Rajnandgaon: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai participated in a grand event in Godalwahi village, Chhuri block, celebrating the Shakti Diwas of the All India Halba-Halbi Tribal Community, the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, and the unveiling of Shaheed Shiromani Gaind Singh Nayak’s statue. The event also marked the inauguration of key educational and infrastructure projects in the region.
Inaugurations and Unveiling
During the program, CM Sai unveiled the statue of Shaheed Shiromani Gaind Singh Nayak and inaugurated:
- A higher secondary school building constructed at a cost of ₹1.21 crore
- A 50-seater pre-matric hostel building built at a cost of ₹1.53 crore
The event was attended by Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh and several senior officials.
Development Announcements
The Chief Minister announced several key development initiatives, including:
- Road widening from Godalwahi to Umarwahi and Umarwahi to Karmari
- Establishment of a new college in Godalwahi
- Construction of a boundary wall and Atal Samrasta Bhawan within the school premises
Additionally, under the Swamitva Scheme, ownership documents were distributed to beneficiaries, and LPG connections were provided to women under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.
Address to the Community
CM Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated the Halba-Halbi tribal community on Shakti Diwas and paid tribute to the freedom fighter Shaheed Gaind Singh Nayak. He highlighted the significant contributions of tribal leaders to India’s history, including Birsa Munda, and emphasized the government’s commitment to the welfare and empowerment of tribal communities.
He outlined several achievements of the state government, such as:
- Construction of 18 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
- Monthly assistance of ₹1,000 to 70 lakh women under the Mahatari Vandan Yojana
- Payment of ₹3,716 crore as pending two-year bonus to farmers
- Increase in tendu leaf collection price from ₹4,000 to ₹5,500 per bag
- Benefits to 38,000 elderly citizens under the Shri Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana
Strengthening Tribal Development and Naxal-Affected Areas
The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and employment in tribal and Naxal-affected areas. He noted that over 2,000 Naxals have surrendered in the last two years, and rehabilitation and livelihood support are being provided to them. Initiatives like the Pandum Café in Jagdalpur, run by surrendered Naxals and affected families, have been successful in promoting community development.
Honoring Tribal Heroes
Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh highlighted the historical significance of the event, noting that tribal freedom fighters like Gaind Singh Nayak, Birsa Munda, Veer Narayan Singh, and Veer Gundadhur had sacrificed their lives for social justice. He praised the Halba-Halbi tribal community for their contributions and acknowledged their role in the state’s governance and development.
Other dignitaries at the event included former Forest Minister Mahesh Gagra, district officials, Panchayat members, and leaders of tribal organizations, alongside a large gathering of community members and villagers.
Community Empowerment Initiatives
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to tribal empowerment through programs promoting education, healthcare, housing, women’s welfare, and infrastructure development. He highlighted that the double-engine government has accelerated development in previously underdeveloped and Naxal-affected regions, ensuring that benefits reach every section of the tribal population.
This event marked a significant step in honoring tribal heroes while simultaneously promoting development and welfare in Chhattisgarh’s tribal regions.
