Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Attends Marka Pandum Festival in Kanker District

Resolution to Eliminate Naxalism Will Be Fulfilled: CM Vishnu Deo Sai

Announcement of ₹80.48 Lakhs for Renovation of Gondwana Community Hall and Boundary Wall

Raipur : Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai today participated in the concluding ceremony of the Marka Pandum (Chaitrai Mahaparv) organized by the Gondwana community in Bhirawahi village, Kanker district. He offered prayers to Budhadev and Anga Dev, the revered deities of the Gondwana community, and presented offerings such as tendu, char, chironji, mahua, and mangoes, praying for the prosperity of the people of the state.

Addressing the gathering at the Gondwana Bhavan premises during the conclusion of Marka Pandum, CM Sai highlighted the rich heritage of the Gondwana community. He mentioned that it is customary during the Marka Pandum festival to offer the season’s first fruits and crops to the deities. Emphasizing the importance of preserving culture and traditions, he urged the community to focus on education and come forward to ensure their children receive proper schooling.

The Chief Minister stated that Chhattisgarh has witnessed rapid development in the past 25 years. The PM Janman Yojana has significantly benefited Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), and Prayas Residential Schools are creating new opportunities for talented students. He added that premier institutes like IIM, IIT, and IIIT have been established in the state, contributing to its academic growth.

Speaking about security, CM Sai affirmed that with the support of the central government, the state government is committed to eradicating Naxalism from Bastar. He reiterated Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s pledge that Naxalism will be rooted out within the coming year. He also shared that the Niyad Nellanar Scheme is being expanded to ensure that more people in Naxal-affected areas benefit from government schemes.

On the occasion, responding to demands made by representatives of the Gondwana community, CM Sai announced development and construction works worth ₹80.48 lakhs, which include:

• ₹45 lakhs for the renovation of the Gondwana Community Hall,
• ₹23.47 lakhs for the construction of a boundary wall, and
• ₹12.01 lakhs for the beautification of Devgudi and other miscellaneous works.

Kanker MLA Shri Asharam Netam, while addressing the ceremony, expressed pride in having a Chief Minister who is genuinely concerned for the tribal community. He emphasized the need for tribals to preserve their rich culture, tradition, and heritage, which he called their roots and true identity.

During the event, Bastar Gondwana Society’s Divisional President Shri Sumer Singh Nag briefed the Chief Minister about various social activities. Other notable attendees included Kanker MP Shri Bhojraj Nag, Antagarh MLA Shri Vikram Usendi, Bhanupratappur MLA Smt. Savitri Mandavi, Kanker Municipality President Shri Arun Kaushik, District Panchayat President Smt. Kiran Nareti, former MP Shri Mohan Mandavi, former MLA Shri Shishupal Sori, Smt. Sumitra Markole, Collector Shri Nilesh Kumar Mahadev Kshirsagar, SSP Shri Indira Kalyan Elesela, and other dignitaries.