across the State. Additionally, 33 specialised surveillance vehicles and 60 highway patrol vehicles were also launched to strengthen field-level monitoring and emergency response operations.

Launched under the theme “Ekke Number, Sabbo Bar”, the upgraded Dial-112 system integrates police, fire and medical emergency services under a single platform to ensure faster and more coordinated assistance during emergencies.

Operational since 2018, the Dial-112 service has now been expanded to all 33 districts of Chhattisgarh from its earlier coverage of only 16 districts. The new and upgraded system has been technologically enhanced to provide quicker response and greater operational efficiency.

As part of the technological upgrade, Artificial Intelligence-based location identification technology has been integrated into the system, enabling authorities to accurately identify the real-time geographical location of people in distress.

The service will operate round the clock through GIS-based monitoring systems, advanced vehicle tracking systems, SIP trunk technology and automatic caller location identification mechanisms. All 33 district coordination centres across the State have been connected to the integrated network for seamless communication and coordination.

To ensure uninterrupted operation of emergency calls and data systems, a second control centre based on an alternate backup mechanism has also been activated at Police Headquarters in Nava Raipur in addition to the primary control centre at Civil Lines. In the event of any technical disruption or disaster, the new facility will automatically function as a backup control centre.

The 400 newly deployed emergency response vehicles have been equipped with smartphones, GPS systems, wireless radios, PTZ cameras, dash cameras, mobile NVR systems and solar backup facilities, enabling live monitoring, real-time tracking and faster communication during emergency operations.

Citizens will be able to seek emergency assistance not only through conventional voice calls but also through distress signal services, SMS, e-mail, web portals, WhatsApp, AI-enabled communication systems, chatbot facilities and the SOS-enabled 112 India mobile application.

Interacts with families of bravehearts lost in anti-Maoist operations, assures all possible support

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai salutes courage and sacrifice of jawans

Raipur, 18 May 2026/ Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Monday visited Amar Vatika in Jagdalpur and paid tribute to more than 1,000 security personnel who lost their lives in the fight against Maoism in Bastar.

Paying homage to the fallen personnel, Shri Shah said the sacrifices made by our jawans in restoring peace, security and development in Bastar will always be remembered. The sacrifice of the bravehearts who laid down their lives for the country will never go in vain, adding that both the Centre and State governments remain committed to establishing lasting peace, expanding development to the last mile and completely eliminating Maoism from the region.

During the visit, Union Home Minister met family members of jawans Shri Kalendra Prasad Nayak and Shri Pawan Kumar Mandavi, who were killed in a Maoist attack in Bijapur. Sitting with the bereaved families, Shri Shah shared their grief, offered condolences and assured them of all possible support from the government. He also interacted with the jawans and appreciated their courage, commitment and service in difficult conditions.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said Chhattisgarh will never forget the sacrifice of its bravehearts adding that the state government is working with full sensitivity towards the welfare, dignity and security of families of the jawans who lost their lives. Bastar is moving towards a new phase of peace, trust and development, with security forces playing a major role in the transformation.

Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Jagdalpur MLA Shri Kiran Deo, public representatives and senior police and administrative officials were present on the occasion.

Interacts with families of bravehearts lost in anti-Maoist operations, assures all possible support

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai salutes courage and sacrifice of jawans

Raipur, 18 May 2026/ Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Monday visited Amar Vatika in Jagdalpur and paid tribute to more than 1,000 security personnel who lost their lives in the fight against Maoism in Bastar.

Paying homage to the fallen personnel, Shri Shah said the sacrifices made by our jawans in restoring peace, security and development in Bastar will always be remembered. The sacrifice of the bravehearts who laid down their lives for the country will never go in vain, adding that both the Centre and State governments remain committed to establishing lasting peace, expanding development to the last mile and completely eliminating Maoism from the region.

During the visit, Union Home Minister met family members of jawans Shri Kalendra Prasad Nayak and Shri Pawan Kumar Mandavi, who were killed in a Maoist attack in Bijapur. Sitting with the bereaved families, Shri Shah shared their grief, offered condolences and assured them of all possible support from the government. He also interacted with the jawans and appreciated their courage, commitment and service in difficult conditions.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said Chhattisgarh will never forget the sacrifice of its bravehearts adding that the state government is working with full sensitivity towards the welfare, dignity and security of families of the jawans who lost their lives. Bastar is moving towards a new phase of peace, trust and development, with security forces playing a major role in the transformation.

Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Jagdalpur MLA Shri Kiran Deo, public representatives and senior police and administrative officials were present on the occasion.

Union Home Minister Inaugurates Shaheed Veer Gundadhur Seva Dera in Netanar; Digital Governance Reaches Every Doorstep

Raipur, May 18, 2026/ Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah on Monday visited the CRPF camp at Netanar village in Bastar district, where he inaugurated the Shaheed Veer Gundadhur Seva Dera (Public Facilitation Centre), marking a significant step in bringing citizen-centric services closer to people in previously Naxal-affected regions.

During his visit, Shri Shah interacted with women from Self Help Groups undergoing training at the tamarind processing centre. Learning about how they are increasing their income through tamarind sales and value addition, he also tasted Bastar’s tamarind and remarked warmly that its flavour was “not sour, but sweet,” appreciating the region’s distinct produce.

Members of the Gundadhur Women Self Help Group informed the Union Minister that they are engaged in producing high-quality tamarind pulp through scientific processing techniques. Group member Smt. Lambi Nag shared that by associating with the initiative, she expects to earn up to Rs 1 lakh annually, opening new avenues of financial empowerment for rural women.

Shri Shah later visited the Seva Setu Centre, where he met Smt. Sukhdevi, a resident of Netanar village. She informed him that she had just obtained an Aadhaar card for her five-month-old daughter Padma. Earlier, villagers had to walk nearly 10 kilometres to Nangur to access Aadhaar services. With the opening of the local centre, residents can now avail facilities such as new Aadhaar registration, Aadhaar updates, KYC services, mobile number updates, and e-Aadhaar facilities within the village itself.

At the centre, Smt. Sonamani shared that she had long wanted to complete her e-KYC process under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana but was unable to do so due to the distance involved. The establishment of the village-level facility enabled her to complete the process on the same day.

The Seva Dera has emerged as a comprehensive digital governance platform, offering villagers access to a range of online services under one roof. Residents can conveniently obtain certificates related to birth, income, caste and other essential documents without travelling long distances.

The centre is also providing Bank Sakhi training to women, enabling them to offer banking services within villages. Through Bank Sakhis, rural women will be able to facilitate cash deposits and withdrawals, open accounts for Self Help Groups, complete KYC procedures, update mobile numbers linked with bank accounts and support SHG credit linkage activities.

The Union Home Minister also interacted with women trainees at the sewing training centre, where both basic and advanced stitching skills are being imparted. Trainee Ms. Vijay Kumari said that the skills acquired through the programme would enable her to support her family’s livelihood more effectively.

Shri Shah also held discussions with rural women at the paddy deki training centre. The initiative is expected to enhance women’s income through rice sales while ensuring productive use of rice husk as nutritious cattle feed, thereby creating a sustainable rural economic model.

The visit reflected a visible transformation in Netanar, once regarded as a Naxal-affected area and now emerging as a symbol of development and digital inclusion, where governance is reaching the very doorstep of citizens.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Chief Secretary Shri Vikassheel and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.