Raipur, August 15, 2026/ On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day today, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai extended his warm greetings to the people of Chhattisgarh and hoisted the Tricolour at the main celebratory event held at Police Parade Ground in Raipur. Paying heartfelt tribute to the freedom fighters and martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice for the country, Shri Sai said that Independence Day is a sacred occasion to honour Maa Bharati, draw inspiration from the nation’s glorious history and renew the resolve to build a ‘Viksit Bharat’. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai remembered the sacrifices of Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Veer Savarkar, along with countless freedom fighters. He also paid homage to the heroes who inspired the spirit of freedom in Chhattisgarh, including Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, Veer Gundadhur, Gend Singh, Dhurwa Rao, Yadav Rao, Venkat Rao, Debri Dhur and Aitu Mahra.

Recalling Goswami Tulsidas’ message, _“Paradhin sapnehu sukh nahi”,_ Sant Kabir’s teachings and Baba Guru Ghasidas’ call of _“Mankhe-Mankhe Ek Samaan”,_ Shri Sai said that these ideals continue to inspire the values of freedom, equality and human dignity. He also recalled the national unity vision of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee on his 125th birth anniversary.

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Bastar Witnessing New Dawn of Peace and Development

Highlighting the transformation of Bastar, Shri Sai said that Chhattisgarh has achieved historic success against Naxalism under the courageous leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the firm resolve of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. In Maoism-free Bastar, people are now celebrating Independence through Tiranga Yatras. Areas once affected by violence and fear are witnessing a new dawn of peace, trust and development. He said that the comprehensive development of Bastar remains among the top priorities of the double-engine government. The hosting of the 26th meeting of the National-level Central Zonal Council in Jagdalpur is a symbol of Bastar’s changing identity. “This is the golden era for the reconstruction of Bastar,” he said.

Through _‘Niyad Nellanar 2.0’_ and the _‘Bastar Munne Abhiyan’,_ the benefits of government schemes are being extended to more than 39 lakh people of the Bastar division by ensuring 100 per cent saturation of 31 schemes and 14 community facilities. Schools that had remained closed due to Naxal violence are being reopened, while 36 new schools have been sanctioned. Education Cities are being developed in remote areas such as Orchha and Jagargunda. Under _‘Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan’,_ more than 34 lakh people have undergone health screening and health profiles have been prepared. An _Aajeevika Unnayan Yojana_ with an outlay of Rs 4,824 crore has been prepared to increase the incomes of nearly 10 lakh families. Security camps are increasingly becoming centres of public service and development, while _‘Seva Dera’,_ launched from Netanar, the village of Veer Gundadhur, is promoting civic amenities, skill development and entrepreneurship.

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The government is also strengthening the foundations of roads, electricity, transport and communication in Bastar. Work is underway to connect 461 villages powered through solar energy to the grid-based electricity system, while the process to link 234 interior habitations with main roads in also ongoing. _‘Mukhyamantri Gramin Bus Seva’_ is providing public transport facilities to 814 villages across the Bastar and Surguja divisions.

Farmers’ Prosperity Remains Top Priority

Referring to the farmers as the “makers of our destiny”, Shri Sai said that ensuring dignity and prosperity for farmers of the state is highest priority of our government. Paddy is being procured from farmers at Rs 3,100 per quintal, at the rate of 21 quintals per acre. The assistance under _‘Krishak Unnati Yojana’_ was transferred in a single installment ahead of the festival of Holi. The government is also promoting crop diversification. Farmers opting to cultivate pulses, oilseeds, maize, kodo, kutki and ragi in place of paddy will receive Rs 15,000 as exchange grant under _Krishak Unnati Yojana._ Despite global uncertainties, the government has ensured the availability of fertilisers and seeds for farmers.

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In line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’, digitization of 2,028 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) in the State has been completed. Of these, 1,988 PACS are also providing services as Common Service Centres.

Over Rs 11,000 Crore Sanctioned to Expand Irrigation

Shri Sai said that Chhattisgarh Government is taking forward former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision of interlinking rivers. Administrative approval of Rs 3,047 crore has been granted for the Sikasar-Kodar Canal Linking Project. More than Rs 11,000 crore has been approved for expanding irrigation facilities across the State. Under _Atal Sinchai Yojana,_ defunct irrigation projects are being revived. Matnar and Deurgaon barrages will be constructed on the Indravati River at an estimated cost of around Rs 2,000 crore, providing irrigation facilities to 32,000 hectares. Highlighting measures taken for the welfare of tendupatt collectors, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that they are being paid remuneration of Rs 5,500 per standard bag, while the ‘Charan Paduka Yojana’ has also been reintroduced.

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Shri Sai said that the State’s development strategy is centred on ensuring prosperity for farmers, women, youth and tribal communities while simultaneously building modern infrastructure and nurturing a new economy. With Bastar emerging from the shadow of Naxal violence and development reaching the last person, he said that Chhattisgarh is now embarking on a new journey of peace, development and prosperity, contributing significantly to the national resolve of building a ‘Viksit Bharat’.

Dream of a Pucca House for Every Family Taking Shape

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that the government is working at a rapid pace to provide a pucca house to every deserving family in line with the ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’. Following the approval of 18 lakh houses at the Cabinet’s first meeting, a total of 24.50 lakh houses have now been sanctioned. On average, 1,600 houses are being constructed every day across the State. He said 73 lakh families are receiving free foodgrains through Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and Mukhyamantri Khadyaan Sahayata Yojana.

Women’s Empowerment Strengthening Families and the State

Shri Sai said that Chhattisgarh Government’s _Mahtari Vandan Yojana_ has strengthened women financially, with Rs 19,444 crore transferred to women’s bank accounts so far. As many as 13.85 lakh women in the State have now become Lakhpati Didis. _Pradhan Mantri JANMAN Yojana_ has taken basic facilities to more than 56,000 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) families, while the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan is benefiting 6,691 tribal-dominated villages. Highlighting Chhattisgarh’s leading role in the distribution of forest rights titles, Chief Minister said that the process of mutation of titles in the names of legal heirs has been initiated. A task force has also been constituted for the effective implementation of the PESA Act.

New Doors Opening for Youth, From Jobs to Innovation

Recalling Swami Vivekananda’s faith in the power of youth, Shri Sai said that new opportunities in employment, education, skill development, sports and innovation has significantly enhanced the participation of young people in state’s development. Historic reforms have been introduced to ensure transparency in competitive examinations. The Chhattisgarh Staff Selection Board has been constituted for recruitment to Class III and Class IV posts, while a stringent law has been enacted to prevent cheating and the use of unfair means in examinations. Furthermore, Chief Minister said that 7,000 youngsters have been recruited in the police force, while recruitment is in progress for 3,946 posts of teachers and assistant teachers and 1,235 posts in power companies. _CG Assistance for Competitive Exam Yojana_ is being introduced to help the youth of state in preparing for competitive examinations such as NEET, JEE, CLAT, Railway, SSC, Banking, PSC and UPSC. The government has also decided to provide 10 per cent reservation to Chhattisgarh’s Agniveers who complete four years of military service in direct recruitment to the posts of police constable, forest guard and jail guard.

AI Mission to Prepare Chhattisgarh for the Economy of the Future

Shri Sai said the State government has approved the Rs 500-crore Chhattisgarh State AI Mission. Under the mission, 100 AI data labs, five Centres of Excellence and more than 50 AI-based services will be developed. As part of the initiative, six lakh students and 1.5 lakh government employees will be trained in artificial intelligence. Under the Chhattisgarh Startup Promotion Policy, a Rs 100-crore startup fund has been established. Under PM SETU, 30 ITIs are being upgraded. Institutions such as a Forensic University campus, NIFT and NIELIT are also being established in the State. Five medical colleges in Geedam, Kunkuri, Janjgir-Champa, Manendragarh and Kawardha are being started from the current academic session.

Sports Talent to Get Greater Opportunities

Shri Sai said that to ensure that Chhattisgarh’s sportspersons have every opportunity to excel and see the Tricolour fly on global sporting platforms, State Government has launched _Mukhyamantri Khel Utkarsh Mission._ The government has decided to promote Chhattisgarh athlete Gyaneshwari Yadav, who won a silver medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, to the post of DSP and award her a cash prize of Rs 30 lakh. The State has also opened avenues for government service for 156 outstanding sportspersons. Following Chhattisgarh’s successful hosting of the country’s first Khelo India Tribal Games, the event will be hosted in the State next year as well.

Chhattisgarh Emerging as a New Investment and Employment Hub

In his I-Day message, Chief Minister further said that the new industrial policy is promoting both core sectors and new and emerging areas. Investor Connect programmes organised across India and abroad have so far generated investment proposals worth Rs 8.23 lakh crore, with the potential to create approximately 1.74 lakh employment opportunities. Chhattisgarh’s first garment unit, Swift Textile, in Nava Raipur is expected to provide employment to more than 4,600 youths. A plant of Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) will be established in Mungeli. The State is establishing 23 new industrial areas. An Electronics Manufacturing Cluster 2.0 will be developed in Rajnandgaon, a Furniture Cluster in Nava Raipur, and Smart Industrial Parks in Janjgir-Champa and Rajnandgaon. Shri Sai added that the country’s first AI Special Economic Zone (AI SEZ) is being developed in the State. A State Capital Region comprising Raipur, Nava Raipur and Durg-Bhilai has also been constituted.

Energy, Roads, Railways and Digital Connectivity Get Fresh Momentum

Shri Sai said that the government is pursuing a long-term strategy covering all three segments of the energy sector, namely generation, transmission and distribution, to meet the State’s future energy requirements. The Energy Summit has attracted investment proposals worth more than Rs 3.50 lakh crore. Under _Mukhyamantri Bijli Bill Bhugtan Samadhan Yojana,_ the surcharge of more than 12 lakh consumers, amounting to Rs 910 crore, has been waived. More than 90,000 consumers in the State are benefiting from _Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana._ The Bharatmala project, Raipur-Visakhapatnam Expressway, Raipur-Dhanbad Economic Corridor and Raoghat-Jagdalpur rail network are expected to give fresh momentum to the State’s economic development.

Air connectivity to major airports is being expanded through the CG Vayu Yojana. During the past two and a half years, 829 mobile towers have been installed in remote areas, while BharatNet 3.0 aims to connect 5,659 gram panchayats with high-speed internet.

Technology Bringing Greater Transparency and Citizen Convenience in Governance

Shri Sai said that State Government is moving forward on the ideals of good governance envisioned by Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. A transparent e-Office system has been adopted, while more than 80,000 complaints have been resolved through the CM Helpline 1076. Through the ‘Seva Setu Portal’, more than 700 government services are being made available online, making public services more accessible to citizens. The establishment of smart registration offices, reforms in the registration process and systems such as auto-mutation has simplified citizen services. In rural areas, Atal Panchayat Digital Suvidha Kendras have been established in 7,524 gram panchayats, providing digital and banking services to residents.

Chief Minister added that in districts where _Niyad Nella Nar_ scheme is not being implemented, _Sugghad Chhattisgarh Abhiyan_ is ensuring saturation-mode delivery of the benefits of 31 government schemes.

These initiatives, Shri Sai said, reflect the government’s broader focus on ensuring that development reaches every section of society while preparing Chhattisgarh for a technology-driven, economically vibrant and inclusive future.

‘Meri Beti-Mera Abhimaan’ Campaign to Provide Toilets in 6,671 Government Schools

Announcing a special initiative for the dignity and well-being of girl-children in the state, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai declared the launch of the ‘Meri Beti-Mera Abhimaan’ campaign on Independence Day. Under the initiative, toilets for girls will be constructed in 6,671 government schools across Chhattisgarh. Shri Sai also said the ‘Viksit Bharat-G RAM G’ scheme has opened a new chapter of employment and development in the State. Under the scheme, _Muktidhams_ and waiting sheds will be constructed in 6,524 villages across Chhattisgarh.

Strong Law and Order, Greater Focus on Cyber Security

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that a strong law-and-order system is the first prerequisite for good governance. Alongside the effective implementation of the new criminal laws, the State has established nine new cyber police stations to address the growing challenge of cybercrime. The Dial-112 emergency service has also been implemented across the entire State, strengthening the system for swift assistance during emergencies.

Tourism and Folk Culture Set for Global Recognition

Shri Sai said that tourism infrastructure in Bastar and Surguja will be rapidly expanded through _‘Mukhyamantri Paryatan Mission’._ Events such as Bastar Olympics, Surguja Olympics and Bastar Pandum have helped showcase Chhattisgarh’s tribal culture, sporting talent and natural beauty at the national level.

Chitrakote will be developed as a global tourist destination, with a tent city planned there to enhance tourism facilities. Sirpur will be developed in accordance with the standards required for recognition as a World Heritage Site.

Emphasising that folk culture is an invaluable part of Chhattisgarh’s heritage, the Chief Minister announced the institution of the ‘Dr. Teejan Bai Lok Kala Alankaran’ to preserve the legacy of the late Padma Vibhushan Dr. Teejan Bai. He also announced the construction of ‘Chitrotpala Film City’ to promote and develop Chhattisgarhi cinema. State government has further decided to declare a public holiday on the birth anniversary of Sant Shiromani Guru Ravidas Ji and institute a State Award in his name. Referring to the discovery of a 2,750-year-old human settlement during excavations at Rewan in Arang, Shri Sai described it as significant evidence of Chhattisgarh’s ancient historical and cultural richness.

Development with Environmental Protection

Shri Sai said that environmental protection remains a key government priority alongside infrastructure creation and economic development. Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, more than seven crore saplings have so far been planted across the State. He also said that more than 49,000 devotees have been facilitated to visit major pilgrimage destinations under ‘Ramlala Ayodhya Dham Darshan Yojana’,while more than 10,000 devotees have undertaken pilgrimages under the ‘Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana’.

Resolve for a Developed Chhattisgarh as the Foundation of ‘Viksit Bharat’

Concluding his Independence Day address, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai said that a developed India and a developed Chhattisgarh are the collective goals of all citizens. ‘Viksit Chhattisgarh’ will play a pivotal role in building ’Viksit Bharat’.

Quoting the Rig Veda mantra, “Sangachchhadhwam, Samvadadhwam, Sam Vo Manamsi Janatam”, he called upon the people of Chhattisgarh to work together and contribute to building a brighter future for the State and the nation. Shri Sai said that by drawing inspiration from the enduring values of India’s freedom, placing one’s duties above all else and embracing the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’, Chhattisgarh will contribute to realising the vision of a Viksit Bharat through a Viksit Chhattisgarh.