Sacrifices of Freedom fighters brought us the light of independence
Valour and Sacrifices of tribal heroes are a unique example of patriotism
Atalji’s birth centenary year is being celebrated as Atal Nirman Varsh
Operation Sindoor is a symbol of India’s valour and strong will
Chief Minister calls upon citizens to contribute to building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat
Launch of Police Commissionerate System in Raipur Announced, Implementation to Commence Soon
CM Shri Sai launches Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav
Mukhyamantri Nagarotthan Yojana launched to beautify cities
Chief Minister Rural Bus Service Scheme to be commenced in Bastar and Surguja divisions
Raipur, 15 August 2025/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai today hoisted the national flag and took the salute of the parade at the Police Parade Ground in Raipur on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day of the country. Addressing the people of the state, he said that today is a matter of immense pride for all of us. Fighting against British imperialism, our freedom fighters sacrificed everything to give us the light of independence.
Chief Minister, paying homage to freedom fighters and valiant soldiers of the armed forces, said that the State is commemorating the remarkable 25-year journey of Chhattisgarh’s progress since its formation as the ‘Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav’ (Chhattisgarh Silver Jubilee Celebrations). On the occasion of Independence Day, he formally announced the commencement of the Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav. The Chief Minister also declared that the Police Commissionerate system will soon be implemented in Raipur.
“On this occasion, let us resolve for a developed India and a developed Chhattisgarh. The firm commitment to good governance of Chhattisgarh’s creator, revered Atalji, gives us strength. With people’s participation, we will surely achieve the goal of a developed Chhattisgarh. Goswami Tulsidas’s words ‘Ramkaju keenhe binu mohi kahaan bishraam’ are our guiding motto, and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s principle of Antyodaya is our pathfinder,” he said.
Adopt Swadeshi in National Interest
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that our respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has turned swadeshi into a mass movement. Aatmanirbhar Bharat is the resolve of 140 crore Indians. This inspiring occasion of Independence Day gives us the motivation to fulfill our duties towards the nation. He urged people of the state to take a pledge in national interest – every citizen should consider buying swadeshi products an act of patriotism, every business should consider quality and stability as mandatory, every innovator should think of India first, every farmer should adopt environment-friendly and inclusive farming, and every sector should move from dependence to self-reliance.
Chhattisgarh Leading in ‘Vocal for Local’ Campaign
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Chhattisgarh should play a leading role in furthering PM Shri Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign. Swadeshi is not just an initiative for job creation, but also an act of patriotism. Through the new industrial policy, we are working on the PM’s Local for Global vision to provide a global platform to products made in the state. Adopting swadeshi and local products in daily life gives employment to local artisans, weavers, and craftsmen. This directly results in economic prosperity for the country and the state. Our import dependence reduces. By promoting khadi, we can bring significant change in the lives of local weavers and build a global identity in the textile sector. He said that by encouraging MSMEs, we are increasing our contribution to the Make in India campaign. Micro, small, and medium industries must focus on the quality of their products.
Our Motto – Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, and Jai Anusandhan
Chief Minister said that PM Modi’s Zero Defect – Zero Effect mantra for MSMEs is highly effective. Goods produced in our villages, towns, and districts are no less in quality than anywhere else. For this, they must adopt digital resources, innovation, ICT, and AI. “Now, with the motto of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, and Jai Anusandhan, we will move forward,” he said.
Natural Farming is Beneficial for Our Health
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that through Make in India, India is achieving self-reliance in defense and emerging as an exporter of military equipment. Today, the climate crisis is directly impacting our lives, and agriculture is no exception. In such a time, chemical-free natural farming not only increases farmers’ incomes but also benefits our health. By promoting the production of millets, pulses, oilseeds, and coarse grains, Chhattisgarh’s farmers can reduce agricultural costs and dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Remembering Freedom Movement Heroes
Recalling the golden chapters of the country’s freedom struggle, Chief Minister Shri Sai said this year marks the 200th anniversary of the Paralkot Rebellion. Even today, the bravery of Shaheed Gend Singh inspires the people of the state. Who can forget Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh’s fight to bring justice to the hungry and oppressed? He also remembered Hanuman Singh, hero of the Raipur Sipahi Mutiny, and said Veer Gundadhur’s unmatched courage in the Bhumkal Rebellion is etched in golden letters in history. Shaheed Yadav Rao, Venkat Rao, Dhurwa Rao, Debri Dhur, Aytu Mahara, and many other tribal heroes’ sacrifices are a unique example of patriotism.
Chief Minister Shri Sai paid homage to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the creator of Chhattisgarh, saying he fulfilled his firm resolve and brought Chhattisgarh into existence as a new state. “We are celebrating Atalji’s birth centenary as Atal Nirman Varsh. Chhattisgarh’s sacred land is rich in natural resources, has a rich cultural heritage, and a vast pool of enthusiastic human resources. When the state was formed on November 1, 2000, we dreamt of a developed, self-reliant, and inclusive Chhattisgarh. Today, I proudly say we are progressing rapidly in that direction,” he said.
Chief Minister Shri Sai paid tribute to the democracy activists on the completion of 50 years since the Emergency, saying that in those extremely difficult times, they held the torch of democracy without caring for the torture they faced. “We must all fulfil our share of responsibility towards the motherland. Under the leadership of our respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have to give shape to the vision of a developed India and developed Chhattisgarh by 2047,” he said.
Our Soldiers Have Honoured the Glory of Our Tricolour
Chief Minister Shri Sai said we are proud of our brave soldiers who have always kept the nation’s head held high with their unmatched valour and courage. From the attack by Pakistan after Independence in 1947 to Operation Sindoor, our soldiers have always protected the honour of the tricolour. In retaliation for the heinous terrorist act in Pahalgam, Operation Sindoor was carried out under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership. This operation became a global symbol of India’s valour and strong will.
He said that under PM Modi’s leadership, India’s economy has become the fourth-largest in the world. Our Chandrayaan has reached the Moon’s south pole, and Shubhanshu Shukla has hoisted the tricolour at the International Space Station. Behind this success lies the hard work of the people and the PM’s visionary leadership, firm resolve, and immense willpower.
Pledge to Free the Country from Terrorism by March 2026
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that on this proud day, we salute our security forces who have struck Maoists in their own hideouts. Under Prime Minister Shri Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s leadership, we are rapidly moving towards the goal of freeing the country from Maoist terror by March 2026. In the past 20 months, our forces have neutralized 450 Maoists and arrested 1,578. Top Maoist leaders Baswaraju and Sudhakar have been neutralized. Influenced by the state government’s attractive surrender policy, 1,589 Maoists have laid down arms. They have been provided rehabilitation, skill development, and employment.
He said true good governance is when benefits reach the last person. Near Tadmetla, where 76 of our soldiers were martyred in a Maoist attack, the Chintagufa health centre has received the national quality certificate. On average, 20 deliveries take place here every month and thousands of villagers get free treatment. With the decline in Maoism, Bastar’s pace of development has increased. Fifty closed schools have been reopened, and several villages have received electricity for the first time. Under the Niyad Nella Naar – Your Good Village scheme, basic facilities have reached 327 villages. Pamed, once a Maoist stronghold, now has a bank branch.
Fulfilling the Dream of a Pucca House for Every Citizen
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that in the last 20 months, remarkable work has been done to fulfil the guarantees given by PM Modi to the citizens of the state. In the first cabinet meeting, 18 lakh Pradhan Mantri Awas were approved. Under the PM Janman Yojana, 34,000 houses have been sanctioned for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and 15,000 for Maoist-affected and surrendered Maoists. Eligibility rules have been simplified, and a survey has been conducted under Awas Plus 2.0 for new beneficiaries. Thus, the dream of every citizen owning a pucca house is being fulfilled.
Mahatari Vandana Yojana: ₹11,728 Crore Assistance for Mothers and Sisters
Chief Minister Shri Sai said women empowerment is one of the highest priorities of the government. Within three months of coming to power, Chhattisgarh Government launched Mahatari Vandana Yojana. Seventy lakh women in the state receive ₹1,000 per month as financial assistance. This scheme is paving the way for women’s self-reliance. Under this scheme, mothers and sisters have received ₹11,728 crore so far. In Raigarh district, women’s groups have been given the task of making ready-to-eat food, which will soon be expanded to other districts.
Farmers’ Welfare is Our Top Priority
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that farmers’ welfare is the top priority. Through the Krishak Unnati Yojana, Chhattisgarh’s farmers get the highest price for paddy. In the last kharif season, a record 149 lakh metric tonnes of paddy were procured. The scope of the scheme has been expanded to promote crop diversification. Farmers growing crops other than paddy in the kharif season will get ₹11,000 per acre, and those cultivating pulses, oilseeds, maize, kodo, kutki, ragi, and cotton will get ₹10,000 per acre as input assistance.
Under the Deendayal Upadhyay Landless Agricultural Labourers Welfare Scheme, 5.62 lakh landless farm labourers in the state are given ₹10,000 per year. Twenty-six lakh farmers benefit from PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, including 32,500 PVTG farmers. Adequate fertiliser and seed availability has been ensured for the kharif season. Where global tensions caused a shortfall in DAP supply, Nano DAP was provided in sufficient quantity to address farmers’ difficulties. He said cooperative opportunities are being realised in the state. Along with farming, livestock rearing and fisheries are being promoted. To boost milk production and farmers’ incomes, an MoU has been signed with NDDB. The year 2025 has been declared the International Year of Cooperatives. Under Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah’s guidance, cooperative activities in the state are reaching new heights under the “Prosperity through Cooperation” mantra.
Better Teacher-Student Ratio than National Average
Chief Minister Shri Sai said Mahatma Gandhi believed education could bring major social change. Along with implementing the New Education Policy, we have rationalised schools and teachers in line with its provisions. Now, even remote villages in Sukma have teachers. From Raipur to schools in Pahadi Korwa settlements, the teacher-student ratio is uniform across the state and better than the national average. Chief Minister Shri Sai Education Quality Campaign is being run in government schools. Community participation in children’s academic development has been ensured through Parents-Teacher Meetings and Nyota Bhoj, yielding positive results. A provision of ₹133 crore has been made for school maintenance and infrastructure development.
Education City Taking Shape in Nava Raipur
In Nava Raipur, we are developing an Education City over 100 acres. To promote science and research, a Science City is also being built. We have performed the bhoomi pujan for the National Forensic Sciences University campus in Nava Raipur. The importance of forensics has increased significantly in the new laws implemented in the country, creating career opportunities in this field for the youth of the state.
The IT and AI revolution has arrived in Chhattisgarh. We are preparing Nava Raipur as the Silicon Valley of Central India. The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology will be established here, creating a large talent pool in IT.
Skill Development Centres in All Bastar Division Blocks
Chief Minister Shri Sai said we are preparing a workforce as per job market requirements. Under the Skill India Mission, a Livelihood Centre of Excellence is being launched in Nava Raipur. In all 32 development blocks of tribal-dominated Bastar division, youth are being trained in various trades through skill development centres. An MoU has been signed with Pan IIT, an association of IIT alumni, for skill development of underprivileged communities. Along with skills, youth will also be trained in foreign languages to enable overseas employment opportunities.
Target to Set Up 150 Startups in the State
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that a new Startup Policy has been formulated to promote startups. Through this policy, we will reach 50,000 students in 100 technical institutions across the state. A target has been set to establish 150 startups in the state. Moving towards not just Ease of Living but also Speed of Business, more than 350 reforms have been implemented. With the Single Window System, investment in the state has become simple, convenient, and transparent.
Chhattisgarh- a Preferred State for Investors
He said the grand edifice of a developed Chhattisgarh will be built on the foundation of the new industrial policy, with the greatest emphasis placed on the power sector. We have received investment proposals worth more than ₹3 lakh crore in this sector, which will make Chhattisgarh the powerhouse of a developed India. The state has become a preferred destination for investors. We have organised Investors’ Summits in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and also in Raipur. Through these summits, we have received investment proposals worth ₹6.65 lakh crore so far.
The new industrial policy also offers special grants for emerging industries. We have performed bhoomi pujan for the state’s first semiconductor unit, to be built at a cost of around ₹1,100 crore, marking our entry into chip manufacturing. We aim to turn textile sector potential into opportunities, and for this, a National Institute of Fashion Technology campus will be set up in Nava Raipur at an estimated cost of ₹271 crore, generating large-scale employment.
Formation of State Capital Region Development Authority
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that we have decided to form a State Capital Region Development Authority on the lines of the National Capital Region. This authority will work for the orderly and planned development of the capital region. It will prepare plans, promote investment, coordinate between various government and private bodies, and manage urban expansion effectively. As this is the era of e-commerce, our logistics policy will be particularly useful in encouraging investment in inland container depots and dry ports in the state.
New Rail Lines Will Be Arteries of Developed India–Developed Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Shri Sai said the investment potential in Chhattisgarh has been fuelled by infrastructure work done over the past decade. By 2030, we will lay as many railway lines as were laid from 1853, when railways began, until 2014. New projects like the Raoghat–Jagdalpur line, doubling of the KK line, and the new line from Kothagudem in Telangana to Kirandul will transform Bastar’s fortunes. The Kharsia–Parmalakasa line will connect important industrial hubs of the state. These new rail lines will be the arteries of a developed India–developed Chhattisgarh. Cargo facilities have been launched at Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur. Construction of expressways linking industrial centres like Dhanbad and Visakhapatnam is progressing rapidly.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said a state’s economic health can be gauged by its power consumption. Chhattisgarh is a zero power-cut state. Our per capita energy consumption is 2,211 units, compared to the national average of 1,255 units.
From Half Electricity Bill to Free Power: A Major Leap Towards Energy Self-Reliance
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that we have taken a big step towards energy self-reliance. We are moving rapidly from half electricity bills to free power. The PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana is an important step in green energy. Through this scheme, common people are becoming not just electricity consumers but producers. Attractive subsidies are being provided by the Centre and the state government for installing solar plants. For a 1 kW plant, ₹30,000 is given by the Centre and ₹15,000 by the state – a total of ₹45,000. For 2 kW, ₹60,000 from the Centre and ₹30,000 from the state – a total of ₹90,000. For 3 kW, ₹78,000 from the Centre and ₹30,000 from the state – a total of ₹1.08 lakh in subsidy. He urged the people to take immediate advantage of this scheme.
Good Governance is Our Top Priority
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that good governance is our highest priority. We have implemented the e-Office system in all departments, ensuring transparency at every level. The GeM portal has been adopted for transparency in government procurement. The EOW is promptly investigating corruption cases. To involve youth in public policy, Chief Minister Shri Sai Good Governance Fellowship Scheme has been launched. Through this, youth are doing two-year fellowships at IIM Raipur. Through the Good Governance Festival, we reached your villages and neighbourhoods. Out of over 41 lakh applications received during the festival, most have been resolved with quality disposal.
We have made 10 revolutionary changes related to land registry. Now, along with online registry, facilities for mutation, Aadhaar authentication, and preparation of registry-related documents are available. Family donations, relinquishment of rights, and partition can now be done for just ₹500. The Chhattisgarh Land Revenue Code Amendment Bill has simplified rules. No registry of agricultural land less than 5 decimals will be allowed, aimed at stopping illegal plotting and fragmentation of land. Through the Jan Vishwas Bill, 163 provisions in 8 state Acts have been amended. Minor technical violations by citizens and businesses will no longer be considered criminal offences.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said a developed Chhattisgarh will be led by the youth. The government is working swiftly on recruitment to government posts. For the first time since state formation, the Vyapam exam calendar for the year has been released. To promote sports talent, the government is taking continuous measures. In the new industrial policy, special grants have been provided for establishing sports academies and private training centres. The decision has been made to launch the Yuva Ratna Samman Yojana to promote young talent.
Medicity Taking Shape in Nava Raipur
Giving top priority to healthcare, we are improving health centers at a cost of ₹441 crore. A total of 543 government hospitals in the state have received quality certification. Recruitment of medical staff is ongoing. Last month, 109 contractual doctors under NHM and 563 bond-contract doctors were appointed. We are building a Medicity in Nava Raipur, where national-level super-speciality hospitals will operate.
Mukhyamantri Nagarotthan Yojana Launched
Chief Minister Shri Sai said Mukhyamantri Nagarotthan Yojana has been launched to transform the look of urban bodies. Under this scheme, works worth ₹157 crore have been approved in seven municipal corporations. These include oxygen zones, bus terminals, bypasses, and auditorium construction. Uban Adiministration Bodies of the State have secured decent ranks under the Cleanliness Survey. Prime Minister Shri Modi has especially mentioned our Swachhta Didis from Bilha in his Mann Ki Baat program, lauding their efforts.
CM Rural Bus Service Scheme to Begin in Bastar and Surguja Divisions
Chief Minister Shri Sai further said that the government is working continuously to expand basic facilities in villages along with cities. In the first phase, the Chief Minister Rural Bus Service Scheme will be launched in Bastar and Surguja divisions. These buses will be operated by local people themselves. This will make travel easier for rural residents and ease their everyday difficulties.
Bodhghat Multipurpose Project Gains Momentum
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the government is moving forward on the Bodhghat Multipurpose Project. Through this ₹50,000 crore project, along with the production of 200 MW of electricity, irrigation facilities will be expanded to nearly 7 lakh hectares. To further expand irrigation facilities in the state, improvement work will be carried out in 9 irrigation projects with an investment of ₹522 crore.
Revival of Charan Paduka Yojana
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that several steps are being taken for the upliftment of the tribal community. The remuneration for tendupatta collection has been increased from ₹4,000 to ₹5,500, benefitting 50 lakh people from 12.5 lakh tendupatta collector families. To prevent blisters and thorn injuries on the feet of collectors during tendupatta collection, the Charan Paduka Yojana has been revived. To promote herbal medicines, under the “Forest to Pharmacy” model, a herbal extraction unit was recently inaugurated in Jamgaon (M) of Durg district. This has provided direct and indirect employment opportunities to 2,000 people.
Memorial Dedicated to Tribal Freedom Fighters Taking Shape
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that to encourage the preservation of cultural heritage, the government has decided to provide an annual honorarium of ₹5,000 each to Baiga, Gunia, and Sirha community members. The Tribal Museum in Nava Raipur has been inaugurated. A Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Tribal Freedom Fighters Memorial-cum-Museum is being built to honour the state’s tribal heroes of the freedom struggle. To showcase Bastar’s tribal culture to the country and the world, the Bastar Pandum festival was organized. Bastar is now on the global tourism map. Dhoodmaraas in Bastar has been chosen as the Best Tourism Village by the UN Tourism Organisation. To promote homestays, the Chhattisgarh Homestay Policy has been introduced.
Increase of 683 Square Kilometres in Tree Cover in Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that the state is not only preserving its natural wealth but also constantly enhancing it. An initiative has been taken to link forest ecological services with Green GDP. The recently released India State of Forest Report stated that Chhattisgarh has recorded an increase of 683 sq km in combined forest and tree cover — the highest in the country. Under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, launched at the call of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, more than 3.5 crore saplings were planted in the state in the past year.
Monthly Pension of ₹5,000 for Artists and Writers
To promote the art and culture of the state, 10 acres of land in Nava Raipur have been allotted for setting up a Kalagram. The monthly pension for artists and writers has been increased from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000. Through the Shri Ramlalla Ayodhya Dham Darshan Yojana, more than 22,000 devotees from the state have had the privilege of visiting Lord Ram in Ayodhya. Under the Chief Minister Pilgrimage Scheme, pilgrims from the state are also being taken to sacred sites across the country.
‘Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision’ Document Prepared
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Prime Minister Shri Modi has set a target of building a developed India by 2047. In this direction, the government has prepared the ‘Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision’ document — a roadmap to realize the goal of a developed Chhattisgarh. Chhattisgarh is the second state in the country to prepare such a vision document. It includes short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. To achieve these, 13 themes of socio-economic development have been identified, and 10 missions have been prepared for their implementation. “With the cooperation of all of you, we are moving forward to shape the state of Chhattisgarh. On this auspicious occasion of Independence Day, let us all resolve to build a Developed India – Developed Chhattisgarh,” Chief Minister Shri Sai said.
