ꦅThe government under Vishnu Deo Sai has focused on ensuring that every citizen in Chhattisgarh benefits from government schemes, with particular emphasis on improving healthcare access without any obstacles. The Sai government prioritises involving all sections of society in the governance process, working with administrative efficiency to ensure that every programme reaches every community, laying the foundation for the state’s prosperity. After a period of stagnation from 2018 to 2023, public welfare initiatives are now progressing swiftly, with transparency and inclusivity at the core of implementation.
Efforts Towards Eradicating Naxalism
﷽To tackle Naxalism, a persistent issue in Chhattisgarh, the Vishnu Deo Sai government has adopted a robust strategy, characterised by the policy of “answering words with words and bullets with bullets.” This approach has led to significant confrontations between security forces and Naxal groups, especially in the Bastar division, where more than 194 Naxalites were killed. Additionally, hundreds of Naxalites and their supporters have surrendered due to the government’s rehabilitation policies. The government has also expanded the number of security camps in Bastar, under the ‘Niyad Nellanar’ programme, which ensures that villages within five kilometers of these camps receive benefits from various government schemes, facilitating overall development.
Crackdown on Corruption
The Vishnu Deo Sai government is deeply committed to good governance and is actively investigating corruption cases from the previous Congress ꦆadministration. These investigations cover major scandals such as the coal scam, liquor scam, sand scam, teacher recruitment scam, PSC recruitment scam, and the Mahadeo app scam. The government’s swift action reflects its dedication to eradicating corruption and promoting transparency.
Fulfilling Modi’s Guarantees
The Vishnu Deo Sai government has made significant strides in fulfilling the promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi ✅to the people of Chhattisgarh. Within the first year of governance, the government has successfully implemented the Krishak Unnati Yojana, purchasing rice from farmers at a guaranteed price of 3100 rupees per quintal, with 21 quintals per acre. In 2023-24, a record 145 lakh metric tonnes of paddy were purchased from 24.74 lakh farmers, with Rs 31,913 crore paid as support price and Rs 13,320 crore as differential price. Additionally, the government transferred Rs 3,716 crore as outstanding paddy premiums to 13 lakh farmers on Good Governance Day, 25 December 2023.
Housing for the Poor
𝕴Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the government has approved the construction of permanent houses for over 18 lakh poor families in the state. In the first phase, 8.46 lakh new houses are under construction. On the virtual programme More Housing, More Rights, Prime Minister Narendra Modi transferred Rs 2,044 crore to the bank accounts of over 5.11 lakh homeless families as the first installment for housing construction. Over 23,000 homeless families in urban areas have also received keys to newly constructed homes under the Pradhan Mantri Urban Housing Scheme. The government is further constructing 24,064 houses under the PM Janman Yojana.
Socio-Economic Empowerment for Women
The Vishnu Deo Sai government is committed to the socio-economic empowerment of women in Chhattisgarh. Under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, the government is transferring Rs 1000 monthly to the bank accounts of over 70 lakh women, with eight instalments already disbursed. To further integrate women into economic activities, the production of ready-to-eat food has been handed over to women self-help groups.
Increased Income for Tendu Leaf Collectors
ꦑThe government has raised the income of tendu leaf collectors, increasing the payment from Rs 4000 to Rs 5500 per standard bag. This change benefits 50 lakh tendu leaf collector families, helping improve their economic conditions.
Financial Support for Labourers
🥀On Vishwakarma Jayanti, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai provided Rs 50 crore in assistance to labourers and their families under various welfare schemes. This includes the launch of the Annapurna Dal Bhaat Centre at district headquarters for workers and the Atal Utkrisht Shiksha Sahayata Yojana, which offers financial support for their children’s higher education. This initiative ensures that children of labourers can access top-tier private boarding schools for free.
Bright Future Through the National Education Policy
ꦚThe state has implemented the National Education Policy to enhance the quality of education and prepare children for the future. Textbooks are being published in 18 dialects, ensuring children can learn in their mother tongue up to class 8. Under the PM Shri Yojana, 263 schools are being developed into world-class model schools, with ICT-based teaching and digital classrooms.
School Improvement and Community Participation
♈To further enhance the education system, a ‘Nyauta Bhojan’ programme has been launched to provide hot meals to children during school hours, supported by community participation. A system of regular meetings between teachers and parents has been introduced to keep parents informed about their children’s progress.
Reopening Schools in Naxal-Affected Area
🔯The Vishnu Deo Sai government has made significant strides in improving education in Naxal-affected and tribal areas. A three-year agreement has been signed for integrated skill development courses in government schools, and 29 schools that had been closed for years in Naxal-affected areas have now been reopened.
Interest-Free Loans for Vocational Training
𓄧The government is also offering interest-free loans up to Rs 4 lakh for technical and vocational education in Maoist-affected districts, while students in other districts will be provided education loans at just 1% interest. New technology institutes modeled on IITs will be established in Jashpur, Bastar, Kabirdham, Raipur, and Raigarh, while a Chhattisgarh Higher Education Mission and well-equipped central libraries in urban institutions are being developed. These initiatives aim to empower students with skills for a brighter future.
Better Opportunities for the Youth
🌜In a significant move to benefit the youth, the Vishnu Deo Sai government has decided to reduce the maximum age limit for various government recruitments by five years. This age relaxation will be applicable until December 31, 2028. The state government has already initiated the recruitment process for numerous positions in the police, health, and public health engineering departments, including 341 posts in the Police Department (Subedar, Assistant Superintendent of Police, and Platoon Commander), 650 positions in the Health Department, and 181 posts in the Public Health Engineering Department.
Medical Education in Hindi
💦Responding to the request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced on Hindi Diwas that MBBS education in Chhattisgarh will now be available in Hindi. This move aims to make medical education more accessible to students from rural areas and Hindi-speaking backgrounds, helping them grasp medical subjects more easily and in-depth.
Free Travel to Ayodhya Dham
๊The Vishnu Deo Sai government has introduced the Ramlala Ayodhya Dham Darshan Yojana, providing free travel for Chhattisgarh residents to Ayodhya. Additionally, five prominent Shaktipeeths in the state are being developed along the lines of the Char Dham. These include Kudargarh (Surajpur district), Chandrahasini temple (Janjgir-Champa district), Mahamaya Deoi Ratanpur, Bamleshwari Mai Dongargarh, and Danteshwari Mata Dantewada. Chief Minister Sai has also re-designated the annual fair at the Triveni Sangam in Rajim as Rajim Kumbh Kalpa and announced financial support for the maintenance and promotion of tribal society fairs in Bastar.
Messiah of the Patients
𒁏Since the beginning of his public life, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has been deeply compassionate towards people suffering from illnesses. His commitment to helping the sick earned him the title of “Messiah of Patients.” Throughout his 20-year tenure as an MP, his residence in Delhi was a refuge for patients and their families from Jashpur and surrounding districts, where they received both accommodation and assistance for medical treatments. His residence was often referred to as a “mini-AIIMS” by his political mentor, the late Dilip Singh Judeo.
Strengthening Health Services
𓂃The government has approved the expansion and upgrading of medical facilities at two major medical colleges in Raipur and Bilaspur. Under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, poor families are provided treatment up to Rs 5 lakh. The Shaheed Veernarayan Health Scheme has been launched for critically ill patients.
Tap Water in Every Home
💛To address the issue of clean water, the government is providing piped water connections to households in both rural and urban areas. Over 10,000 households in 3,234 villages are receiving river water through 71 inter-village programs, helping communities affected by saline water and heavy elements, ensuring clean water access for all.
New Industrial Policy
▨A new industrial policy is being developed to accelerate industrial growth in Chhattisgarh. The government is constructing the Korba-Bilaspur Industrial Corridor to boost industrial activity along national highways. The introduction of Single Window System 2.0 aims to simplify the process for industrialists and entrepreneurs by allowing all industry-related licenses to be issued from a single platform. Additionally, dedicated cells have been set up to address issues related to GST. The state budget also includes provisions for the Udyam Kranti Yojana, a programme designed to help youth become self-employed.
Online Transit Pass
🔯To enhance transparency in the transport sector, the state has reintroduced the online transit pass system, addressing past issues of mineral transportation scams. Additionally, the upcoming lithium mine in Katghora is set to become the first of its kind in the country.
Jandarshan for Direct Communication with the Public
𓄧The Chief Minister’s Jandarshan program has been launched to facilitate direct communication between the state’s citizens and the Chief Minister. Held at the Chief Minister’s residence, this initiative allows any citizen to meet the Chief Minister and voice their concerns, complaints, or suggestions.
Free Ration for 68 Lakh Families
💎The Chhattisgarh government has announced a plan to provide free ration for the next five years to 68 lakh poor families in the state. The budget has allocated 3400 crore rupees to support this initiative, ensuring that vulnerable households receive essential food supplies.
