Chhattisgarh is Firmly Committed to Realising Its Immense Development Potential: Vishnu Deo Sai

Chief Minister attends 15th Foundation Day celebration of ‘Chhattisgarh Watch’

Raipur: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai today attended the 15th Foundation Day celebration of Dainik Chhattisgarh Watch, held at a local hotel in Raipur. During the programme, the Chief Minister lauded the newspaper’s 15-year journey in journalism and said that Chhattisgarh Watch has consistently prioritized local issues and public concerns, which is essential for a vibrant democracy.

Addressing the gathering, CM Sai stated that media is the fourth pillar of democracy. He said Chhattisgarh Watch has, over the past 15 years, brought the voices of the marginalized to the forefront and played a commendable role in disseminating government schemes to the public. “I believe this newspaper will continue its committed service in the times ahead,” he added.

Chief Minister Shri Sai emphasized that Chhattisgarh holds vast development potential. “The state is richly endowed with mineral wealth, including iron ore, coal, aluminium, gold, diamond, tin, and lithium. With 44% of its geographical area covered in forests and supported by hardworking farmers, Chhattisgarh presents limitless prospects for multi-dimensional development,” he said.

Speaking on challenges, he said that the biggest hurdle in the development of the Bastar region was naxalism, which is now being countered through continuous operations by security forces. “Our personnel have neutralized top Maoist leader Basavaraju, significantly weakening the naxalite movement,” he remarked.

CM Sai noted that Bastar is now steadily progressing towards becoming naxal-free. “Security camps are being set up regularly. Through the Niyad Nellanar scheme, government schemes are effectively reaching over 300 villages in the region,” he added.

He further highlighted the successful organisation of the Bastar Olympics, which saw registrations from over 1.65 lakh participants. The Bastar Pandum festival was also conducted with enthusiastic participation from thousands. “The government has consistently urged naxalites to shun violence and return to the mainstream. As a result of these efforts, a large number of insurgents have surrendered,” he said.

The Chief Minister also spoke about the state’s new industrial policy, under which investment proposals worth ₹6.5 lakh crore have been received within just a few months, and several projects have already commenced. He stated that the policy emphasizes not just investment but also the employment of local youth. “Special incentives have been provisioned for women, differently-abled individuals, as well as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. The single-window system has streamlined the process of setting up industries,” he explained.

He informed that the state government has released a Vision Document under the Developed Chhattisgarh 2047 initiative. “Our goal is to raise the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) to ₹10 lakh crore by 2035 and to ₹75 lakh crore by 2047,” the Chief Minister said. He added that the textile sector in Chhattisgarh is poised for major investments.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao said that in order to build a developed Chhattisgarh, it is vital that we unite our strengths and capabilities in a common direction. He added that most employment opportunities are generated through industries and enterprises. He further noted that Chief Minister Sai has been tirelessly travelling across the country, holding discussions with industrialists and inviting them to invest in the state.

CSIDC Chairman Shri Rajeev Agrawal said that Chhattisgarh’s industrial policy has been widely appreciated by entrepreneurs across the country. “Large-scale industrialists and renowned hospitals are now coming to Chhattisgarh. Granting industry status to technical colleges and tourism will significantly enhance employment, purchasing power, and state revenue—further propelling Chhattisgarh towards becoming a developed state,” he remarked.

During the programme, Chhattisgarh Watch Editor-in-Chief Shri Ramavatar Tiwari shared insights about the newspaper’s journey and its future plans. He acknowledged the contribution and engagement of the newspaper’s digital edition, Khabar Chaalisa. He also informed that apart from Raipur, the newspaper is now being published from Bilaspur as well. On social media platforms, Khabar Chaalisa has emerged as a leading and dynamic presence. Shri Tiwari praised the Chief Minister, saying, “Our CM truly reflects the image of a common Chhattisgarhiya.”

The event also included a discussion on the rising investment potential in the state, with several dignitaries on stage sharing their views.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai honoured individuals for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields. The awardees included Smt. Sneha Girpunje, Shri Pramod Dwivedi, Smt. Mamta Pramod Sharma, Shri Anuj Goyal, Smt. Bellari Chandrakar, Shri Prakash Sharma, Smt. Anjali Agrawal, Shri Lalit Jaysingh, Smt. Damyanti Soni (received on her behalf by Shri Kanti Maurya), Shri Santosh Rai, and Shri Shyamu Sharma. At the conclusion of the programme, the Chief Minister extended his warm wishes to all on the occasion of the newspaper’s foundation day.

Prominent attendees at the event included MLA Shri Anuj Sharma, MLA Guru Khushwant Saheb, Minority Commission Chairman Shri Amarjeet Chhabra, former Minister Shri Chandrashekhar Sahu, Shri Sundarani, Shri Labhchand Bafna, and members of the Chhattisgarh Watch team, along with a large number of distinguished guests.