Raipur: Chhattisgarh marked 26 years since its formation on November 1, 2000, with Chief Minister highlighting the state’s development journey, infrastructure expansion, welfare initiatives, digital connectivity, tribal empowerment and emerging investment opportunities. Formed under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the state has been working towards translating its natural resources, tribal heritage and human capital into sustainable economic growth.
In his assessment of the state’s progress, the Chief Minister said development should not be measured only through infrastructure projects and budget allocations, but also by the positive changes these initiatives bring to people’s lives. He emphasised good governance, public participation and inclusive growth under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
From housing and drinking water to railway expansion, digital connectivity, healthcare, education and industrial investment, several initiatives are being implemented to strengthen the state’s development prospects.
Chhattisgarh Development: Housing, Drinking Water and Sanitation Initiatives
The state government has highlighted progress in basic amenities and welfare schemes aimed at improving living conditions, particularly in rural areas.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, housing has been sanctioned for approximately 24.50 lakh eligible beneficiaries, while nearly 20.65 lakh houses have been completed.
Other key achievements highlighted include:
- Jal Jeevan Mission: More than 41 lakh rural households have received tap water connections.
- Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin: A total of 36.44 lakh families have gained access to household sanitation facilities.
- PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Around 1.12 lakh households are being encouraged to adopt solar energy.
According to the Chief Minister, these initiatives are helping improve access to secure housing, clean drinking water, sanitation and alternative energy, which are essential for inclusive development.
Read also: Chhattisgarh Housing Board Plans Expansion into Infrastructure Through PPP Model
₹54,000 Crore Infrastructure Projects to Strengthen Connectivity
Infrastructure development remains a major part of Chhattisgarh’s economic strategy, with projects worth approximately ₹54,000 crore being implemented to improve connectivity and support industrial growth.
Railway expansion has been a significant component of this development. The Chief Minister highlighted that only 32 kilometres of railway track were laid in the state between 2009 and 2014, compared with 1,328 kilometres since 2014.
Major railway projects include:
- Rowghat-Jagdalpur rail line: Expected to improve connectivity in the region.
- Kirandul-Kottavalasa (KK) rail line doubling: Aimed at strengthening railway capacity.
- Kharsia-Parmalkasa rail route: Expected to support regional connectivity and trade.
The modernisation of airports, expansion of regional flight services and development of cargo facilities in Raipur are also strengthening the state’s economic links.
The government views road, rail and air connectivity as important drivers of economic activity, helping industries access markets, farmers explore new opportunities and young people access employment.
Digital Connectivity Expanded Across 7,524 Gram Panchayats
The state is also focusing on digital infrastructure to connect remote villages with education, healthcare, banking and government services.
Under this effort, Atal Panchayat Digital Facilitation Centres have been established across 7,524 Gram Panchayats in Chhattisgarh.
Other digital connectivity initiatives include:
- Installation of 829 mobile towers in remote and difficult-to-reach areas over the past two-and-a-half years.
- Work to connect 5,659 Gram Panchayats with high-speed internet under the BharatNet 3.0 initiative.
- Operation of the Chief Minister’s Rural Bus Service, benefiting 814 villages across the Bastar and Surguja divisions.
These initiatives aim to reduce geographical barriers and ensure that people in remote areas can access essential services and economic opportunities.
Bastar Development Focuses on Healthcare, Education and Livelihoods
Bastar has emerged as a key focus area in the state’s development strategy. The Chief Minister highlighted the changing situation in the region following government efforts and the work of security forces against Left-Wing Extremism.
The government believes the improved security environment is creating opportunities to expand education, healthcare, infrastructure, employment and tourism in the region.
Through initiatives such as Niyad Nellanar 2.0 and Bastar Munne, government schemes are being extended to remote communities. The stated target is to reach more than 39 lakh people through 31 individual-benefit schemes and 14 community-focused facilities.
Under the Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar campaign, more than 34 lakh people have undergone health screenings, and individual health profiles have been created.
The government has also focused on reopening schools that had remained closed, with the objective of improving access to education for children in remote areas.
₹4,824 Crore Livelihood Programme for 10 Lakh Families
To improve household incomes and create local employment opportunities, a livelihood enhancement programme worth ₹4,824 crore has been formulated.
The programme aims to increase the incomes of 10 lakh families in the region.
The state is also focusing on the rehabilitation and social reintegration of families affected by Naxalism, including those who have surrendered from Naxal ranks.
Bastar Tourism and Tribal Culture to Generate Local Opportunities
The Chief Minister highlighted Bastar’s tribal heritage, natural beauty, biodiversity and community traditions as important strengths of the region.
Events such as Bastar Pandum and the Bastar Olympics have witnessed participation from nearly four lakh people, reflecting the region’s cultural diversity and community participation.
The state has also accorded tourism the status of an industry and introduced dedicated provisions for homestays. These measures are intended to encourage local entrepreneurship, create livelihood opportunities and enable communities to benefit from tourism while preserving their cultural and natural heritage.
Chhattisgarh State AI Mission Approved with ₹500 Crore Outlay
Education, skills and innovation are being positioned as important drivers of the state’s long-term economic growth.
Chhattisgarh has institutions such as IIT, IIM, IIIT, AIIMS and a Law University, which are expanding opportunities for higher education. The government is also focusing on residential schools, improved school facilities and educational support for tribal students.
To prepare young people for emerging technologies, the state has approved the Chhattisgarh State Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mission, a five-year programme with an outlay of ₹500 crore.
The mission has set the following targets:
- Provide artificial intelligence education to six lakh students.
- Train approximately 1,500 government officers and employees.
- Build capabilities in emerging technologies and support innovation.
The initiative is intended to help the state move towards a knowledge- and technology-driven economy while creating opportunities in innovation, entrepreneurship and employment.
Investment Push in Semiconductors, Textiles and Emerging Industries
Chhattisgarh has significant development potential in minerals, forest produce, energy resources and industrial activities. The state is seeking to attract investments across traditional and emerging sectors to diversify its economy.
During a recent visit to Singapore, the state’s investment potential was presented in discussions with representatives from the industrial sector.
Sectors such as semiconductors, textiles and other emerging industries were highlighted as potential areas for investment.
The Chief Minister said the government’s focus is now on converting investment proposals into projects on the ground, increasing industrial activity and connecting local youth with employment opportunities.
He also emphasised the importance of involving local entrepreneurs, small businesses, farmers and forest-produce collectors in the benefits of industrial development. According to the state’s development vision, investment, skill development and local participation need to progress together to ensure wider economic benefits.
Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision @2047 Sets Long-Term Development Roadmap
The state’s long-term development strategy is guided by Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision @2047, which aims to align the state’s growth with India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
The vision focuses on strengthening the state economy, empowering human resources and ensuring that development opportunities reach all sections of society.
The Chief Minister said a developed Chhattisgarh would mean more than modern cities, large infrastructure projects and industrial expansion. It would also include prosperous farmers, educated youth, empowered women, better healthcare services and equal opportunities for citizens.
Preserving tribal heritage, natural resources and cultural diversity is also an important part of the state’s development approach.
As Chhattisgarh completes 26 years since its formation, the government has reiterated its focus on taking development opportunities from villages to cities and ensuring that economic progress benefits different sections of society. The state’s vision is to combine its natural wealth, cultural heritage and human potential with modern infrastructure, technology and investment to build a prosperous and self-reliant Chhattisgarh.
