00 Review of development works in the meeting of Surguja Area Tribal Development Authority: Approval of budget provision of Rs 50 crore for the financial year 2025-26, approval of 543 development works
Raipur. In the meeting of Surguja Area Tribal Development Authority held today in Baikunthpur of Koriya district under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, a detailed review of the progress of development works being carried out in the districts of Surguja division was done and new schemes were approved on the basis of suggestions of public representatives.

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the state government has prioritized the development of the Surguja and Bastar regions. Through the authority, continuous efforts are being made to connect backward and forest areas with the mainstream. He stated that the government is working with full commitment to the overall development of the Surguja region, the empowerment of tribal communities, and the prosperity of the region. With everyone's cooperation, this region will reach new heights of progress.

In the meeting, a budget provision of Rs 50 crore was approved for the Authority for the financial year 2025-26. On the basis of proposals submitted by regional public representatives, financial approval of Rs 4905.58 lakh was given for 543 development works, while formal approval was also given to 606 works approved in the year 2024-25. Chief Minister Shri Sai directed to complete all the approved works with high quality within the stipulated time frame and to complete the pending works by March. The Chief Minister clearly said in the meeting that any kind of negligence in basic facilities like drinking water will not be acceptable. He directed to ensure adequate drinking water availability during the summer season.

It was informed in the meeting that under the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana, electrification work is progressing rapidly in Sonhat development block of Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district. Chief Minister Shri Sai gave clear instructions to the officials that the approved works should be completed in a timely and quality manner, so that the benefits of development schemes can directly reach the people of tribal and forest areas. In the meeting, the Chief Minister gave instructions to install high mast solar lights in the affected areas, solve the problems of farmers, remove electricity bill errors and take strict action against substandard construction works.

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the Authority's last meeting was held in Mayali, Jashpur district, which enhanced Mayali's recognition as a tourist destination. The world's largest Shivalinga was included in the Golden Book of World Records, and funds were approved under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. He stated that this meeting in Baikunthpur will also enhance the district's recognition and tourism potential. He stated that the Jhumka Reservoir, along with other areas of the district, offers immense tourism potential, and holding meetings in various districts helps accelerate local development.
Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam, Authority Vice-Chairperson Smt. Gomti Sai, Food Minister Shri Dayaldas Baghel, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade, Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal, School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav, Industry Minister Shri Lakhanlal Dewangan, MP Shri Chintamani Maharaj, MLAs, senior officials, and public representatives were present at the meeting.