Raipur. After returning from an interstate study tour of Rajasthan, a group of journalists from Chhattisgarh paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai at the Chief Minister's residence in the capital, Raipur, today. On this occasion, the journalists shared their experiences of the state's legislature, administrative functioning, and innovations in the field of tourism during their visit to Rajasthan from December 15th to 20th.Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Chhattisgarh government has initiated an interstate study tour program for journalists to understand innovative efforts related to governance, tourism, and cultural development in other states from the journalists' perspective. He said that based on the experiences gained from such study tours, new and effective initiatives can be started in Chhattisgarh as well. The Chief Minister urged the journalists to document their experiences in the form of travelogues, which will serve as a useful guide for common tourists. He said that the writings of journalists are not only a medium of information, but also a powerful tool for promoting tourism.

Highlighting the immense potential of tourism in the state, Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the Chhattisgarh government is fully committed to the overall development of tourism. He specifically mentioned the Bastar region, stating that Bastar is a paradise on earth in terms of natural beauty, but Naxalism has long been a major obstacle to its development. The Chief Minister stated that in accordance with the resolve of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the state government is working with full determination to eradicate Naxalism by March 2026. 
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that tourism has been included in the state's new industrial policy. Homestays are being promoted in remote forest areas, allowing tourists to stay with rural families and experience their culture, food, and lifestyle up close. This will not only boost tourism but will also create new employment and income opportunities for local people. He stated that the inclusion of Chhattisgarh's Dhudmaras among the world's 20 leading tourist destinations is a matter of pride for the state. The Chief Minister welcomed the suggestions made by journalists and said they would be seriously considered and implemented.
On this occasion, Mr. Vijay Tripathi from Jashpur shared that during his visit to Rajasthan, he had the opportunity to visit the Legislative Assembly, where a magnificent museum has been built to educate the public on the lawmaking process and the functioning of the Assembly. This museum provides an opportunity to understand the legislative journey from the state's inception to the present and the contributions of historical figures.
Mr. Vijay Khetrapal from Korba said that this study tour provided an opportunity to understand how centuries-old forts and palaces in Rajasthan have been developed into tourist destinations by integrating modern amenities. Furthermore, tourism in desert areas has been enhanced through activities such as jeep safaris, camel rides, para-sailing, and desert camps, which could serve as an effective case study for Chhattisgarh.
Mr. Arjun Jha from Jagdalpur shared his experience of Chokardhani in Jaipur, saying that rural life, folk culture, and cuisine are presented on a single platform. He suggested that in the same way, the folk culture of Chhattisgarh can be presented to the tourists through Bastar Pandum. Shri Tinkeshwar Tiwari also stressed on promoting the traditional cuisine of Chhattisgarh prominently at tourist places on the lines of Rajasthani food.
Shri Rajat Awasthi, a young journalist of State News Service, honored Chief Minister Shri Sai with a Rajasthani cap and turban and thanked him for starting the Journalist Tour Scheme. On this occasion, Chief Minister's Press Officer Shri Alok Singh, Additional Director of Public Relations Department Shri Sanjeev Tiwari, Joint Director Shri Jitendra Nagesh along with journalists and other officials were present.