In a major initiative aimed at nurturing the aspirations of youth preparing for competitive examinations, the Chhattisgarh government has launched a large-scale expansion of its acclaimed Nalanda Campus project. A total of 34 new Nalanda campuses are being established across the state, extending beyond urban centers like Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Bhilai, and Raigarh to remote and tribal regions such as Sukma, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Surajpur, Baikunthpur, Chirmiri, Kunkuri, Jashpur, Balrampur, and Pendra.
These campuses will serve as central library-cum-reading zones, offering a state-of-the-art environment for focused study, online and offline learning, and access to high-quality books and resources for a wide range of competitive exams and higher education pursuits.
‘Wings to the Dreams of the Youth’: CM Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai
Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted the success of the existing Nalanda Campus in Raipur and stated that the government is committed to ensuring no student is left behind due to lack of facilities.
“From Sukma to Surajpur, from Raigarh to Kawardha, we are building more than just libraries—we are laying the foundation for the bright future of Chhattisgarh’s youth,” said Mr. Sai. “These Nalanda campuses will give wings to the dreams of those who are determined to build a better tomorrow.”
Largest Nalanda Campus Coming Up in Raigarh
In a significant development, the largest Nalanda campus in the state is currently under construction in Raigarh. A 700-seater central library is being built under a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnership between the Raigarh Municipal Corporation and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), with a sanctioned amount of Rs 42 crore 56 lakh.
This ultra-modern facility will cater to a large number of students from the region and serve as a hub for academic and competitive excellence.
Financial Push: Over Rs 237 Crore Sanctioned in Two Years
The Urban Administration and Development Department, under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister Mr. Arun Saw, has played a central role in executing the project:
- Rs 237 crore 57 lakh 95 thousand has been sanctioned for 33 Nalanda campuses over the last two years.
- In the current financial year 2025–26, Rs 125 crore 88 lakh has been sanctioned for 18 campuses across 17 urban bodies.
- In 2024–25, Rs 111 crore 70 lakh was allocated for 15 campuses, with tenders finalized and work orders issued for 11 of them.
In a recent development, the department has released Rs 19 crore 14 lakh 87 thousand as the first installment for construction in 11 urban bodies, including Rs 2.85 crore each to Durg, Rajnandgaon, and Ambikapur Municipal Corporations.
‘Focus, Dedication, and Commitment Will Lead to Success’: Mr. Arun Saw
Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Arun Saw expressed his optimism about the transformative role of the Nalanda campuses.
“Our aim is to create an environment where every young person—regardless of their background—has equal access to resources that can help them achieve their dreams,” said Mr. Saw. “These campuses will be places where focus, dedication, and commitment are rewarded with success.”
A New Era of Educational Empowerment in Chhattisgarh
With this ambitious initiative, the Chhattisgarh government is taking a bold step toward bridging the rural-urban education gap, ensuring that aspirants from every corner of the state—whether tribal districts or urban centers—have access to the same high-quality resources and opportunities.
The Nalanda campuses are set to become pillars of academic empowerment, guiding thousands of students toward careers in administration, law, engineering, medicine, and other competitive fields, and ensuring that no dream is too distant, and no youth is left behind.
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