Raipur: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai stated that the well-being and prosperity of farmers is the state government's top priority. Our farmers are at the core of Chhattisgarh's economy and culture. The state government is continuously working to increase farmers' income, expand irrigation facilities, and make farming more profitable. Our endeavor is to ensure that, through good governance and public service, the benefits of development schemes reach the last person in society, and that every family in Chhattisgarh participates in the state's development journey. Chief Minister Shri Sai was addressing the Nuakhai Bhetghat and Pratibha Samman ceremony of the Kolta community, held at the Shaheed Colonel Viplav Tripathi Stadium in Raigarh today. The community members warmly welcomed Chief Minister Shri Sai by presenting him with a traditional Gajmala (water garland). The Chief Minister performed a ceremonial puja of Maa Raneshwari Ramchandi and prayed for the well-being, prosperity, and well-being of the people of the state.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai, keeping in mind the needs of the community, announced a grant of Rs. 30 lakh for the construction of a fully equipped community hall in Chandi Dongri village of Kotarliya and Rs. 50 lakh for the construction of a Mangal Bhawan for the Kolta community in the Nagar Panchayat Pusaur. He also announced the construction of a boundary wall.

*Nuakhai is a festival of the hard work of the farmer and the joy of the new harvest*

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, while extending his greetings to the Kolta community and all the residents of the state on the occasion of Nuakhai festival, said that Nuakhai is an important festival linked to our rich agricultural culture. It is a celebration to welcome the new harvest, honor the hard work of the farmers, and express gratitude to nature. Such festivals keep our traditions alive and connect the new generation to their culture and roots.

He said that Chhattisgarh is an agricultural state, and our government is committed to strengthening the economic condition of farmers. The government is continuously working with the vision of ensuring that farmers receive fair returns for their hard work, reduce farming costs, increase irrigation facilities, and bring prosperity to families through agriculture.

The Chief Minister said that work on the Kelo Project has been initiated to provide irrigation water to the fields of farmers in the Raigarh region. This project will prove to be a boon for the farmers of the region. Expanding irrigation facilities will increase agricultural productivity and strengthen the economic condition of farmers.

He said that new projects worth more than 10,000 crore rupees have been launched to accelerate development in the state. The government is striving to ensure that the direct benefits of infrastructure development reach ordinary citizens, farmers, youth, and the local economy.

*The dream of every needy family to have a permanent house is coming true*

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the dream of a permanent home for poor and needy families is rapidly being realized. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, approximately 1,600 houses are being constructed daily in Chhattisgarh. He said that a permanent home is not just four walls and a roof, but the foundation of respect, security, and a better future for poor families. Our government's effort is to ensure that no eligible, needy family is deprived of a permanent home.

*Good governance, transparency and public service are the working culture of the government*

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the state government has made good governance, transparency, and public service the foundation of its work culture. Technology and modern systems are being used to ensure that ordinary citizens do not have to wander around for solutions to their problems and that they have easy access to government.

He said that for the prompt and timely resolution of problems and complaints of ordinary citizens, systems such as the Good Governance and Convergence Department, Chief Minister Helpline, Seva Setu, and Atal Digital Service Center have been initiated. Through the Chief Minister's Helpline, a system for timely resolution of citizens' complaints has been ensured.

The Chief Minister said that in accordance with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's guarantee, the state government has fulfilled most of its promises during its two and a half years in office. Government schemes are only meaningful when their benefits reach those in need in a timely manner. Therefore, the government's priority is to ensure that schemes and services reach the last person.

*Historic success achieved against Naxalism, now a new journey of development*

Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai said that historic success has been achieved in eliminating Naxalism in the state. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the determination of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, along with the courage of our valiant security forces and the cooperation of the local people, a new atmosphere of peace and trust has been created in Bastar.

He said that those involved in Naxalism are being given the opportunity to abandon the path of violence and return to mainstream society. 15,000 houses have been approved for the rehabilitation of surrendered Naxalites. Our aim is to establish peace, rehabilitate the affected families, and provide them with opportunities to live a life of dignity.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Chhattisgarh, moving forward from the challenge of Naxalism, is now establishing a new identity of development, trust, and prosperity. The government is committed to connecting every region of the state, including Bastar, with the mainstream of development.

Chief Minister Shri Sai honored talented students of the community at the ceremony and wished them a bright future. He said that education is the most powerful medium for the progress of individuals, families, and society. Today's youth can achieve success in any field through their hard work, talent, and modern education.

He urged the students to dream big and work hard to achieve them and said that with their talent, the youth should bring glory to their family, society and also to Chhattisgarh in the country and the world.

The Chief Minister said that the society's tradition of honoring talented students is commendable. This inspires children and youth to perform better and creates a positive environment for education in society.

*The culture and values ​​of the Kolta community are exemplary: Finance Minister Shri O.P. Chaudhary*

Finance Minister and Raigarh MLA Shri O.P. Choudhary, while extending his best wishes for the Nuakhai festival, said that the Kolta community, from Pusaur and Sariya to Tamnar, Lalungha, and Dharamjaigarh, is known for its honesty, decency, hard work, and values. The community's glorious culture and traditions are a source of inspiration for all.

He said that collective efforts are needed to advance the new generation in the fields of education, employment, entrepreneurship, and competitive examinations. Young people should set big goals and work hard to achieve them.

Finance Minister Mr. Chaudhary expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Dev Sai for the development work being carried out in the Raigarh region. He said that facilities such as the lift irrigation project in Sakra, registry offices in Pusaur and Sariya, a 100-bed hospital, a nursing college, and the Nalanda campus are giving a new direction to the region's development. The Finance Minister also announced the construction of a community hall in Belaria at a cost of 25 lakh rupees from the MLA fund.

*Society should progress through education and culture*

Lok Sabha MP Shri Radheshyam Rathiya, while extending his best wishes for the Nuakhai festival, said that the Kolta community has always been dedicated to social upliftment and community unity. He called for moving forward towards development while preserving the community's cultural traditions and heritage.

Rajya Sabha MP Shri Devendra Pratap Singh said that education plays a crucial role in the progress of any society. Parents should provide their children with quality education and good values. He encouraged children to develop respect for their parents and elders and to move forward by taking along with them the vulnerable and needy members of society.

Talented students from the community were honored at the ceremony. Chief Minister Shri Sai also shared a traditional Nuakhai meal with community leaders, public representatives, and members of the community. The event conveyed the message of preserving cultural heritage, promoting education, social cohesion, and developing the region.

On this occasion, Mayor Shri Jeevardhan Chauhan, District Panchayat Vice President Shri Deepak Sidar, Shri Arundhar Diwan, Shri Gurupal Bhalla, Shri Subhash Pandey, Shri Shrikant Somawar, Shri Satyanand Rathiya, Shri Vikas Kedia along with the office bearers of the society, local public representatives, dignitaries and a large number of people from Kolta community were present.