Greetings to all media colleagues. Jai Johar!
My heartfelt greetings to all of you on the occasion of Sharadiya Navratri. On this auspicious occasion, our Cabinet has passed an auspicious resolution today.
- Today, the Chhattisgarh Cabinet passed a congratulatory resolution on the completion of 25 continuous years by our respected Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, as the head of government.
- For us, this is not merely an occasion to mark an achievement, but a historic milestone in an extraordinary journey of work guided by the principles of Nation First, public service, good governance, welfare of the poor and Antyodaya.
- On behalf of the three crore people of Chhattisgarh and the Cabinet, I wholeheartedly congratulate the Prime Minister on his dedication to duty, public service and visionary leadership, and wish him good health and a long life of service to the nation.
- The Cabinet has also congratulated the historic decisions taken in the national interest, ranging from JAM to GST, the abrogation of Article 370, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and freedom from Naxalism.
- At the same time, we express our gratitude to the Central Government for providing Chhattisgarh with greater resources and participation through cooperative federalism, and for its support in ensuring that facilities such as housing, tap water, sanitation, ration, healthcare and clean fuel reach the last person.
Now, I would like to briefly explain to you the impact of these 25 years of leadership on Chhattisgarh.
First, let us talk about Gujarat, where new experiments in good governance began
While serving as Chief Minister of Gujarat, Modi ji introduced several experiments in governance involving technology, public communication and a result-oriented working system, which were subsequently adopted across the country. Chhattisgarh, which was formed in 2000, also learnt from the successful experiences of the ‘Gujarat Model’ during its initial development journey and progressed rapidly. The tradition of dialogue and ‘Chintan Shivir’ was also implemented here.
In the same sequence, PM Gati Shakti has linked project planning and monitoring with technology. Of the approximately 20,000 villages in our state, around 14,000 villages have been geo-referenced.
We also received inspiration from the Prime Minister in creating a favourable investment environment
‘Vibrant Gujarat’ inspired states to present their potential before the world, and drawing inspiration from this, we implemented structural policies to attract investment. The ‘Ease of Doing Business Act, 2026’ has simplified industrial approvals and provides for deemed approval, meaning automatic approval, if a decision is not taken within the stipulated time limit. The One Click Single Window System has also simplified the process.
Through two Jan Vishwas Acts, 279 unnecessary provisions were removed from the category of criminal offences, and commercial establishments were permitted to operate 24x7. In all, more than 450 administrative reforms have been undertaken. As a result of these efforts, the state has received investment proposals worth Rs 8.50 lakh crore, which are expected to generate more than 1.60 lakh jobs.
Technology has brought governance closer to ordinary citizens
Through the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile, or JAM, trinity, 600 million people in the country were connected to banking, making it the world's largest financial inclusion model. Direct Benefit Transfer, or DBT, eliminated the role of middlemen, and 100 per cent of assistance amounts reached beneficiaries' accounts directly. UPI brought digital payment facilities to small traders and ordinary citizens. For our farmer brothers, 42 lakh Farmer IDs have been created under AgriStack, and through the drone-based SVAMITVA Scheme, 7.51 lakh rural residents have received records of property rights.
Poor families received the assurance of living with dignity
The welfare of the poor has always been at the centre of the Prime Minister's policies, and its impact is clearly visible in Chhattisgarh. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 20.65 lakh permanent houses have been completed in rural areas and 2.25 lakh in urban areas. In just the last two years and nine months, 11.78 lakh houses have been built, and our state ranks first in the country in the pace of construction.
Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, with central assistance of Rs 2,437 crore, 36 lakh household toilets and 14,970 community toilets were built, and 18,653 villages were declared ODF Plus. Under the Ujjwala Scheme, 39.73 lakh women received free gas connections. Under Ayushman Bharat, cards have been issued to approximately 2.49 crore people, or around 92 per cent of eligible beneficiaries, and 51.17 lakh beneficiaries received free treatment worth approximately Rs 11,877 crore. ‘Vay Vandana’ cards have also been issued to 6.21 lakh senior citizens above 70 years of age.
The country received strong and sensitive leadership even in times of crisis
From the COVID-19 pandemic to the global energy crisis, India faced difficult circumstances with confidence. We conducted one of the world's largest vaccination campaigns and, by providing vaccines to more than 100 countries through ‘Vaccine Maitri’, put the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ into practice. The free foodgrain distribution system launched during the COVID period provided great relief to vulnerable families. Through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and the Chief Minister's Food Assistance Scheme, 73 lakh families in Chhattisgarh, comprising 1.99 crore beneficiaries, are receiving free ration today. The state has also received a subsidy of approximately Rs 5,600 crore under this Central Government scheme.
Our farmer brothers, the providers of food, also received major financial support
The direct benefits of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi have reached the accounts of 26.57 lakh farmers in Chhattisgarh. Under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, a central share of the premium amounting to Rs 5,064 crore has been received. Compared with 2015, the number of registered farmers has increased from 13.17 lakh to 27.53 lakh, while the registered area has increased from 21.26 lakh to 33 lakh hectares. Paddy procurement has also risen from 59 lakh metric tonnes to the historic level of 141 lakh metric tonnes. Farmers have been paid Rs 33,431 crore through the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and Rs 10,292 crore as bonus.
Mothers, sisters and young people received new opportunities to progress
Under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, approximately 68 lakh mothers and sisters are being provided direct assistance of Rs 1,000 per month, or Rs 12,000 annually. Exceeding the stipulated target, 14 lakh women have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’. Through ‘BIHAN’, that is, the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), 32.39 lakh rural families have joined 2.98 lakh Self-Help Groups and are moving towards self-reliance. More than 70,000 tribal women are associated with Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.
For our young sportspersons, assistance of Rs 48 crore under Khelo India has been approved for eight districts, along with 33 Khelo India Mini Centres. A Centre of Excellence for hockey, archery and athletics has also been approved in Bilaspur.
Our tribal community received both respect and development
By declaring the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ (National Tribal Pride Day), the contribution of the tribal community received recognition at the national level. Infrastructure is being developed in more than 6,000 tribal-majority villages in the state under the ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’. Under the PM JANMAN Scheme, permanent houses, roads and drinking water have reached more than 56,000 families belonging to five Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups living in 18 districts.
Seventy-five ‘Eklavya Model Residential Schools’ are operating in 26 districts, and by providing Minimum Support Prices for minor forest produce, more than Rs 500 crore has been paid to six lakh collectors. The country's first Digital Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum has also been established in Nava Raipur.
With the support of the Centre, the state's resources have also increased historically
In the spirit of cooperative federalism, the states' share in central taxes was increased from 32 per cent to 42 per cent. Over the last 12 years, Chhattisgarh has received Rs 3,46,806 crore as its share of central taxes, which is 7.4 times the Rs 47,100 crore received during the decade from 2004 to 2014.
The state received Rs 17,887 crore through the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) system, established to ensure that the benefits of mineral resources reach local areas, and more than 81,000 development works were undertaken. ‘One Nation, One Tax’, or GST, removed the barriers created by check posts and made the entire country a single market for steel, cement and agricultural products. In addition, the state received additional GST compensation assistance of Rs 22,600 crore.
Roads, railways, electricity and mobile networks are changing the face of Chhattisgarh
The country's public capital expenditure has increased from approximately Rs 2 lakh crore to more than Rs 12 lakh crore, and Chhattisgarh has also received assistance of approximately Rs 22,000 crore. Rs 35,766 crore has been approved for national highways, and work on 37 projects worth Rs 18,215 crore is underway. All district headquarters are now connected to the national highway network.
The six-lane Raipur–Visakhapatnam Expressway will connect our state with ports and international trade. Alongside this, construction is also progressing on the four-lane Bilaspur–Urga–Pathalgaon road, costing Rs 4,007 crore, and the six-lane Raipur–Durg Bypass, costing Rs 2,289 crore.
In the railway sector, work is underway on new railway lines, doubling of lines, flyovers and bridge projects worth approximately Rs 54,000 crore. Under the ‘Digital Bharat Nidhi’, 1,643 mobile towers have been approved for remote and tribal areas.
In the energy sector, the state has received investment proposals worth approximately Rs 3.5 lakh crore. The capacity of the Lara Super Thermal Power Project in Raigarh has been increased from 4,000 to 4,800 megawatts. With central assistance of Rs 2,808 crore, new electricity connections have been provided to 9.30 lakh households, and solar installations have been set up in more than 1.16 lakh homes under the ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’, for which central subsidies amounting to Rs 670 crore have been released.
A new chapter of peace and development has begun in Bastar
It is a matter of the greatest pride and satisfaction for us that, through coordinated efforts by the Centre and the state and the indomitable courage of the security forces, we achieved decisive freedom from the decades-old Naxal problem on March 31, 2026. The Prime Minister's vision that ‘the solution to all problems lies not in a gun on the shoulder, but in a plough on the shoulder’ has opened the path to lasting peace and development in Bastar.
Special assistance of Rs 2,080 crore was received from the Centre for the eradication of Naxalism. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 15,000 houses have been approved for surrendered cadres and families affected by Naxalism, of which construction of 5,671 is underway.
Regarding connectivity, 267 roads and eight bridges have been completed under the RCPLWE scheme. Under PMGSY-4, 228 roads are being constructed at a cost of Rs 699 crore. A total of 421 schools that had remained closed for years because of violence have been reopened, and the ‘Niyad Nellanar Yojana’ has ensured access to healthcare, education and ration in remote villages. With the establishment of peace, new opportunities in education, healthcare, connectivity and livelihoods are expanding rapidly.
The country has also demonstrated firmness in national security and major decisions
With a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, the surgical strikes, the Balakot air strike and Operation Sindoor have presented India's firm national resolve before the world. One Rank One Pension and the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff are also decisions arising from this approach.
The abrogation of Article 370 led to the complete constitutional integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India. In place of colonial laws, the ‘Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’, the ‘Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita’ and the ‘Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam’ were implemented to ensure speedy justice. Granting constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes also strengthened social justice.
Along with development, our heritage and faith have also received respect
The Kashi Vishwanath Dham and the construction and consecration of the Shri Ram Lalla Temple in Ayodhya after 500 years of struggle are symbols of our cultural confidence. The Chhattisgarh Government is also implementing the ‘Ayodhya Dham Shri Ramlalla Darshan Yojana’ for the people of the state. Under the PRASHAD Scheme, development work at Maa Bamleshwari Devi Temple in Dongargarh has been completed with assistance of Rs 48 crore.
Under Swadesh Darshan, Rs 94 crore has been approved for a tribal tourism circuit covering Jashpur, Surguja, Bilaspur and Jagdalpur. Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Rs 146 crore has been approved for the Bhoramdeo Corridor in Kabirdham and Rs 10 crore for eco-tourism at Mayali–Bagicha in Jashpur.
The Central Government has approved Rs 73.42 crore under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme for establishing a statue and complex dedicated to Sant Shri Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya ji at Champaran. A ‘PM Ekta Mall’ will be built in Raipur at a cost of Rs 200 crore to promote handloom, handicrafts and village industries. The establishment of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Nava Raipur has also been approved.
India's voice is being heard and appreciated across the world today
Under Modi ji's leadership, India's role and prestige on global platforms have expanded exceptionally. India's presidency of the G20, its influential role in BRICS, the initiative to secure permanent membership of the G20 for the African Union, and strengthening the voice of the Global South are symbols of India's growing diplomatic capabilities. The fact that 36 countries around the world have conferred their highest civilian honours on him also underlines this.
Initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, International Yoga Day and the International Year of Millets have also benefited states like Chhattisgarh. With Shree Anna (millets) receiving global recognition, new markets and economic opportunities have emerged for tribal farmers producing kodo, kutki and ragi in Bastar and Surguja.
Looking ahead, our resolve is to move from ‘Developed Chhattisgarh’ to ‘Developed India 2047’
To participate in the Prime Minister's grand resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047, we have prepared the roadmap ‘Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision 2047’. A Naxal-free Bastar, abundant mineral and energy resources, hardworking farmers, empowered women, youth power, rich tribal culture and an investment-friendly environment are our major strengths.
With the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’ (Together with all, development for all, trust of all, efforts of all), the Cabinet has reiterated its resolve to make a full contribution to building ‘Developed India 2047’ through ‘Developed Chhattisgarh’.
I am fully confident that, under the Prime Minister's capable and visionary leadership, India and Chhattisgarh will continue to move forward towards a prosperous, secure, self-reliant and developed future.
Cabinet meeting decisions
In addition, the following decisions were taken at the Cabinet meeting:
1. Recruitment of former Agniveers
The Chhattisgarh Cabinet has taken an important decision with the objective of utilising the experience and skills of former Agniveer soldiers in the state's services. Under this decision, permission has been granted to recruit former Agniveers against available vacancies in a total of 36 posts of constables in the Home Department.
It is noteworthy that the state government has already made provision for 10 per cent category-wise reservation for former Agniveers in these posts.
2. Renaming of the Tribal Development Department
The Cabinet has approved a proposal to amend the Chhattisgarh Government Business (Allocation) Rules. Under this amendment, the name of the ‘Tribal Development Department’ will be changed to the ‘Tribal Affairs Department’.
Thank you very much to all of you.
