Raipur: Chhattisgarh celebrated the 77th Republic Day with great enthusiasm, patriotism, and pride. Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai unfurled the national flag at the main ceremony held at the Police Parade Ground in Bilaspur. He also took the salute at the combined parade and honoured the families of martyred soldiers and police personnel. To mark the 25th anniversary of Chhattisgarh’s formation, the CM announced a medal for the Chhattisgarh Police Force.
CM Sai Highlights Constitution and Democracy
Extending Republic Day greetings, CM Sai emphasized the importance of India’s Constitution as the foundation of democracy, equality, and social justice. He said the state government is committed to the service, development, and prosperity of Chhattisgarh’s people, or “Mahtari.”
He paid tribute to the makers of the Constitution, especially Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and highlighted Baba Guru Ghasidas Ji’s principle of “Manakhe-Manakhe Ek Saman” (all human beings are equal) as the soul of India’s Republic.
Celebrating 25 Years of Chhattisgarh Statehood
CM Sai recalled the state’s silver jubilee, noting its growth since its formation by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The newly inaugurated Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, designed with paddy motifs and folk art of Bastar and Surguja, stands as a symbol of the state’s cultural identity.
The Chief Minister also mentioned celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram” and the 150th birth anniversary of tribal leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda, highlighting the historic contributions of tribal communities.
Progress Towards Naxal-Free and Secure State
CM Sai spoke about the state’s efforts to curb Maoist violence, stating that the goal of making Chhattisgarh Naxal-free by March 2026 is on track. Rehabilitation of surrendered Naxals and development initiatives such as Bastar Cafe and Niyad Nella Nar Yojana are key to inclusive growth in affected areas.
Empowering Farmers and Promoting Agriculture
Chhattisgarh farmers now receive the highest paddy prices in the country. Paddy procurement has increased from 5 lakh metric tonnes to 149 lakh metric tonnes, with ₹1.5 lakh crore transferred to farmers’ accounts over the last two years. Additionally, 115 irrigation projects are being completed under the Atal Sichai Yojana.
Housing, Energy, and Women Empowerment
Over 26 lakh houses have been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, with 2,000 houses being built daily—the highest in India. Chhattisgarh ranks second in power generation and is rapidly advancing in solar and gas-based energy projects to meet zero carbon emission targets.
The Mahtari Vandan Yojana has provided ₹1,000 monthly financial assistance to over 70 lakh women, totaling ₹14,948 crore distributed so far. Worker welfare programs, including ESI and labour codes, are being implemented effectively.
Education, Healthcare, and Industry Development
Teacher shortages are being addressed through rationalization, with education now available in local dialects. The state has set up 9,000 smart classrooms and 22,000 computers. Medical education has expanded with 15 medical colleges, a multi-speciality hospital in Bilaspur, and MBBS courses in Hindi.
Chhattisgarh has received industrial proposals worth ₹7.83 lakh crore, with Nava Raipur emerging as a hub for IT, AI, pharmaceuticals, and medical industries.
Tourism and Digital Governance Initiatives
Tourism projects include Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana, Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana, Bastar Pandum, and development at Chitrakote Waterfall, Mainpat, Surguja, and Jashpur. Good governance is being strengthened through e-Office, the GeM portal, biometric attendance, and digital services.
Cultural Programs and Public Participation
Republic Day celebrations featured patriotic performances by schoolchildren and tableaux highlighting government schemes and state achievements. CM Sai urged public participation in building a developed Chhattisgarh, quoting poet Mr. Laxman Masturiya.
