Raipur: Chhattisgarh marked a significant milestone in its journey of development as the state celebrated its 25th foundation day during the ongoing Rajyotsav celebrations in Naya Raipur. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the fourth day of the festival as the chief guest and highlighted the remarkable progress the state has achieved across multiple sectors since its formation.
CM Vishnu Deo Sai Highlights State’s Development Journey
In his address, Chief Minister Sai said that over the past 25 years, Chhattisgarh has written a new chapter of development, setting unprecedented milestones in education, health, infrastructure, and rural development. He also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence on November 1, who inaugurated the new Assembly building and officially launched the Rajyotsav celebrations. During his visit, the Prime Minister approved development projects worth over ₹14,000 crore, a gesture for which Chief Minister Sai expressed gratitude on behalf of the state’s three crore residents.
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Tribute to Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Paying tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Chief Minister Sai emphasized his key role in the creation of Chhattisgarh. “The formation of a separate state freed Chhattisgarh from years of neglect. Atal Ji’s vision gave a new momentum to the state’s development,” he said. He further highlighted initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, which connected remote villages with all-weather roads, enabling rural development and improved access to health and education services.
Commitment to Transparent Governance
Chief Minister Sai also underscored his government’s commitment to transparent, citizen-focused governance. “In the past 22 months, our administration has completed several major projects under ‘Modi’s Guarantee’. We remain committed to clean, sensitive, and accountable governance, which is why the Department of Good Governance and Convergence has been established,” he said.
Focus on Remote Region Development
Forest and Climate Change Minister Kedar Kashyap noted that prior to the state’s formation, remote areas of Bastar and Surguja suffered from neglect, lacking basic health, education, and infrastructure facilities. These deficiencies contributed to socio-economic distress and the rise of Naxal violence. He credited the formation of Chhattisgarh, and the vision of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, for putting the state on a path of sustained growth.
Celebrating the 25th Anniversary
Dr. Rohit Yadav, Secretary of the Culture and Tourism Department, extended congratulations and best wishes to all citizens on the 25th anniversary of the state’s formation, highlighting the importance of celebrating both cultural heritage and developmental achievements.
Gallantry Awards for Police Personnel
A key highlight of the Rajyotsav celebrations was the recognition of bravery displayed by police personnel in anti-Naxal operations. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai presented gallantry medals to 14 police personnel for their courage and dedication. Awards were posthumously given to Additional Superintendent of Police Akash Rao Giripunje and Veerendra Kumar Shori. Other recipients included Dharam Singh Tulavi, Vijay Puneng, Gopal Bardu, Rameshwar Oyami, Rajulal Markam, Samluram Sethia, Tularam Owasi, Mohan Lal Kattam, Santosh Morami, Manoj Yadav, Jamurav, and Nisha Kachalam.
Dignitaries Attend the Ceremony
The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries including MLA Indra Kumar Sahu, Chairman of the Civil Supplies Corporation Sanjay Srivastava, President of the Sahitya Akademi Cultural Council Shashank Sharma, Chairperson of the Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation Mona Sen, Additional Chief Secretary Manoj Pingua, Director General of Police Arun Dev Gautam, and Director of the Culture Department Vivek Acharya.
Looking Ahead
The celebrations highlighted Chhattisgarh’s journey from a newly formed state to a growing hub of development, culture, and governance excellence while honoring the courage and dedication of those serving on the state’s frontlines.
