Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai participated in the Gaura Puja Festival and Baiga Pujari Conference held at Maharshi Valmiki Ashram, ITI Rampur in Korba district today. During the event, the CM emphasized the historical significance of the tribal community in preserving India’s ancient culture and traditions and highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts for their comprehensive development.
‘Tribal Pride Path’ and Statues of Tribal Luminaries Announced
Chief Minister Sai announced the naming of the road from ITI Chowk to Balko Road as the ‘Tribal Pride Path’. He also declared that statues of prominent tribal personalities will be installed at the starting point of the path to honor their contributions.
Addressing the gathering, CM Sai highlighted the vision behind Chhattisgarh’s creation, recalling that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee established the state to integrate the region’s tribal population into the mainstream of development. He also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives, including the declaration of Tribal Pride Day on November 15, the Dharti Aba Utkarsh Scheme, and the PM Janman Yojana, aimed at promoting the welfare of particularly vulnerable tribal groups.
Significant Government Investments in Tribal Development
CM Sai said that ₹80,000 crore has been allocated for the Dharti Aba Gram Utkarsh Scheme, and ₹24,000 crore for the PM Janman Yojana, benefiting 6,691 villages across the state. Special initiatives are underway for the development of Primitive Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) such as Pahadi Korwa and Birhor.
The state government is accelerating the expansion of roads, healthcare, education, and other essential facilities in tribal regions. Dedicated authorities have been formed to ensure faster execution of development projects in tribal and backward areas.
Cultural Preservation and Rehabilitation Programs
CM Sai, reflecting on his own background, said that he had worked as a welfare officer in a tribal welfare ashram after completing his studies. He praised the Baiga and Pujari communities for their role in preserving cultural traditions, including the worship of Gaura-Gauri, representing Shiva and Parvati.
He announced that a large digital tribal museum has been established in Naya Raipur to document and preserve the lives and contributions of prominent tribal personalities, educating future generations about their heritage.
To promote cultural preservation, annual honorariums of ₹5,000 will be provided to Baiga, Gunia, and Sirha practitioners, and Sarna sacred sites will be maintained. CM Sai emphasized that these steps will safeguard tribal heritage while contributing to economic empowerment.
Tourism and Cultural Promotion
Industry Minister Lakhanlal Devangan, speaking at the event, stated that under CM Sai’s leadership, Chhattisgarh is progressing rapidly toward a developed state vision aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s goal of a developed India. He added that ancient religious sites across Korba district are being developed as tourism destinations, giving the region a new identity.
The event was attended by Katghora MLA Premchand Patel, officials from the Tribal Welfare Ashram including Pantaram Bhagat and Birbal Singh, Mayor Sanju Devi Rajput, former minister Nanki Ram Kanwar, and numerous local dignitaries and community members.
This report highlights the government’s dual focus on tribal development and cultural preservation, showcasing the initiatives that aim to integrate tribal communities into mainstream development while celebrating their rich heritage.
