Our Unwavering Commitment to Tribal Development: CM Vishnu Deo Sai

Raipur : Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to the development of tribal communities during a high-level review meeting of the Tribal and Scheduled Caste Development Department at the Mahanadi Bhavan Secretariat. On this occasion, the Chief Minister launched a new hostel and ashram management portal and transferred ₹85 crore online for scholarships and food assistance to support the operation of tribal hostels and ashrams for the upcoming academic year 2025–26.

CM Sai emphasized the government’s resolve to ensure that welfare schemes reach every individual belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) and tribal communities. “Our goal is to improve their living standards, promote self-reliance, and bring them into the mainstream of development,” he said. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is deeply concerned about the tribal population and is consistently working for their upliftment through central schemes in education, healthcare, employment, and housing.

The CM directed officials to prioritize effective implementation of flagship schemes such as PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba. He stressed timely and high-quality completion of housing and road projects under the PM-JANMAN initiative and instructed camps to continue preparing essential documents like Aadhaar cards, Ayushman cards, ration cards, and caste certificates for beneficiaries.

Reviewing the state’s tribal hostels and ashrams, CM Sai called for the construction of fully equipped facilities wherever needed, ensuring basic amenities such as toilets, beds, and clean drinking water. He warned that strict action would be taken in cases of negligence during inspections and stressed uniformity and quality in services provided. He also called for a real-time monitoring system for hostel oversight.

The CM reviewed sports complexes run by the department and expressed satisfaction over students’ achievements in various games. He assured improved infrastructure across all 20 sports complexes to nurture talent and help athletes excel in national and international competitions, including Khelo India.

While reviewing Prayas residential schools, the CM insisted on appointing highly qualified instructors and preparing students for various career paths, including engineering, medical, CLAT, and CUET exams.

CM Sai also instructed timely completion of buildings sanctioned under the tribal development department and construction of well-equipped buildings for institutions without facilities. He called for early meetings of the Central Region Development Authority and the Scheduled Caste Development Authority.

He reviewed initiatives under tribal cultural preservation, including Devgudi (sacred site) and Akhara (community gathering places) development. He directed that these sites be provided with proper lighting, seating, shelters, and drinking water.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the Tribal Youth Hostel operated by the state government in New Delhi. He suggested engaging recently selected All India Service officers to mentor civil service aspirants from Chhattisgarh, which would help students formulate better strategies in line with current trends. He expressed confidence that this initiative would empower more youth from the state to achieve top positions and contribute to its progress.

The meeting also included a detailed review of the Eklavya Residential Schools, the CM Higher Education Scholarship Scheme, Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centers, Forest Rights documentation, and other departmental programs.

CM Sai also reviewed the progress of the Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum being built in Nava Raipur, dedicated to the memory of martyr Veer Narayan Singh and the heroic contributions of tribal revolutionaries. He reviewed the museum’s design, construction quality, and curated content and issued necessary directives.

“This museum will be a tribute to the immortal legacy of Chhattisgarh’s brave sons,” the CM said, noting that it would highlight major historical tribal uprisings such as the Parlakot, Sonakhan, and Bhumkal rebellions. The museum will also present the stories of leading tribal freedom fighters using modern audiovisual technology to make the content engaging and educational for future generations. He directed that construction be completed within the set timeframe.

A detailed PowerPoint presentation on departmental activities, achievements, and future plans was presented by Principal Secretary of Tribal and SC Development, Shri Sonmoni Borah.

The meeting was attended by Tribal and SC Development Minister Shri Ram Vichar Netam, Chief Secretary Shri Amitabh Jain, Principal Secretary to the CM Shri Subodh Singh, Secretary to the CM Shri Rahul Bhagat, and other senior officials of the Tribal Development Department.