Chief Minister Reviews Revenue Department’s Performance at High-Level Meeting

Chief Minister directs officials to develop a system enabling farmers to access B-1, Khasra, Loan Books and other land-related information through WhatsApp

Raipur, chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai chaired a high-level review meeting of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department at Mahanadi Bhawan on July 7. He reviewed the department’s administrative reforms, technology-driven innovations and initiatives to provide simple, transparent and time-bound revenue services to citizens and farmers, and directed officials to ensure their effective implementation.

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the state government’s clear policy is to make the revenue administration transparent, accountable and free from corruption. He emphasised that negligence or irregularities in revenue matters would not be tolerated and that citizens should receive quality services without unnecessary visits to government offices.

The meeting reviewed the progress of the Digital Kisan Kitab and the digitisation of land-related records. The Chief Minister directed officials to develop a system that enables farmers to conveniently access B-1, Khasra, Loan Books, and other land-related information via WhatsApp, eliminating the need to visit Tehsil or Patwari offices. He said that since the Revenue Department is directly connected with the lives of citizens and farmers, the benefits of governance reforms and innovations must reach the last person on time.

The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure prompt and sensitive disposal of cases under RBC 6-4. He said that the proposed online system for RBC 6-4 cases would enable applicants to submit applications online, making the entire process more transparent, simple and time-bound. He also instructed officials to take the necessary steps to process undisputed inheritance mutation cases through Gram Panchayats.

Emphasising the need for speedy disposal of pending revenue cases, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that land demarcation cases are resolved within the prescribed timeline and that district-wise reviews of delayed cases are conducted regularly.

The meeting also reviewed the VASUNDHARA (Verified Accessible System for Unified Digital Land Records & Historical Archives) project. The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure its effective implementation and to make the Nakal Shakha available online, which provides certified copies of documents. Officials informed the meeting that the project would create an integrated digital archive of key revenue records from all district and tehsil offices across the state, enabling certified records to be issued within minutes while significantly reducing the risk of tampering.

The Chief Minister directed that survey work in unsurveyed villages, particularly in the Abujhmad region, be completed within the stipulated timeframe on a priority basis so that updated land records can be prepared and residents can receive the benefits of various government schemes without delay.

The meeting also reviewed the implementation of the SVAMITVA Yojana, the entry and mutation of Forest Rights Act titles, the implementation of the Pattadhriti Adhiniyam 2023, the Agri Stack, the Farmer Registry, and the Exempted Category Farmer Registry. The Chief Minister directed officials to complete all preparations for the digital crop survey and girdawari before the upcoming Kharif season.

Newly appointed officials will give new impetus to the resolve of developed Chhattisgarh: Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai

Raipur: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai has extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the newly appointed officials on the issuance of orders for the appointment of Chairman, Vice Chairman and members in various corporations, boards, commissions, boards, committees and other institutions of the state.

It is noteworthy that Shri Gaurishankar Shrivas has been appointed as the Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Hair Stylist Welfare Board and Shri Devsharan Sen as the member, Dr. Smt. Mamta Sahu as the Chairperson of State Women Commission and Shri Ramlal Chauhan as the Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Scheduled Caste Commission, Shri Vedram Manhare as the Vice-Chairperson and Shri Saurabh Singh Jagrut, Shri Durga Maheshwar and Shri Dayavant Dhar Bandhe as the members.

Shri Anand Nishad has been appointed as the Chairman of Chhattisgarh Fishermen Welfare Board and Shri Netram Nishad as the member, Shri Rajesh Kumar Rajput as the Chairman of Chhattisgarh Sanskrit Vidya Mandal Raipur and Smt. Suman Mutha as the member and Shri Rajendra Nayak as the Chairman of Shakambhari Board and Shri Basant Patel, Shri Premlal Patel, Shri Santosh Patel and Shri Prem Patel have been appointed as the members.

Mr. Sudhir Gautam has been appointed as the Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Education Commission, Mr. Manmath Nath Sharma as a member of the State Child Rights Protection Commission and Mrs. Prasanna Awasthi as a member of the Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation. Dr. J.P. Sharma has been appointed as the Vice Chairman of Raipur Development Authority, Mr. Kishore Mahanand as the Vice Chairman of Chhattisgarh Labour Welfare Board, Mr. Anand Kumar Tiwari (Mr. Rajiv Lochan Das Maharaj) as the Vice Chairman of Cow Service Commission and Mr. Mangal Das Thakur as the Vice Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Scheduled Tribe Commission.

Chief Minister Shri Sai expressed confidence that all the newly appointed officials will give new impetus to the resolve of developed Chhattisgarh by discharging their responsibilities with complete dedication towards public service, good governance and public welfare.

Raipur. Chhattisgarh's Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap has given instructions to ensure 100% compliance of e-office system in all the offices of the Forest Department. He said that as per the instructions of the General Administration Department, the handling of files and mail in the department's headquarters, circle, forest division and all other offices must be done through e-office only. The minister clarified that no physical file will be handled at any level without the prior permission of the department head. All officers and employees should do office work only through e-office, so that the digital system of governance can be fully implemented.

He said that the e-office system will expedite file disposal, make the decision-making process more transparent and accountable, and enable online monitoring of work. This will eliminate unnecessary delays and ensure timely resolution of citizen-related issues. Minister Kedar Kashyap said that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, is committed to promoting good governance, transparency, and technology-based administration. He also directed senior officials to regularly review the 100% compliance of the e-office system in their subordinate offices.

Employment and Housing Day was celebrated in every village of Janjgir-Champa district.
Under the Vikasit Bharat Ji-Ram Ji Yojana, workers will get 125 days of employment and a wage of Rs 300 per day.

Raipur. Employment and Housing Day was organized in all gram panchayats of Janjgir-Champa district. Through the program, villagers were informed about the effective implementation of the Vikasit Bharat Ji-Ram Ji Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural). Eligible beneficiaries were also made aware of various public welfare schemes and encouraged to avail themselves of them.

During Employment and Housing Day, workers were informed that under the Vikasit Bharat Ji-Ram Ji Yojana, eligible rural workers will now be provided employment for up to 125 days in a financial year and paid a wage of Rs 300 per day. This will increase the income of rural families, expand local employment opportunities, and strengthen the rural economy.

During the program, registration of workers seeking employment, e-KYC, pending geo-tagging, review of progress of houses under construction under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural), and on-the-spot resolution of beneficiaries' problems were completed. Officials also gave instructions to expedite the completion of incomplete houses and ensure timely installment payments to approved beneficiaries.

The district administration has directed all district panchayats and gram panchayats to ensure that the benefits of government schemes are made available to eligible families in a transparent and timely manner. The celebration of Employment and Housing Day is expected to further accelerate employment generation, housing construction, and rural development in the district.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Ministers, MPs and MLAs to Attend the Musical Tribute

Raipur, A musical tribute will be paid to the legendary Pandavani exponent, Padma Vibhushan and D.Litt. awardee Dr Teejan Bai, on July 8. Organised by the Department of Culture, the tribute programme will be held at 2:00 PM at the Muktakashi Manch, Mahant Ghasidas Museum premises.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal, other Ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, public representatives, Padma Shri Awardees and state award-winning artists of Chhattisgarh, litterateurs, cultural practitioners and a large number of art lovers will be present on the occasion.

During the programme, renowned folk artists of Chhattisgarh will pay tribute through their performances to the legendary artist who elevated the folk tradition of Pandavani from village courtyards to prestigious cultural platforms across the world. Performances of songs, music, Pandavani, folk singing and other traditional art forms will commemorate her life and artistic legacy. The event is not only a tribute but also a salute to the glorious chapter of Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage shaped by Dr Teejan Bai through her lifelong dedication.

Padma Vibhushan Awardee Dr Teejan Bai passed away on July 5, 2026. Her demise has created a wave of grief not only in Chhattisgarh but also across the country and the global art community.

In recognition of her extraordinary contribution to the arts, she was honoured with the Padma Shri (1988), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1995), Padma Bhushan (2003), the prestigious Fukuoka Prize of Japan (2018), Padma Vibhushan (2019) and an honorary D.Litt., along with several other national and international honours. These awards recognised her outstanding contribution to Indian folk culture at both the national and global levels.

The musical tribute organised by the Department of Culture is a remembrance of her invaluable contribution. Through their performances, folk artists will honour her artistic journey, struggles and the glorious legacy of the Pandavani tradition.

Raipur, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday paid tribute to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee on his 125th birth anniversary, describing his life as an enduring example of patriotism, public service and sacrifice.

Addressing a state-level function at Pt Ravishankar Shukla University, Shri Sai said the country under leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is realising Shri Mookerjee’s vision through measures such as the abrogation of Article 370, Antyodaya-focused development and initiatives to strengthen national unity.

Chief Minister announced that statues of Dr Mookerjee will be installed at all divisional and district headquarters in Chhattisgarh, with Rs 10 crore sanctioned for the project.

Highlighting his legacy, Shri Sai said Dr Mukherjee, who became a university vice-chancellor at the age of 33 and later served as independent India’s first Industry Minister, upheld national interest above all else.

Shri Sai said Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee led a historic struggle against the ideology of “Two flags, two constitutions and two prime ministers in one country” arrangement in Jammu and Kashmir and made the supreme sacrifice for the nation’s unity and integrity. He said the country continues to remember Mookerjee’s sacrifice and commitment to the nation with gratitude.

Shri Sai said that Shri Narendra Modi has ensured due recognition for the country’s glorious history and forgotten freedom fighters, while campaigns such as Har Ghar Tiranga have infused fresh patriotic fervour. He added that the state government has also set up a special gallery dedicated to 14 freedom fighters from Chhattisgarh at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial-Cum-Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum in Nava Raipur.

Shri Sai said the state government is working on the Antyodaya philosophy of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, adding that most of the commitments under Modi Ki Guarantee have been fulfilled in the past two-and-a-half years. Basic infrastructure, including roads, electricity, drinking water, healthcare, education and communication facilities, is being rapidly expanded in Naxal-affected areas under the Niyad Nellanar Yojana, with more than 500 villages covered, over 700 mobile towers installed and a large-scale health screening and treatment drive underway in the Bastar region.

Calling upon the youth to imbibe Dr Mookerjee’s ideals of national service, education, sacrifice and dedication, Shri Sai urged them to contribute to building a Viksit Bharat and a Viksit Chhattisgarh.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Sachchidanand Shukla, Registrar Dr Shailendra Kumar Patel, academicians, teachers, students and other dignitaries were present at the event.

Modern infrastructure will give new impetus to trade, employment and economic development.

The people of the state and the traders will get a modern, well-organized and world-class business complex.

Raipur, July 7, 2026/ The naming and inauguration ceremony of the state-of-the-art new wholesale market developed by the Chhattisgarh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board in Doomratari, Raipur, will now be held on July 8, 2026. State Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai will inaugurate and name this modern commercial complex and dedicate it to the people and traders of the state. The ceremony will be presided over by Shri O.P. Choudhary, Minister of Housing and Environment, Finance, Commercial Tax, Planning, Economic and Statistics.

It is noteworthy that this event was originally scheduled for July 5, 2026, but was postponed due to unavoidable circumstances. The ceremony is now being held on July 8.

It is noteworthy that this state-of-the-art wholesale market, developed on approximately 36 acres of land on National Highway 30, has been equipped with modern facilities to meet the needs of traders. The complex features wide roads, ample parking, smooth traffic flow, well-organized business infrastructure, and essential civic amenities. This market will not only give a new direction to the business development of Raipur and the entire state, but will also provide a new impetus to economic activities.

The Doomratari Commercial Complex has been developed in phases. In the first phase, 536 commercial shops and halls were constructed at a cost of approximately ₹76 crore (760 million rupees), providing traders with modern and well-organized business facilities. In the second phase, 154 independent commercial shops of various categories were constructed with administrative approval of approximately ₹145 crore (1450 million rupees). With the completion of both phases, the state will be gifted with a modern, well-organized, and comprehensive wholesale commercial complex.

This new wholesale market will provide new energy to the state's trade, investment, and industrial activities. It will also create new employment opportunities and play a key role in establishing Raipur as a strong and well-organized business hub. Fulfilling a long-standing need for merchants, this project will provide them with a safe, convenient, and modern business environment.

Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Skill Development, Technical Education and Employment Minister Shri Guru Khushwant Saheb, Raipur MP Shri Brijmohan Agrawal, Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Laxmi Verma, MLAs Shri Rajesh Munat, Shri Motilal Sahu, Shri Purandar Mishra and Shri Sunil Soni, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board Shri Anurag Singh Dev, Raipur Mayor Smt. Meenal Choubey, Chairman of District Panchayat Raipur Shri Naveen Agrawal along with a large number of public representatives, businessmen, dignitaries and officers and employees of the Board will be present in the inauguration and naming ceremony.

The new wholesale market at Doomratari is a powerful example of the Chhattisgarh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board's commitment to quality, innovation, and public service. This project will play a vital role in stimulating trade, investment, employment generation, and overall economic development in the state in the coming years.

Rehabilitation policy offers new opportunity for a respectable life, appointment as peon in Dantewada Collector's Office
Raipur, Under the strong leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the Chhattisgarh government's "Chhattisgarh Naxalite Surrender/Victim Relief and Rehabilitation Policy-2025" has brought new hope to the lives of Naxal-affected families. Under this policy, Deva Mandavi
, a member of a Naxal-affected family from Dantewada district, has been appointed to government service. Deva Mandavi is a resident of village Dhurwapara, Aranpur (Development Block Kuakonda). His father, the late Budhra Mandavi, was affected by Naxal violence. Following the recommendation of the District-Level Rehabilitation Committee and the approval of the Dantewada Collector, Deva Mandavi has been appointed to the post of peon (Class IV) in the Collector's Office (Land Records Branch), District South Bastar, Dantewada. He will soon assume his new responsibilities.
This appointment has been made in accordance with the provisions of a notification issued by the Home (C-Section) Department on March 28, 2025. Upon appointment, they will receive a salary at Pay Matrix Level 1 under the Seventh Pay Commission, dearness allowance, and all other benefits as per government rules.
This initiative by the state government is an important step towards providing economic and social security to families affected by Naxal violence. Through the rehabilitation policy, affected families are getting the opportunity to live a respectable life, permanent employment, and join the mainstream of society. This not only secures their future but also realizes the government's sensitive and public welfare vision.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai paid tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee on his 125th birth anniversary.

Raipur/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, while paying his respectful homage to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee at the state-level function organized at Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University on the occasion of his 125th birth anniversary, said that Dr. Mukherjee's life is a unique example of patriotism, education, sacrifice and the resolve for a united India. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the country is continuously moving forward towards realizing Dr. Mukherjee's dreams. The abrogation of Article 370, development based on the spirit of Antyodaya and many decisions strengthening national unity are historic steps giving concrete shape to his ideas.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that to perpetuate the memory of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, his statues will be installed in all divisional and district headquarters of the state. An amount of Rs. 10 crore has been approved for this purpose.

The Chief Minister said that Dr. Mukherjee was not only a visionary politician but also a remarkable academic. Having held the distinction of becoming a university vice-chancellor at the age of 33, Dr. Mukherjee also made significant contributions as independent India's first Minister of Industry. His commitment to putting national interests first was such that he chose to resign from the cabinet rather than compromise on principles.

He said that Dr. Mukherjee waged a historic struggle against the system of "two flags, two constitutions, and two heads in one country" in Jammu and Kashmir and made the supreme sacrifice for the unity and integrity of the nation. Today, the entire country remembers his sacrifice and patriotism with gratitude.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has worked to honor the country's glorious history and forgotten freedom fighters. Public movements like "Tiranga in every home" have reinvigorated the spirit of patriotism. He added that the state government has also established a special gallery in memory of 14 brave freedom fighters from Chhattisgarh at the Martyr Veernarayan Singh Memorial cum Tribal Freedom Fighter Museum in Naya Raipur.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is working based on the ideas of Antyodaya of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay and Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. In the last two and a half years, most of the promises made by Modi have been fulfilled. Through the Niyyad Nellanar Scheme, basic amenities like roads, electricity, drinking water, health, education, and communication are being rapidly provided in Naxal-affected areas. Infrastructure has been expanded to more than 500 villages, more than 700 mobile towers have been installed, and a comprehensive health screening and treatment campaign is being conducted in the Bastar region.

The Chief Minister appealed to the youth to imbibe the ideals of national service, education, sacrifice and dedication of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee in their lives and play an active role in building a developed India and a developed Chhattisgarh.

On this occasion, Vice Chancellor of Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University, Prof. Sachchidanand Shukla, Registrar Dr. Shailendra Kumar Patel, intellectuals, teachers, students and a large number of dignitaries were present.

Raipur. Monsoon has become fully active in Chhattisgarh with the onset of Ashadh and heavy rains are continuing across the state. Due to continuous rains, rivers and streams are in spate and life has been affected in many areas. According to the Meteorological Department, due to the effect of depression formed near Jharkhand and Odisha, heavy rains are likely at some places in central and northern Chhattisgarh on Monday, July 7. However, after July 8, the intensity of rain may decrease slightly in the entire state. 

Moderate to heavy rainfall was recorded in most parts of the state over the past 24 hours. During this period, the maximum temperature was recorded at 30.8 degrees Celsius in Pendra Road and the minimum temperature was recorded at 21 degrees Celsius in Rajnandgaon.

If we look at the rainfall data, Balodabazar received the maximum rainfall of 20 cm. Apart from this, 18 cm rainfall was recorded in Rajim, 17 cm in Lavan and 16 cm each in Gidhauri, Tundra, Bhatapara. 15 cm each in Baloda, Gobra Navapara and Bilaigarh and 14 cm rainfall was recorded in many areas including Rajnandgaon, Akaltara, Tilda, Chandrapur and Kharora. 8 cm rainfall was recorded in many areas including Raipur city, Dhamtari, Bilaspur, Arang, Champa, Mungeli and Sakti.

The sky is expected to remain cloudy in the capital Raipur on Monday as well. The Meteorological Department has predicted rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds. The city's maximum temperature is expected to be around 28 degrees Celsius.

The Meteorological Department has predicted light to moderate rain in most areas of central and northern Chhattisgarh. A warning has also been issued for isolated heavy rainfall and lightning. Similar weather is expected in the state for the next two days. The administration has urged people to exercise caution when visiting rivers and streams and during inclement weather.

Raipur . Construction of 270 livelihood ponds completed, boosting water conservation and irrigation facilities. By transforming water conservation into a mass movement, the Mungeli district administration has achieved a significant milestone in rural development and agricultural prosperity. Under the continuous guidance of VBG Commissioner Mr. Taran Prakash Sinha and the direction of Collector Mr. Kundan Kumar, the construction of 270 livelihood ponds has been successfully completed in the district. This initiative will prove to be a milestone in providing additional irrigation facilities to farmers, promoting water conservation, and making the rural economy self-reliant. Rainwater will be scientifically harvested in livelihood ponds, ensuring long-term water availability in the fields. This will increase irrigation capacity, boost crop production, and provide farmers with year-round water for agriculture and other livelihood activities.

    Collector Shri Kundan Kumar stated that the district administration's objective is not merely to build structures, but to provide farmers with a strong foundation for long-term livelihoods. Efforts such as water conservation, irrigation expansion, fisheries, and crop diversification will play a crucial role in making farmers self-reliant. These ponds will conserve rainwater and store it near fields. Water that previously flowed into drains and rivers will now be available for irrigation, groundwater recharge, and agricultural use. This will improve groundwater levels and provide relief from the water crisis. 

     The water available in the ponds will provide timely irrigation to pulses and oilseed crops. This will increase the production of gram, lentils, pigeon pea, green gram, black gram, mustard, sesame and other crops. It will also encourage crop diversification, which will increase the income of farmers and reduce natural risks. In ponds where sufficient water will be available throughout the year, fish farming can also be done using scientific methods. This will provide additional source of income to the farmers, nutritious food to the villagers and new employment opportunities will be developed at the local level.

Raipur . The impact of the state government's farmer-friendly schemes and modern agricultural techniques is now clearly visible in the lives of farmers. By adopting advanced agricultural practices and taking advantage of government schemes, farmers are achieving higher production and better income at lower costs. Mr. Bhupesh Kumar Sahu, a farmer from Sonhpur village in Balod district, is an inspiring example. He has strengthened his financial situation by adopting modern farming.

Bhupesh Kumar Sahu previously sowed paddy using the traditional spraying method, which required more seed, labor, and costs. Four years ago, under the guidance of the Agriculture Department, he began sowing with a seed drill machine. Adopting this technology has significantly reduced farming costs. Requiring fewer seeds, saving labor on transplanting, and providing adequate nutrition to the crop through row sowing have increased both production and quality. This results in higher yields in less time and at lower costs.

Along with modern technology, farmer welfare schemes of the central and state governments have also played an important role in increasing their income. Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, they are receiving financial assistance of six thousand rupees per year. And receiving a profitable price of Rs 3,100 per quintal for paddy through the Krishak Unnati Yojana has significantly increased their income. Agriculture department officials periodically inspect the fields and provide information on advanced farming, pest and disease management, and modern agricultural techniques, making farming even more profitable.

Bhupesh Kumar Sahu explains that farming used to be expensive and profitable, but after adopting seed drill technology and benefiting from government schemes, farming has become a profitable source. Now, better production is being achieved at lower costs, and income is steadily increasing. He added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the government's farmer-friendly policies and the continuous guidance of the Agriculture Department have strengthened the confidence of small and marginal farmers in farming, and they are moving towards self-reliance. The state government is continuously working to make agriculture in the state more profitable, sustainable, and prosperous by expanding modern agricultural techniques, providing technical guidance to farmers, and effectively implementing various farmer welfare schemes.

Raipur: Women are receiving financial support through the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, moving towards self-reliance.
Regular monthly assistance is meeting the needs of the family, increasing women's self-confidence.

Raipur. The Chhattisgarh government's ambitious Mahtari Vandan Yojana has emerged as a strong foundation for the economic empowerment of women in the state. Regular financial assistance provided under the scheme not only empowers women to become self-reliant but also provides them with the opportunity to share in the family's financial responsibilities. Millions of women across the state are benefiting from this scheme and playing a vital role in meeting their families' needs.

In this context, the story of Geeta Yadav, a resident of Masaura village in the Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district, demonstrates the positive impact of the Mahatari Vandan Yojana. Under the scheme, she has received a total of 28,000 rupees in 28 installments, providing financial support to her family. Geeta Yadav explains that the 1,000 rupees monthly assistance under the Mahatari Vandan Yojana is proving extremely useful for her family. This amount helps her meet the basic household needs. Previously, she faced financial difficulties in meeting daily needs, but now, with regular assistance, better management of household expenses has become possible, eliminating the need to rely on others for even small needs.

She says that the Mahatari Vandan Yojana has not only provided her with financial support but also instilled confidence. Now, she plays an active and important role in meeting her family's needs. She believes that this scheme is not only empowering women financially but also giving them a sense of respect and self-reliance.

Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Sai and Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade, Geeta Yadav says that the Mahatari Vandan Yojana is proving to be a boon for millions of women and families like her. Regular financial assistance helps women meet their families' needs and they are confidently moving forward toward a better future.

Monthly assistance is making it easier for children to study and pay for school vans.

Mungeli/Raipur. The Mahtari Vandan Yojana, run under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai with the aim of economic empowerment of women and providing economic security to families, is bringing positive changes in the lives of thousands of women in the district. The monthly financial assistance is not only making women self-reliant but is also providing important support in meeting the needs of the family. Sunita Sahu, a resident of Limha village in the district, is also shaping the future of her family by taking advantage of this scheme. The assistance amount of Rs 1000 received every month is giving her the opportunity to spend it on her children's education.

Sunita explained that with this amount, she is able to easily cover her children's school van fare and other educational needs. Previously, managing the children's education expenses was sometimes challenging, but now the regular assistance from the Mahatari Vandan Yojana has provided significant relief. This has allowed the children's education to continue without interruption, and the family's financial situation has become more balanced.

She explained that the amount received under the scheme is small, but due to its regularity, it has become a significant support for the family. This has made it easier to prioritize children's education and has also boosted confidence about the future. Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Sai, Sunita Sahu said that the Mahatari Vandan Yojana is becoming an effective means of women's respect, self-reliance, and family financial strength.

Raipur: Groundwater conservation gains momentum with 'More Village More Water Campaign';
587 loose boulder check dams and 37 gabion structures constructed in Surguja;
rainwater harvesting will increase groundwater levels, providing relief to farmers in irrigation and drinking water to villagers

Raipur. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, extensive water conservation work is being carried out in Surguja district under the 'More Gaon More Pani Maha Abhiyan', which is being run with the aim of giving the shape of a mass movement to water conservation and groundwater enrichment in the state. Through Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA), 587 loose boulder check dams and 37 gabion structures have been constructed in all seven development blocks of the district to ensure groundwater recharge by stopping rainwater in the villages itself. Most of the work has been completed, while the remaining work is in the final stage, so that maximum rainwater harvesting can be ensured this monsoon.

Loose boulder check dams have been approved for 122 projects in the Ambikapur development block of the district, 107 in Lundra, 16 in Sitapur, 34 in Batauli, 136 in Mainpat, 46 in Udaipur, and 126 in Lakhanpur. These structures have been constructed in drains and watercourses, allowing rainwater to be captured and slowly absorbed into the ground. This will increase the groundwater level and ensure that water sources like wells, hand pumps, and borewells remain hydrated for a long time.

'Gabion structures proving effective in fast-flowing areas':
Gabion structures are constructed from stones packed in a strong iron mesh, which remain firmly in place even in fast-flowing streams. They are more durable than typical loose boulder check dams and can adjust to conditions without damage, even with slight subsidence. Rainwater retained in these structures for two to three days allows a greater amount of water to be absorbed into the ground, which accelerates groundwater recharge and effectively controls soil erosion.

"Low-Cost, Durable Structures and Local Employment":
Loose boulder check dams and gabion structures, constructed from locally available stones and limited resources, are low-cost. They use minimal cement and sand, reducing construction costs. These projects, implemented through MNREGA, provide employment to a large number of rural workers within the village. Once constructed, these structures require minimal maintenance and play an effective role in water conservation for years.

"Water conservation will strengthen agriculture and drinking water systems":
The construction of these water conservation structures will increase the availability of irrigation water for Kharif, Rabi, and summer crops. Wells and hand pumps that dry up during the summer season will also have water available for a longer period, alleviating the drinking water crisis in rural areas. The "More Village, More Water" campaign, aimed at groundwater conservation, increased agricultural productivity, and environmental protection, is emerging as a strong foundation for water security in Surguja district. The district administration has appealed to citizens and farmers to actively participate in this public campaign for rainwater conservation and to be vigilant about water resources conservation, ensuring the preservation of water resources for future generations.