Need for good leadership in rural development: CM

RAIPUR,CG(INDIA): On the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai addressed villagers and panchayat representatives in Raipur and launched the 'Atal Digital Facilitation Centre'.

Reflecting on his own experience as a panch and sarpanch, he stressed the importance of good leadership in rural development. He said that the new scheme will bring digital services directly to rural communities, making access to government schemes and services much easier. The initiative began in 1,460 gram panchayats and aims to expand further.

The Chief Minister highlighted that villagers will now be able to withdraw benefits like pensions, Mahtari Vandan Yojana, and PM Kisan Nidhi amounts from their panchayats, saving both time and travel expenses. Services like caste, birth, and residence certificates, as well as ration cards and pension schemes, will now be available locally. He expressed hope that it would promote transparency and strengthen the Digital India Mission in villages.

He also launched a water conservation campaign, urging panchayats to take serious steps for rainwater harvesting and preservation of water sources. The CM mentioned that PM Narendra Modi released over ₹300 crore for housing under the PM Awas Yojana, benefiting 51,000 families. A survey under the Housing Plus Plus program is ongoing to bring more families under its ambit.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma  highlightedthat digital centers will be set up in more than 8,000 panchayats within six months. These centres will provide services like land records, digital payments, and official documents at the village level. He emphasized the need for collective efforts in water conservation and instructed panchayat leaders to work on identifying and reviving local water sources.

The Chief Minister also interacted with beneficiaries from various districts who shared how the new centres have helped them. Villagers like Sumani Baghel and Chetna Dewangan appreciated how the centres saved them long travel and wait times. Women beneficiaries shared how financial aid from schemes is helping them support their children’s education, now with the added convenience of withdrawing funds in their own villages.