Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai virtually unveiled the statue of former Union Minister Late Larang Sai ji*

*The life of late Larang Sai ji was dedicated to public service, upliftment of tribal society and development of Surguja region: Chief Minister Shri Sai*

*Balrampur district gets development works worth ₹202.65 crore, ground breaking ceremony for 1,863 works and inauguration of 146 works*

*New building of Boys Higher Secondary School to be constructed in Shankargarh, announcement of construction of a big community hall in Chando*

To perpetuate the memories of late Larang Sai ji, a grand memorial gate will be built near the statue site.

*Our government is committed to the balanced development of all areas of the state including Surguja region: Chief Minister Shri Sai*

Raipur, October 28, 2026/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai today virtually unveiled the statue of former Union Minister, late Shri Larang Sai, at a function organized in Chirai-Jaswantpur village of Balrampur district from his residence office in the capital Raipur. Paying homage to him with reverence, the Chief Minister remembered his invaluable contribution to public service, upliftment of tribal society and development of Surguja region. On this occasion, the Chief Minister gifted 2,009 development works worth ₹202 crore 65 lakh to Balrampur district. These included the ground breaking ceremony of 1,863 works worth ₹156 crore 68 lakh and the inauguration of 146 completed works worth ₹45 crore 97 lakh.

Addressing the program, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the late Larang Sai ji was a public leader dedicated to public service, dedicating his entire life to the development of the poor, the deprived, the tribal community, and the region. As an MLA, MP, and Minister in undivided Madhya Pradesh, he always held important responsibilities, always prioritizing the interests of the people. His contribution to the rights, dignity, and development of the tribal community is unforgettable. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to follow the path of social service, dedication, and public welfare.

Chief Minister Shri Sai, recalling his close relationship with the late Larang Sai, said that ever since he first became an MLA, he had the opportunity to come into close contact with Kaka Larang Sai and learn from his experiences. He recalled that during his time in Delhi as an MP, Kakaji would frequently visit his residence and even stay there. He had promised Kakaji that whenever he visited Delhi, a room would always be reserved for him at his residence.

The Chief Minister said that the late Larang Sai ji also had a very cordial relationship with former Prime Minister, the revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji. Atal ji had special respect for him. Kaka ji's easygoing nature, simple life, and dedication to the people were his hallmarks. His ideals in public life will always be exemplary for all of us.

*Chief Minister made three important announcements for the development of the region*

Chief Minister Shri Sai made three important announcements, addressing the needs of the area's residents. He announced the construction of a new school building to replace the dilapidated building of the Boys Higher Secondary School in Shankargarh. Additionally, a large community hall will be constructed in Chando to host social, cultural, and public events.

The Chief Minister also announced the construction of a grand memorial gate near the statue of the late Larang Sai Ji to perpetuate his memory. He said this memorial gate would symbolize his dedication to public service and his contributions to the region's development.

*Development works will get new momentum in Balrampur district*

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the simultaneous gift of a large number of development projects to Balrampur district is an important step towards the region's progress. The groundbreaking ceremony for new projects will accelerate construction activities, while completed projects will provide improved facilities to the public. The expansion of roads, infrastructure, and other basic amenities will provide new opportunities for development in rural areas.

The Chief Minister said that our government is working with full commitment for the balanced and comprehensive development of all regions of the state, including Surguja and Bastar. Our resolve is to ensure that the benefits of development reach the last village and the last person, and that every citizen has equal opportunities for advancement.

*Continuous efforts for the welfare of the poor and specially backward tribes*

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the dream of permanent housing for poor families is rapidly becoming a reality. Approximately 1,600 Prime Minister's houses are being constructed every day in the state. He informed that the 15,000 additional Prime Minister's houses requested from the Central Government for the rehabilitation of surrendered Naxalites in Bastar have also been approved. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for this.

The Chief Minister stated that bringing positive change to the lives of particularly vulnerable tribal communities is a key priority for our government. Communities like the Pahari Korwa, Birhor, Kamar, Baiga, and Abujhmadia constitute approximately 320,000 people in the state. Approximately 32,000 houses have been approved for these communities under the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana. Continuous efforts are also underway to provide electricity, drinking water, ration cards, and other basic amenities.

*Paddy procurement to begin from November 15, 360 new centres to be opened for farmers' convenience*

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the state government is committed to ensuring the prosperity of farmers and a fair price for their hard work. Paddy procurement will begin in the state on November 15th. This year too, a maximum of 21 quintals of paddy per acre will be purchased from farmers at a rate of ₹3,100 per quintal.

He stated that 360 new paddy procurement centers are being opened across the state for the convenience of farmers. This will reduce the need for farmers to travel long distances to sell their produce and will provide relief from unnecessary crowds and long queues at procurement centers. The Chief Minister stated that our government's effort is to ensure that no farmer faces any difficulty in selling paddy.

*Government committed to increasing the income of forest area families*

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the state government is continuously making efforts to strengthen the livelihoods of families living in forest areas. Approximately 1.3 million families in Bastar and Surguja divisions are involved in tendu leaf collection. To increase the income of these families, the remuneration rate for tendu leaf collection has been increased from ₹4,000 to ₹5,500 per standard sack. The Charan Paduka scheme has also been relaunched for tendu leaf collectors.

He said that more than five and a half lakh landless agricultural labourer families in the state are being provided one-time financial assistance of ₹10,000 per year. The government is striving to empower the poor, farmers, labourers and forest-dwelling families economically and connect them with the mainstream of development.

Good governance will make the lives of ordinary citizens easier.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the state government is continuously working to make the administrative system transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric. The e-office system has been implemented in the Secretariat, and government services are being made more accessible through digital means.

He said that citizens can register their problems and complaints through the Chief Minister's Helpline. Our effort is to ensure that every complaint is resolved in a timely manner and that citizens do not have to visit government offices for even small tasks. Good governance is truly meaningful only when ordinary citizens receive government services easily and timely.

Chief Minister Shri Sai expressed his gratitude to the residents of the area who attended the event in large numbers despite the rain. He also expressed regret for not being able to attend the event in person due to the adverse weather.

*Will give new impetus to the development of the region to realise the dreams of late Larang Sai ji: Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam*

Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam said that the late Larang Sai ji dedicated his entire life to public service and the development of the region. His contributions were not limited to the Samari area; rather, he played a significant role in the development of the entire Surguja region. The installation of his statue is a commendable initiative to pay respect to him and introduce his ideals to future generations.

Mr. Netam said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Dev Sai, development work in the Surguja region is gaining new momentum. With the gift of development projects worth more than ₹202 crore to Balrampur district, roads, bridges, ponds, and other infrastructure will be expanded. He said that development projects will also be prioritized in accordance with the region's other needs and the demands of public representatives. It is our collective responsibility to realize the dream of development for the region envisioned by the late Larang Sai.

*The personality and work of late Larang Sai ji will always be inspiring: Minister Mrs. Lakshmi Rajwade*

Women and Child Development Minister and District In-Charge Minister, Mrs. Laxmi Rajwade, said that the late Larang Sai ji was a prominent leader of the tribal community and a person dedicated to public service. He made significant contributions to public life through his association with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. His leadership skills, easygoing personality, and deep connection with the general public were his hallmarks.

Mrs. Rajwade said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, the state government is continuously working for the welfare of women, farmers, the poor, and the tribal community. Through the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, mothers and sisters of the state are receiving financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month, which is increasing their self-confidence and economic self-reliance.

He said that the decision to approve 1.8 million Prime Minister's Housing Schemes at the first cabinet meeting after the formation of the government is a testament to the government's commitment to the welfare of the poor. He expressed confidence that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Sai, development and public welfare work will gain further momentum in the entire Surguja region, including Balrampur district.

On this occasion, MLA Smt. Uddheshwari Paikra, Chairman of District Cooperative Central Bank Shri Ramkishun Singh, Shri Babruvahan Maharaj, Shri Om Prakash Jaiswal along with other public representatives and a large number of area residents were present.