Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the ‘Swarn Sharda Scholarship 2026’ programme in Raipur and honoured the top-performing girl students from different divisions of the state. The Chief Minister presented scholarships to the meritorious students and highlighted the state government’s focus on quality education, modern technology, competitive exam preparation and employment opportunities for young people.
Addressing the programme held at a private hotel in Jora, Raipur, CM Sai said education is the foundation of social and economic development. He said the state government is working to provide quality education from villages to remote forest areas while connecting the younger generation with modern technology and new employment opportunities.
CM Sai Honours State Topper Omni Verma
CM Sai congratulated the meritorious students and said their achievements were a matter of pride for their families, schools and the entire state.
Bemetara’s Omni Verma, who secured first position in the Class 12 examination across Chhattisgarh, received a ₹1 lakh scholarship and a certificate of honour from the Chief Minister.
Her school, Swami Atmanand Excellent Hindi Medium Girls School, Bemetara, was also awarded ₹1 lakh.
The Chief Minister also felicitated individuals who have made notable contributions in different fields and released ‘Medha’, a book focused on encouraging girls’ education.
Chhattisgarh Expands Education Infrastructure
Reflecting on his own school days, CM Sai recalled that his early education took place at a primary school in his native village, Bagiya. He said that during his childhood, students often had to travel to nearby villages for examinations, while school buildings in rural areas had limited facilities.
He highlighted the progress made in Chhattisgarh’s education sector over the past 25 years.
Key developments highlighted by the Chief Minister include:
- A wider network of educational institutions from schools to higher education.
- Colleges available in every development block.
- Presence of institutions such as IIT, IIM and AIIMS in the state.
- Expansion of educational infrastructure in remote regions.
- New education initiatives in areas such as Jagargunda and Orchha.
According to CM Sai, these developments are creating better opportunities for students to pursue quality education within the state.
34 Nalanda Parisars to Support Competitive Exam Aspirants
The state government is developing 34 Nalanda Parisars to provide students and young people with a suitable environment for preparing for competitive examinations.
The facilities are intended to provide students with access to a quiet and supportive study environment.
CM Sai also highlighted the 200-bed Tribal Youth Hostel in New Delhi, which provides facilities free of cost to tribal students from Chhattisgarh preparing for competitive examinations.
This year, 13 students staying at the hostel cleared the UPSC Preliminary Examination.
The achievement, the Chief Minister said, demonstrates that students can perform strongly in highly competitive examinations when they receive the right facilities and opportunities.
₹500 Crore AI Mission to Prepare Students for Future Technology
The Chief Minister said education must keep pace with rapidly changing technology. To prepare students and young people for future opportunities, the state is launching the Chhattisgarh AI Mission.
The state government has made a budgetary provision of ₹500 crore for the initiative.
The mission aims to:
- Introduce students to Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.
- Build technology skills among young people.
- Prepare students for future employment opportunities.
- Encourage innovation and technology-based learning.
CM Sai said connecting education with modern technology is essential to preparing the next generation for a rapidly changing economy.
Education and Development Accelerate in Bastar
CM Sai said the state is witnessing a new phase of development in Bastar, with progress in education, healthcare and basic infrastructure.
He said that following improvements in the security environment, development activities are expanding in areas that previously faced challenges due to Left-Wing Extremism.
The Chief Minister highlighted several initiatives in the region:
- 92 villages in Bastar hoisted the national flag for the first time during this Independence Day.
- The Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan has conducted health screenings for around 34 lakh people.
- Nearly 40,000 people have received treatment under the initiative.
- More than one lakh ration cards have been issued.
- Government schemes are being extended to remote communities through initiatives such as Bastar Munne and Niyad Nellanar.
CM Sai said improved access to education, healthcare, roads, ration and other basic facilities is helping accelerate development in the region.
Tourism to Create Jobs and Boost Bastar Economy
The Chief Minister also highlighted Bastar’s potential as a tourism destination.
He pointed to attractions including Chitrakote Waterfall and Kutumsar Caves, along with the region’s rich tribal culture and traditions.
The recognition of Dhundmaras village by the UN World Tourism Organization among the world’s best tourism villages was also highlighted as an achievement for Chhattisgarh.
The state is encouraging homestays in Bastar and other tourism destinations by providing loan and subsidy support. Tourism has also been included in the state’s new industrial policy to strengthen its role as a source of employment and local economic growth.
₹8 Lakh Crore Investment Proposals Under New Industrial Policy
CM Sai said creating employment opportunities alongside education remains a major priority for the state government.
The Chhattisgarh Industrial Policy 2024-30 has received positive responses from investors in India and abroad. According to the Chief Minister, investment MoUs worth approximately ₹8 lakh crore have been signed under the policy so far.
The government is offering special incentives to industries that create large-scale employment for local youth.
Under a bespoke policy, entrepreneurs providing employment to 1,000 local youths are eligible for special incentives.
The state government also plans to organise employment fairs after the monsoon season to directly connect young people with job opportunities available across various industries.
CM Sai Encourages Students to Dream Big
Concluding his address, CM Sai congratulated all the students honoured under the Swarn Sharda Scholarship programme and encouraged them to set ambitious goals and remain committed to their aspirations.
He said the state government would continue working to provide better opportunities in education, technology and employment so that young people can build a strong future.
School Education Minister Gajendra Yadav, MP Roopkumari Choudhary, State Gau Seva Commission Vice Chairman Rajiv Lochan Ji Maharaj, Goyal Group & Companies Chairman Suresh Goyal, Rajiv Goyal, Dinesh Goyal and Ravikant Mittal, along with public representatives, educationists, students, parents and other dignitaries, were present at the programme.
