Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai virtually inaugurated the Chhattisgarh Silver Jubilee Festival programme organized at Tilsivaan in Surajpur district and dedicated as well as laid the foundation stone for development projects worth more than ₹211 crore.
On this occasion, he also unveiled a life-size statue of Bharat Ratna Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Parisar located at the new bus stand in Surajpur and virtually launched the Kisan Mela-cum-Organic Fair.
Chhattisgarh’s Silver Jubilee Year Celebrations
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sai said that the state is celebrating its Silver Jubilee year on the completion of 25 years since its formation. He described this occasion as a symbol of Chhattisgarh’s glorious journey, stating that the state has touched new dimensions of development in the past 25 years and now must move forward with new resolutions.
He urged all citizens to unite in taking Chhattisgarh to new heights of progress.
Paying tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Sai said, “I bow to Atal Ji, the creator of Chhattisgarh. He gave a new identity to the people of this state by creating it. Atal Ji will always remain an inspiration for the youth of the nation and the state.” The Chief Minister also remembered Vajpayee’s political career, poetic brilliance, and contributions made in the national interest.
Government Achievements and Modi’s Guarantee Schemes
Highlighting the government’s achievements, Sai said that in the past 20 months, several welfare measures have been implemented under Modi’s Guarantee.
These include paddy procurement at ₹3100 per quintal, monthly assistance of ₹1000 to 70 lakh women under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, re-distribution of charan paduka (footwear) to tendu leaf collectors, paddy bonus to farmers, financial assistance of ₹10,000 to 5.62 lakh landless agricultural labourers, the Ram Lalla Darshan scheme for devotees, pilgrimage for the elderly to 19 destinations, and the establishment of Atal Digital Seva Kendras.
On the issue of Naxal eradication, Sai said that under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, efforts to end Naxalism in the state are progressing rapidly with the goal of completely eliminating it from Bastar by March 2026. He informed that dreaded Naxal leader Basvaraju has been neutralized and several new security camps have been established.
Deputy CM Arun Sao’s Address
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, addressing the gathering virtually, said that the state has achieved new heights of development in the last 25 years. He congratulated everyone on the unveiling of Vajpayee’s statue and recalled that the creation of Chhattisgarh was possible only due to Vajpayee’s vision.
ALSO READ: Chhattisgarh Police jawan killed, 2 others injured after IED planted by Maoists goes off in Bijapur
He also emphasized Vajpayee’s role in launching the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, which connected villages to main roads and paved the way for rural development. Sao reiterated that the Chhattisgarh government remains committed to expanding public welfare and infrastructure facilities, highlighting improvements in roads, bridges, drinking water supply, and urban development.
Development Projects Worth ₹211 Crore
During the event, CM Sai gifted Surajpur district projects worth ₹211.33 crore. Of this, 37 projects worth ₹78.78 crore were inaugurated, which included 4 by the Public Works Department, 3 by the PWD (Bridges), 20 by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, 4 by the Urban Bodies Department, 3 by the Tribal Development Department, and 3 under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
Additionally, foundation stones were laid for 55 projects worth ₹132.55 crore. These included 14 by the Public Works Department, 4 by PWD (Bridges), 22 by Panchayat and Rural Development, 7 by Water Resources Department Surajpur, 4 by Rural Engineering Services, 1 by the Police Department, and 3 by the Tribal Development Department.
Kisan Mela and Beneficiary Distribution
The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Kisan Mela-cum-Organic Fair-cum-Exhibition-cum-Training. The fair showcased agricultural equipment, organic fertilizers, pesticides, improved seed varieties, and departmental exhibitions. Farmers received information on crop rotation, diversification, organic and natural farming, and water conservation. Sai said the state government is making continuous efforts to provide skill training and employment to youth and described such events as vital for shaping their future.
Beneficiaries of various schemes also received support during the programme. These included ice boxes and boat-nets from the Fisheries Department, motorized tricycles from the Social Welfare Department, Ayushman, Vyavandan, and Sickle Cell Cards from the Health Department, house keys and cheques under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, LIC bonds from the Women and Child Development Department, loan cheques and goat-rearing loans for women groups, irrigation pumps, niger seeds, and tubewell-pump subsidies from the Agriculture Department. In addition, 25 beneficiaries from the SECL Bhatgaon area were handed employment approval letters.
The programme was attended by Chhattisgarh Textbook Corporation Chairman Raja Pandey, District Panchayat Chairperson Chandramani Paikra, Rekha Rajwade, Lavesh Paikra, Surajpur Red Cross Society President Babulal Agrawal, and other public representatives.
