A journalist’s pen is not just a medium of information, but also a powerful tool to promote tourism – Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Chhattisgarh Government fully committed to holistic tourism development – Chief Minister

Delegation of journalists returning from Rajasthan inter-state study tour pays courtesy visit to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Raipur, December 2025 : A delegation of journalists from Chhattisgarh, who returned after an inter-state study tour to Rajasthan, paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today at the Chief Minister’s residence in Raipur. On this occasion, the journalists shared their experiences from their visit to Rajasthan between December 15 and 20, including insights into the state’s legislature, administrative functioning, and innovations in the field of tourism.

Chief Minister Sai said that the State Government has launched an inter-state study tour programme for journalists so they can understand innovative governance, administrative, tourism, and cultural development practices of other states from their own professional perspective. He added that the knowledge gained from such study tours could inspire new and effective initiatives in Chhattisgarh as well.

The Chief Minister urged journalists to document their travel experiences in the form of travelogues, which would serve as useful guide material for general tourists. He stated that a journalist’s pen is not only a means of information, but also a powerful instrument to promote tourism.

Highlighting the vast tourism potential in the state, Chief Minister Sai said that the Chhattisgarh Government is fully committed to the holistic development of tourism. Referring especially to the Bastar region, he said that in terms of natural beauty, Bastar is like heaven on earth, but Naxalism has long been a major obstacle to its development.

The Chief Minister said that, in line with the resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the State Government is working with full determination to eradicate Naxalism from its roots by March 2026.

He shared that tourism has been included in the State’s new industrial policy. Under this policy, efforts are being made to promote home-stays in remote forest areas so that tourists can stay with local families and experience their culture, food habits, and lifestyle up close. This will not only boost tourism but also create new employment and income opportunities for local residents. He added that the inclusion of Chhattisgarh’s Dhoodhmarass among the world’s 20 major tourist destinations is a matter of pride for the state. Welcoming suggestions offered by journalists, he assured that they would be seriously examined and implemented.

During the interaction, Vijay Tripathi from Jashpur shared his experience of visiting the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, where a grand museum has been built to familiarise the public with the legislative process and functioning. Through this museum, visitors can understand the legislative journey since the state’s formation along with contributions of prominent historical figures.

Vijay Khetrapal from Korba said that the tour provided an opportunity to understand how Rajasthan has developed its centuries-old forts and palaces into tourism centres by integrating modern facilities. He also noted that activities such as jeep safaris, camel rides, para-sailing and desert camps have made desert tourism highly attractive, offering a valuable case study for Chhattisgarh.

Arjun Jha from Jagdalpur shared his experience of Jaipur’s Chokhi Dhani, where rural life, folk culture and traditional food are showcased on a single platform. He suggested that Bastar’s folk festival, Bastar Pandum, could similarly be used to present Chhattisgarh’s folk culture to tourists. Tinkeshwar Tiwari also emphasised promoting Chhattisgarh’s traditional cuisine at tourist destinations along the lines of Rajasthani food.

Young journalist Rajat Awasthi from State News Service honoured Chief Minister Sai with a traditional Rajasthani turban (safa) and thanked him for launching the journalist study tour programme.

Senior officials present on the occasion included the Chief Minister’s Press Officer Alok Singh, Additional Director of the Public Relations Department Sanjeev Tiwari, Joint Director Jitendra Nagesh, along with journalists and other dignitaries.