Chhattisgarh Tribal Advisory Council meeting concluded under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai.

Raipur, April 29, 2026/In the meeting of Chhattisgarh Tribal Advisory Council held today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai at Mantralaya, Mahanadi Bhawan, a comprehensive discussion was held on the all-round development of the tribal community and many important decisions were taken.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Bastar, which is geographically a larger area than Kerala, remained deprived of development for decades, but now schemes are being expanded rapidly there and a new stream of development is being established.

The Chief Minister gave top priority to the preservation of tribal culture and traditions and directed the protection of Devgudi and Sarna sites. He also stressed the need to take effective and strict measures to prevent illegal encroachment. He informed that through the "Dharti Aba Gram Utkarsh Yojana," education and health facilities are being strengthened in 6,600 villages of the state, while 32,000 houses have been approved under the PM Janman Yojana.

Discussing the remarkable success of the "Niyad Nella Naar Yojana" at the meeting, Chief Minister Shri Sai announced the imminent implementation of "Niyad Nella Naar 2.0" as its next phase. He said that this innovative initiative will further expand basic amenities like electricity, water, roads, and rations in remote areas. Additionally, health checkups for 3.6 million people under the "Chief Minister's Swasth Bastar Yojana" are progressing steadily.

Chief Minister Shri Sai directed an investigation into cases of exploitation of tribal land on long-term leases. He also directed that a proposal for inclusion of the Korwa and Sansari Oraon tribes in the Scheduled Tribe list be submitted to the Central Government soon.

To strengthen education and infrastructure, Chief Minister Shri Sai stressed the need to increase hostel seats, improve their maintenance, and ensure adequate teacher availability. He also issued clear instructions to develop accelerated learning systems for children in Naxal-free areas and to avoid conducting classes in the open.

Expressing displeasure over the slow progress in the construction of the Ambikapur National Highway, Chief Minister Shri Sai directed for timely and quality completion of the work. He also stressed the need to pay special attention to the roads that are prone to erosion during the rainy season.

Ramvichar Netam, Minister of the Tribal Development Department and Vice President of the Council, said that Naxalism remained the biggest obstacle to development in remote tribal areas of the state, including Bastar and Surguja, for a long time. After being freed from this challenge of the past four decades, effective and rapid implementation of public welfare schemes has now become possible in these areas, the direct benefits of which are reaching the local people. He said that tribal communities are now rapidly joining the mainstream of development and are receiving new opportunities for progress.

Mr. Netam also stated that the elimination of Naxalism has ensured better implementation of schemes at the grassroots level. All departments have been instructed to work in coordination with each other and complete approved schemes in a timely manner. He urged public representatives and officials to resolve sensitive issues promptly and on a priority basis.

He said that basic amenities like electricity, water, and roads are now reaching the settlements of Specially Backward Tribes. Furthermore, the construction of new hostels is providing better opportunities for talent from remote areas to thrive, paving the way for their overall development.

On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Saw, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, Vice President of Bastar Development Authority Ms. Lata Usendi, Vice President of Surguja Area Development Authority Smt. Gomti Sai, Vice President of Central Area Development Authority Shri Pranav Marpachchi, MLA Smt. Raimuni Bhagat, MLA Shri Chaitram Atami, MLA Shri Vikram Usendi, MLA Smt. Uddeshwari Paikra, MLA Shri Neelkanth Tekam, MLA Shri Asharam Netam, Chief Secretary Shri Vikasshiil, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of Tribal Development Department Shri Sonmani Bora, Director General of Police Shri Arun Dev Gautam along with secretaries of various departments and members of the council were present.