The clarion call for development resonated in Jagdalpur with the resolve of empowered women and youth to fly.

Raipur, 03 November 2026/ On the occasion of the 26th glorious year of the establishment of Chhattisgarh state, the district level Rajyotsav 2026 was organized at Jagdalpur, the district headquarters of Bastar district, on the central theme of Empowered Women, Youth Flying. In this event, public representatives, administrative officers and common citizens together reiterated their determination to take Bastar out of the era of struggle and take it towards permanent prosperity. Inaugurating the function, Jagdalpur MLA Shri Kiran Singh Dev, while remembering Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the architect of the state's formation, said that Shri Vajpayee, respecting the simple nature and public sentiments of the people of Chhattisgarh, had gifted this state without any major struggle.

Highlighting the state's development, MLA Shri Dev said that the government's public welfare policies are being ensured to directly benefit the last person in society. He explained that, as promised, the government has arranged for the purchase of paddy at a rate of Rs. 3,100 per quintal. Under the "Mahatari Vandan Yojana," more than 7 million mothers and sisters in the state are being provided financial support by sending Rs. 1,000 per month to their bank accounts. To shape the future of youth, modern learning facilities like the 24-hour Nalanda Campus in Jagdalpur will prove helpful in preparing for competitive exams. Additionally, the selection of heritage villages in Dhudmaras, a Dhurva tribal-dominated area, and the development of homestays and tourism corridors are opening new avenues for self-employment for local youth.

Addressing the Rajyotsav ceremony, Mayor of Jagdalpur Municipal Corporation, Mr. Sanjay Pandey, described women's power and youth energy as the most powerful foundation for building a new Bastar. He said that this region, which suffered the brunt of Maoist violence for decades, is now completely free from fear and moving towards new dimensions of peace and development. Today, the daughters of Bastar are protecting the country's borders and raising the flag of the nation's glory on sports grounds, innovation, startups, and platforms of Digital India. The Mayor underlined that initiatives like the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum have given new recognition to local talent, transforming today's youth from job seekers to job providers, relying on their skills and technology.

Bastar Collector Mr. Akash Chikkara, outlining the district's development journey, stated that the supreme sacrifice of the security forces and public support marked a historic turning point in the Bastar region's liberation from Maoism on March 31, 2026. Following this, the administration's focus is on transitioning to peace and rapid development. He provided an overview of the district's progress.

It is noteworthy that under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, a network of roads is being laid in the interior areas at a cost of approximately ₹8,700 crore. Work on the Geedam-Bhopalpatnam four-lane corridor and the Antagarh-Jagdalpur rail project is progressing at a rapid pace, while regular air services to the capital Raipur and Hyderabad are giving the region new impetus. Furthermore, the Bastar Mawa Abhiyan, Poona Narkom, the conservation of over 10,000 Devgudi and Matagudi sites, and infrastructure such as medical colleges and super-specialty hospitals are continuously improving the living standards of the people in Bastar. The Deurgaon and Matnar irrigation projects will give a new direction to agriculture in Bastar. The government reiterated its resolve to make Bastar a fully developed region by providing every village with roads, electricity, safe drinking water, education, health, and digital services by 2031.

During the ceremony, guests visited the development exhibitions set up by various departments and urged the public to take maximum advantage of public welfare schemes. On this occasion, beneficiaries of the government's public welfare schemes were provided with Ayushman cards, land ownership documents, and other assistance. At the same time, various arrangements were made at the pedestrian service center for devotees visiting Bastar's revered goddess, Maa Danteshwari.