Government Progressing with the Goal of Holistic Development in Tribal Areas: Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai

Historic Role of Tribal Society in Preserving Ancient Culture and Traditions
Announcement of ‘Tribal Pride Path’ and Statues of Great Personalities
CM Sai Participates in Gaura Puja and Baiga Pujari Conference

Raipur, January 2026: Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai attended the Gaura Puja Festival and Baiga Pujari Conference held at Maharshi Valmiki Ashram, ITI Rampur in Korba district today. Extending his greetings on the occasion, he highlighted the proud history, distinct culture, and rich traditions of the tribal society. He emphasized that the Baiga and Pujari communities continue to play a vital role in preserving these traditions.

On this occasion, CM Sai announced that the road from ITI Chowk to Balko Road will be named ‘Tribal Pride Path’, and statues of prominent tribal personalities will be installed at the starting point of this route.

CM Sai recalled that former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee had established Chhattisgarh state to bring the predominantly tribal population into the mainstream of development. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has enhanced the dignity of the tribal community by declaring November 15, Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary, as Tribal Pride Day, and launching the Dharti Aba Utkarsh Yojana. Additionally, through the PM Janman Yojana, efforts are being made to bring specially backward tribal communities within the development ambit.

CM Sai expressed pride that today the highest constitutional office in the country is held by a tribal woman, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu, while the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh himself comes from a simple tribal farmer family.

He added that ₹80,000 crore has been allocated for the Dharti Aba Gram Utkarsh Yojana and ₹24,000 crore for the PM Janman Yojana, benefiting 6,691 villages in Chhattisgarh. Special initiatives are underway for the upliftment of particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) such as Pahadi Korwa and Birhor. Roads, healthcare, education, and other basic infrastructure are expanding rapidly in tribal areas, with dedicated authorities accelerating development work in tribal and backward regions.

Reflecting on his personal journey, CM Sai said that after completing his education, he himself worked as a volunteer at the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram. He noted that the tribal society has historically worshipped Lord Shiva and Parvati in the form of Goura-Gauri.

To commemorate the contributions of tribal luminaries and educate future generations, a grand digital tribal museum has been established in Naya Raipur, featuring illustrated biographies of prominent personalities.

CM Sai further announced that to encourage the preservation of tribal culture and traditions, an annual honorarium of ₹5,000 will be given to Baiga, Gunia, and Sirha communities. Sarna sites will also be protected, which will safeguard cultural heritage and contribute to economic empowerment.

Addressing the conference, Industry Minister Shri Lakhanlal Devangan highlighted that just as PM Modi is advancing the vision of a developed India, under CM Sai’s leadership, Chhattisgarh is rapidly progressing toward development. He added that many ancient temples and deity sites in the district are being developed under CM Sai’s guidance to create new tourism opportunities.

The event was also attended by Katghora MLA Shri Premchand Patel, officials of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram Shri Pantaram Bhagat and Shri Birbal Singh, Mayor Smt. Sanju Devi Rajput, former minister Shri Nanki Ram Kanwar, other dignitaries, public representatives, and a large gathering of citizens.