RAIPUR,CG: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai emphasized the state’s critical role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047.

He was addressing the Independence Day celebrations at Raipur’s Police Parade Ground. He highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to foster all-round development in alignment with the national goal.

Sai paid homage to the freedom fighters, particularly those from Chhattisgarh like Shaheed Gend Singh and Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, who played pivotal roles in India’s struggle for independence. He acknowledged the sacrifices of these heroes and stressed the importance of upholding the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution, crafted under the guidance of Baba Saheb Ambedkar.

The Chief Minister outlined several initiatives aimed at restoring public trust in the government and fostering development across Chhattisgarh. Among these were efforts to tackle Naxalism, with 146 Naxalites eliminated in the past eight months and 32 new security camps established, with plans to add 29 more. The “Niyad Nellanar” scheme, designed to bring basic amenities to the state's remote areas, was also introduced.

Highlighting the state's agricultural achievements, Sai noted that Chhattisgarh set a record with the purchase of 145 lakh metric tonnes of paddy, benefiting 24.75 lakh farmers through various schemes. The Chief Minister also underscored the importance of empowering women through initiatives like the “Mahtari Vandan Yojana,” which has supported 70 lakh mothers and sisters.

In education, Sai announced the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020, with plans to introduce primary education in 18 local languages. He also revealed the formation of the “Chhattisgarh Higher Education Mission” and the expansion of medical education through the establishment of Chhattisgarh Institutes of Medical Sciences (SIMS) across the state.

He underlined the process of transferring Forest Rights Certificates to the heirs of Forest Rights Certificate holders after their death has been incorporated by the government.

To implement the values of good governance, the “Department of Good Governance and Convergence” has been formed. He said in order to increase the success rate of our youth in examinations like UPSC, UPSC youth hostels are being organized in New Delhi by the Tribal and Scheduled Caste Department. The number of seats for the candidates to prepare has been increased from 50 to 185.

In closing, Chief Minister Sai reiterated Chhattisgarh’s commitment to contributing to India’s development vision, preserving the state’s rich cultural heritage, and ensuring a prosperous future for its citizens.