Raipur: On the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addressed a large gathering of panchayat representatives at a state-level conference held at Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur. The event focused on strengthening rural governance and accelerating grassroots development across Chhattisgarh.
The conference was attended by several senior leaders, including MPs, ministers, MLAs, and representatives from across the state.
CM Shares Personal Journey from Panchayat to Chief Minister
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai recalled his political journey, which began at the grassroots level.
He said that he served as a panch and later as an unopposed sarpanch before moving on to roles as MLA, MP, minister, and eventually Chief Minister.
He emphasized that strong leadership is built at the village level and that panchayats form the foundation of democracy.
Panchayats Key to Rural Development and Last-Mile Delivery
Vishnu Deo Sai stressed that effective governance at the panchayat level is essential to ensure that government schemes reach the last mile.
He highlighted that:
- Active panchayats ensure better implementation of welfare schemes
- Rural development depends on local leadership
- Cleanliness, health, and infrastructure must be prioritized
He urged representatives to focus on quality and timely completion of development projects in their areas.
Focus on “Developed India Begins with Villages”
The Chief Minister said that India is a country of villages, and true national progress depends on rural development.
He emphasized:
- Development of villages leads to a developed nation
- Chhattisgarh must accelerate its growth journey
- Panchayats play a central role in building a self-reliant rural economy
He also highlighted the importance of public participation in making villages clean, healthy, and self-sufficient.
Strengthening Women Empowerment and Rural Participation
The Chief Minister noted that the state government has declared the year as “Mahatari Gaurav Year” to promote women empowerment.
He said increasing participation of women in local governance is strengthening democracy, with representation in panchayati raj bodies rising significantly.
Leaders Stress Water Conservation and Rural Sustainability
During the event, MP Brijmohan Agrawal emphasized the need for self-reliant villages and raised key concerns such as:
- Water scarcity as a future challenge
- Need for rainwater harvesting and recharge systems
- Expansion of tree plantation on unused land
- Protection of school land from encroachment
He stressed that sustainable resource management is crucial for rural development.
Government Focus on Rural Welfare Schemes
Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted several ongoing welfare initiatives, including:
- Housing support under rural housing schemes
- Improved connectivity through rural road projects
- Digital services through common service centers
- Women empowerment through livelihood programs
He said these initiatives are improving living standards in rural areas.
Water Mission and Governance Reforms
The Chief Minister also underlined the importance of the Jal Jeevan Mission, ensuring safe drinking water supply to every household.
He directed panchayat representatives to ensure:
- Proper monitoring of development projects
- Timely execution of infrastructure works
- Transparency in implementation of schemes
He also highlighted governance reforms aimed at improving public service delivery at the village level.
Panchayats as the Foundation of Development
The conference in Raipur reinforced the role of panchayats as the backbone of rural development in Chhattisgarh. Vishnu Deo Sai reiterated that empowered local bodies are essential for achieving inclusive growth and building a “Developed Chhattisgarh” aligned with the vision of a developed India.
