Nava Raipur: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has said that Chhattisgarh is entering a new phase of peace, development and prosperity following the government’s campaign against Naxalism. Addressing the closing ceremony of Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav 2026 in Nava Raipur on Tuesday, he highlighted the state’s development priorities and the role of security forces and local communities in the changing situation.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presided over the programme, which also featured the presentation of the Rajya Alankaran Awards to individuals and institutions for their contributions across various fields.
During the event, Shah also released the 33rd instalment of the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, transferring more than ₹632.63 crore to the bank accounts of over 67.40 lakh eligible women.
Amit Shah Credits Security Forces and Local Communities in Fight Against Naxalism
Shah said Chhattisgarh was moving towards development after becoming Naxalism-free, and congratulated the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Chhattisgarh Police for their role in the campaign.
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He also acknowledged the contribution of tribal communities and local residents in the efforts to restore peace in areas affected by Naxal violence.
Referring to the state’s past, Shah said Naxalism had disrupted education, damaged infrastructure and restricted development opportunities in several regions. He pointed to schools being destroyed, roads being obstructed and children being pushed away from education because of violence.
He said the government’s approach had been to encourage armed Naxalites to surrender and return to mainstream society, while taking action against those who continued to engage in violence.
The Home Minister also referred to rehabilitation measures for people who had lost their limbs in Naxal-related violence, including the provision of artificial limbs.
Chhattisgarh’s Development Journey Since Its Formation in 2000
Recalling the creation of Chhattisgarh in 2000 under former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Shah said the state’s formation had recognised the region’s development needs and aspirations.
He credited Vajpayee with establishing the state and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government had provided further direction to its development.
Highlighting changes over the 26 years since its formation, Shah cited the following figures:
- State budget: Increased approximately 30 times.
- Per capita income: Increased around 17 times.
- Gross State Domestic Product: Expanded nearly 25 times.
- Industrial training institutes: Their number doubled.
- Engineering colleges: Increased threefold.
- Polytechnic institutions: Increased sixfold.
- Colleges and universities: Increased approximately sixfold.
- Literacy rate: Increased from around 55 per cent to approximately 80 per cent, according to figures cited by Shah.
He said the government’s objective was to ensure that the state’s natural resources and economic potential translated into greater prosperity for its people.
Tourism and Tribal Culture Among Chhattisgarh’s Development Priorities
Shah highlighted Chhattisgarh’s natural landscapes, religious destinations and cultural traditions, particularly those associated with the Bastar region.
He said improved security conditions could help the state develop its tourism potential and create opportunities in related sectors.
Among the destinations and cultural attractions he mentioned were:
- Chitrakote Waterfall
- Tirathgarh Waterfall
- Kanger Valley National Park
- Maa Bamleshwari Temple
- Maa Danteshwari Temple
- The traditional Bastar Dussehra festival
He expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh could emerge among the country’s leading tourism destinations in the coming years.
The Home Minister also referred to initiatives such as Bastar Pandum and Bastar Olympics, which promote tribal traditions, folk arts and indigenous sporting activities.
He highlighted cultural forms and crafts including Panthi, Pandavani, Raut Nacha, Karma and Saila, along with Dhokra art, bell-metal work, woodcraft and Kosa silk.
Nava Raipur to Be Developed as ‘Peepal City’
Shah also highlighted an environmental initiative announced for Nava Raipur, under which five lakh Peepal saplings are proposed to be planted to develop the city as a ‘Peepal City’.
The initiative is intended to strengthen the city’s green cover and promote environmentally conscious urban development.
At the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Park in Nava Raipur, approximately 2,500 Peepal saplings had been planted, according to the information shared during the programme.
Shah said the larger plantation target would contribute to the state’s environmental conservation efforts.
₹632.63 Crore Transferred Under 33rd Instalment of Mahtari Vandan Yojana
A major welfare announcement at the Rajyotsav closing ceremony was the release of the 33rd instalment of the Mahtari Vandan Yojana.
Shah transferred ₹632.63 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the bank accounts of 67,40,410 eligible women.
The beneficiary figures included:
- 67,33,502 women who had completed the required e-KYC process.
- 6,908 women from Niyad Nella Nar camp areas.
Under the scheme, eligible married women receive financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month. The initiative aims to strengthen their financial position and support their contribution to household expenses.
The latest transfer was carried out in the presence of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
Rajya Alankaran Awards Presented for Contributions Across Fields
The closing ceremony also featured the presentation of the Chhattisgarh Rajya Alankaran Awards to individuals and institutions recognised for their contributions to the state.
The honours covered a wide range of fields, including:
- Tribal development and social welfare
- Social harmony and women’s empowerment
- Literature, art and culture
- Journalism and sports
- Agriculture and cooperation
- Medicine and labour
- Law and public service
- Rural tourism
Shah congratulated the award recipients, saying that people working in different fields contribute to preserving Chhattisgarh’s identity and supporting its development.
The state government had announced 36 Rajya Alankaran Samman categories for 2026, with 32 individuals and six organisations selected for recognition. Four awards were not being conferred this year, according to the announcement by the state’s Culture Department.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai Presides Over 26th Foundation Year Celebrations
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presided over the closing ceremony and recalled the contribution of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the formation of Chhattisgarh.
The programme marked the state’s 26th anniversary. Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh on November 1, 2000.
The ceremony brought together the state’s development priorities, welfare initiatives, cultural recognition and environmental commitments. Shah said the government’s long-term objective was to build a prosperous Chhattisgarh in which economic growth and the well-being of its people advance together.
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