Education and Organisation Play a Crucial Role in Building a Strong Society: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Raipur, February 2026 : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that education and social organisation are the most important pillars for building a strong and empowered society. He was addressing the two-day 80th grand convention of the Chhattisgarh Manwa Kurmi Kshatriya Society held at village Champa in Baloda Bazar district.

At the beginning of the programme, the Chief Minister paid tribute to freedom fighter and social reformer Dr Khubchand Baghel on his death anniversary by observing two minutes of silence. He also offered floral tributes to eminent personalities of the community. On the occasion, the Chief Minister was accorded a warm welcome with a traditional gajmala.

Describing the Manwa Kurmi community as hardworking, well-organised, and rooted in an advanced agrarian tradition, the Chief Minister said that the community has made a significant contribution to the progress of the state. Congratulating the society on the occasion of its 80th grand convention, he noted that such gatherings promote harmony, coordination, and positive decision-making within society, benefitting not only the community but the entire state and the country. He added that it was a matter of pride for him to attend the programme organised in Champa, the native village of Revenue and Higher Education Minister Tank Ram Verma.

The Chief Minister emphasised that education is the strongest foundation for building an empowered society. Praising the community’s efforts to ensure education for both sons and daughters, he said that only an educated society can become self-reliant and progressive. He also lauded initiatives promoting women’s self-employment, awareness among youth against substance abuse, and ongoing efforts toward social reform.

Referring to the state government’s initiatives, the Chief Minister said that the government has been working with full commitment to fulfil the guarantees of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He informed that 1.8 million houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana have been completed in the state. During the current year, over 141 lakh metric tonnes of paddy have been procured at the minimum support price from more than 25.24 lakh farmers, and an amount of nearly ₹10,000 crore as the difference payment will be transferred to farmers before Holi. Under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, more than ₹15,000 crore has been disbursed so far to around 70 lakh women.

The Chief Minister said that a new picture of development is now visible in the Bastar region. In line with the resolve of the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, the state government is working firmly towards the complete eradication of Naxalism by March 2026. Through the Niyad Nellar Yojana, development works have gained momentum in nearly 400 villages of the region.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced financial assistance of ₹50 lakh for the construction of a community building in village Nardaha and ₹25 lakh for a community building in Baloda Bazar.

Addressing the gathering, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the state has witnessed remarkable development over the past two years, with several welfare schemes for farmers, women, and youth being implemented effectively.

During the convention, the society’s central president, Khodsh Ram Verma, shared details of important decisions taken by the community towards social reform. Rajim MLA Rohit Sahu, along with a large number of office-bearers of the society, women, youth, and community members, were present at the event.