Education and Unity Pave the Path to Progress for Society, State, and Nation – CM Vishnudev Sai

Raipur : Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, while addressing the annual convention of the Khadia Scheduled Tribe Upliftment Committee, emphasized that education is the strongest foundation for any society’s progress. He urged intellectuals and youth to prioritize education and guide the next generation in the right direction.

In his speech, CM Sai stated that the real progress of tribal communities will be achieved when education, economic empowerment, and social unity are equally promoted. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to uplifting every section of society and expressed confidence that new heights of development would be reached in the coming years. He stressed that education and unity are the key drivers of prosperity for society, the state, and the nation.

Reflecting on the historical journey of the Khadia community, CM Sai recalled the 2011 decision to include the community under the Scheduled Tribe category, acknowledging the efforts of the then-Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh.

The event began with tributes to Goddess Saraswati and freedom fighter Shaheed Telanga Khadia. The program was attended by MLA and Vice President of Surguja Regional Development Authority, Mrs. Gomati Sai, former MLA Shri Bharat Sai, and key community leaders.

Transformative Development in Just 13 Months

CM Sai highlighted that within just 13 months, the state government has successfully implemented Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s guarantees. He stated that in the first cabinet meeting, the government decided to benefit 1.8 million families under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Prioritizing farmers’ welfare, the paddy procurement rate was set at ₹3,100 per quintal, enabling farmers to sell up to 21 quintals per acre in the past two kharif seasons. This year, a record-breaking 14.9 million metric tons of paddy have been procured.

Concrete Measures for Tribal Welfare

Discussing tribal welfare, CM Sai announced that the tendu leaf collection rate has been increased from ₹4,000 to ₹5,500 per standard bag, directly benefiting millions of collectors.

Additionally, the Mahatari Vandan Yojana is providing ₹1,000 per month to 7 million women, ensuring financial empowerment.

For landless agricultural laborers, the Deendayal Upadhyay Landless Agricultural Laborer Welfare Scheme provides ₹10,000 annually, supporting the most vulnerable sections of society.

To promote education and holistic development in tribal communities, the government is running schemes like the PM Janman Yojana and Dharati Aaba Tribal Village Excellence Campaign.

To assist tribal youth preparing for UPSC exams, the number of seats in the Tribal Youth Hostel in Dwarka, Delhi, has been increased from 50 to 185.

Additionally, 341 schools in the state are being included under the PM SHRI Scheme, ensuring high-quality education with facilities comparable to private institutions.

Tribal Communities Must Advance Together – MLA Gomati Sai

MLA Mrs. Gomati Sai emphasized that education, economic progress, and social unity are the pillars of a prosperous society. She called upon the tribal community to move forward together, ensuring comprehensive development for all sections.

At the gathering, participants pledged to collectively work towards education, employment, and social upliftment of tribal communities.

The event saw the presence of Khadia Community State President Shri Madan Nayak, District Patron Shri Bodh Sai Manjhi, District General Secretary Shri Kripal Manjhi, District Vice President Shri Ram Sagar Soreng, Shri Bal Kumar Pradhan, and many other distinguished community members.