Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurates three-day Rajyotsav 2026 celebrations
Bastar moving towards a new era of peace, trust and development after overcoming the challenge of Naxalism: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Our government is fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guarantees; welfare schemes are transforming Chhattisgarh: CM Sai
Around 1,600 PMAY houses being constructed every day; Mahtari Vandan Yojana provides financial support to over 6.8 million women
Chhattisgarh scaling new heights through tribal culture, sports, tourism and industrial investment
Raipur, November 2026: Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said that the vision of a developed Chhattisgarh would give fresh momentum to the creation of a developed India. He said that states like Chhattisgarh, with their rich natural resources, glorious cultural heritage and immense potential, would play a crucial role in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh is setting new benchmarks in development. Welfare initiatives, infrastructure expansion, industrial investment and the creation of employment opportunities are opening up new avenues for the state's progress, he said.
Dr Mandaviya was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the three-day Rajyotsav 2026, organised to mark the foundation day of Chhattisgarh.
The Union Minister formally inaugurated the celebrations by garlanding the portrait of Chhattisgarh Mahatari and lighting the ceremonial lamp.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee's vision for Chhattisgarh becoming a reality: Mandaviya
Dr Mandaviya said the creation of Chhattisgarh was driven by the aspirations of local people to give their identity a distinct recognition and unlock the state's development potential.
Former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee laid a strong foundation for the state's development by fulfilling the demand for a separate Chhattisgarh. Today, under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the state is carrying forward that vision and moving towards a new phase of progress.
He said Chhattisgarh's tribal culture, rich folk traditions, natural resources and the hard work of its people were its greatest strengths.
While Bastar was once largely associated with Naxalism, the region is now emerging as a centre of opportunities in sports, tourism, culture and development. Talented individuals from Bastar are making their mark at national and international levels. Chhattisgarh is also emerging as an important destination for industrial investment, he added.
The Union Minister emphasised that development must go hand in hand with the preservation of cultural heritage and traditions. The vision of a developed India can be achieved only when every state progresses by harnessing its unique strengths and resources.
Atal ji fulfilled his promise of creating Chhattisgarh: CM Sai
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai extended his greetings and best wishes to the people on the state's foundation day. He said the occasion was an opportunity to remember Chhattisgarh's glorious history, rich cultural heritage and development journey.
He recalled that Atal Bihari Vajpayee had promised the people of Chhattisgarh a separate state. The people had reposed their faith in his leadership, and he fulfilled that promise by granting Chhattisgarh statehood on November 1, 2000.
Paying tribute to Vajpayee, the Chief Minister said the state, created under his visionary leadership, was now moving towards new heights of development.
At the time of its formation, Chhattisgarh faced several challenges in providing basic facilities such as roads, electricity, drinking water, education and healthcare. Over the years, considerable progress had been made in these sectors.
He also highlighted the contribution of former Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh, particularly in strengthening the Public Distribution System (PDS), which ensured food security by providing subsidised foodgrains to poor families.
Historic progress towards eliminating Naxalism under PM Modi and Amit Shah's guidance
Chief Minister Sai said Naxalism had remained one of the biggest obstacles to Bastar's development for a long time. Despite its natural beauty, forests and mineral wealth, several parts of the region could not receive the benefits of development due to the menace of Naxalism.
He said that under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the firm resolve and guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, significant success had been achieved in the fight against Naxalism.
With the extraordinary courage and determination of security forces and the cooperation of Bastar's residents, the region was now moving beyond the challenges of Naxalism towards a new era of peace, trust and development.
The Chief Minister said the people of Bastar wanted peace and development. The state government's commitment was to ensure that essential facilities, including roads, electricity, education, healthcare and communication networks, reached even the remotest villages.
Efforts were also underway to integrate areas affected by Naxalism into the mainstream of development and create new opportunities in education, skill development and employment for local youth.
He paid tribute to the courage, dedication and sacrifices of security personnel who had contributed to this campaign.
Government fulfilling Modi's guarantees; positive changes in the lives of the poor, farmers and women
Chief Minister Sai said the state government was working with complete commitment to fulfil the guarantees given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ensuring that the benefits of government welfare schemes reach the last person in society remained its top priority.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, around 1,600 permanent houses are being constructed every day in the state, he said. He added that the initiative was not merely about building houses but also about fulfilling the dreams of poor families for dignity, security and a better future.
He said farmers' welfare was among the government's major priorities. Farmers in the state were being paid Rs 3,100 per quintal for paddy procurement, with purchases of up to 21 quintals per acre. The government had also fulfilled its commitment by clearing pending bonus payments to farmers.
The Chief Minister said the Mahtari Vandan Yojana had emerged as a significant instrument for the economic empowerment of women. More than 6.8 million women were receiving monthly financial assistance under the scheme.
The direct transfer of financial assistance into women's bank accounts had strengthened their confidence and provided support in meeting household expenses, he added.
Sai also said the Charan Paduka Yojana had been relaunched in the state. Landless agricultural labourers were being provided annual financial assistance of Rs 10,000.
The objective of these schemes was to economically empower poor, deprived and needy families, he said.
Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana fulfils devotees' dream of visiting Ayodhya
The Chief Minister said Chhattisgarh was closely associated with Lord Shri Ram, who is revered as the maternal nephew of the state, and that people here had deep faith in him.
The construction of the grand Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla had generated immense enthusiasm among the people of Chhattisgarh.
He said that under the Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana, more than 50,000 devotees from the state had so far visited Ayodhya to seek the blessings of Lord Ram.
The state government was making efforts to ensure that devotees from economically weaker families also got the opportunity to undertake this sacred pilgrimage.
The Chief Minister further said that Chhattisgarh had only one medical college at the time of its formation. Today, the state has 21 medical colleges, including those in the government and private sectors.
He described this as a significant achievement in expanding medical education and healthcare facilities.
He also highlighted the establishment of nationally recognised higher education institutions in the state. Continuous efforts were being made to provide young people with quality education, skill development facilities and better opportunities to prepare for competitive examinations.
The government's objective was to ensure that the youth of Chhattisgarh received greater opportunities to progress in accordance with their talent and capabilities, he added.
Focus on preservation of tribal culture and promotion of tourism
Addressing the gathering, Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal said Chhattisgarh's rich folk culture, tribal traditions and historical heritage were integral to the state's distinct identity.
Folk art forms such as Pandavani, Panthi and Dadariya reflected the state's cultural richness.
He said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, significant efforts were being made to preserve and promote traditional folk art forms and recognise the contributions of artists.
A state honour had also been instituted in memory of the late Teejan Bai, the legendary exponent of Pandavani.
Agrawal said tourist destinations such as Chitrakote Waterfalls, Sirpur, Rajim, the ancient caves of Ramgarh and Mainpat had immense potential to attract tourists from across India and abroad.
Expansion of tourism would create new employment and income opportunities for local youth, women, handicraft artisans and small business owners, he added.
Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma, state ministers, MPs, MLAs, office-bearers of various corporations, boards and commissions, senior officials, public representatives and a large number of citizens attended the programme.
