On the occasion of Chhattisgarh’s Foundation Day and Silver Jubilee Year, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai spoke with AN Dwivedi, Editor of Pioneer Hindi, Raipur, about all-round development in the State and the future of Bastar after the end of Naxalism.
The key highlights of the conversation:
How successful has the Vishnu Government been in fulfilling Modi’s guarantees in the past 22 months?
Our government has fulfilled the guarantees given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a short time. In the first Cabinet meeting, we approved over 18 lakh PM Awas houses. Within three months, we launched the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, transferring 13,000 crores to nearly 70 lakh women.
Under Krishak Unnati Yojana, paddy is being procured at 3,100 per quintal. We paid a `3,716 crore bonus to 13 lakh farmers on December 25, 2023. The Tendupatta collection rate was raised from 4,000 to 5,500 per standard bag, benefiting 13 lakh families. The PSC exam scam probe was handed over to CBI, and the corrupt are behind bars.
What will Bastar look like after Naxalism ends? Do you have a vision?
Naxalism is in its final phase. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah's leadership, we aim to eliminate it completely by March 2026. After that, Bastar will fast-track development. We have a special policy for Bastar in our Vision Document and new industrial policy with investment incentives.
A detailed roadmap was prepared in a review meeting at Chitrakot and is being implemented quickly.
Ex-PM Atal gave Chhattisgarh State — how much has been achieved in 25 years? What remains?
The State’s 25-year journey has been historic. Atal Ji created Chhattisgarh for the welfare of the last person. Lakhs have risen above poverty. The Chhattisgarh PDS food security model is a national example. Farmers get the best crop prices. We are upgrading healthcare with AIIMS, Mekahara, DKS and SIMS. Top institutions like IIT, IIIT, NIT, IIM, and HNLU provide quality education. Infrastructure and connectivity are excellent. We are fulfilling Atal Ji’s dreams with the slogan: “We built it, we will nurture it.”
Education and health remain challenging. What is the roadmap?
Both are top priorities. We adopted the National Education Policy. Many remote schools lacked teachers — we introduced teacher rationalisation to ensure postings in far-flung areas. Soon, 5,000 new teachers will be recruited. In higher education, 700 assistant professors and other posts are being filled. In health, we are expanding Ambedkar Hospital, starting new medical colleges, and launched Hindi-medium MBBS for rural talent. Vision 2047 guides our focused work in both sectors.
Mining is strong, but industries are few. Why?
The old industrial policy lacked incentives. Our new policy offers attractive subsidies for core and emerging sectors. Infrastructure is now industry-friendly with port connectivity and logistics policy. Investment is rising fast. Bastar and Surguja are priorities. Schemes like PM Janman and Dharti Aaba are active in both regions. Tourism and industrial incentives are equal for both areas.
Surguja has abundant forest produce but no market. What’s being done?
Through Van Dhan Kendras, collectors now get fair prices. We are promoting processing units. For example, the Jashpyor brand in Jashpur helps women SHGs sell mahua laddoos, ragi, kodo and kutki products. A Unity Mall is coming up in Raipur and online branding and sales platforms are being developed.
How is the performance of ministers? Which departments need more work?
Ministers are performing well, but we never settle for “good enough.” There is always room for better work. Every department has huge potential and we are actively working on it.
Electricity bills are burdensome. Will there be relief?
Our goal is to make consumers bill-free. We are linking people with the PM Suryaghar Free Electricity Scheme, turning them into power producers. Under double-engine Government, double subsidy is given: 1 kW plant (120 units/month): `45,000 subsidy (Centre `30,000 + State `15,000), 2 kW plant (240 units/month): `90,000 subsidy (Centre `60,000 + State `30,000), kW plant (360 units/month): Vishnu Deo Sai 1,08,000 subsidy (Centre `78,000 + State `30,000) and also Easy loans available for installation.
Bastar is called the “key to power,” yet only one minister is from the region. Why?
BJP’s aim is not power but strengthening nationalism. Cabinet formation is based on public welfare, not regional equations. Our state president is from Bastar and Minister Kedar Kashyap is also from there.
Message to the people on Silver Jubilee Year?
Heartiest congratulations to the people of Chhattisgarh. I urge everyone to collectively contribute to building a developed Chhattisgarh in line with PM Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
CM pays tribute to Sardar Patel
Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday said Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a visionary statesman who united the princely States with unflinching courage and commitment, laying the foundation of an integrated and united India. Sai paid floral tributes at Sardar Patel’s statue in the Devendra Nagar area here to mark his birth anniversary, which is observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) on October 31.
The Chief Minister also participated in the ‘Run for Unity’ held from Shastri Chowk to Sharda Chowk in the State Capital, running alongside school children, public representatives, and citizens. Through his participation, Sai conveyed the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Great India), an official release stated. “Sardar Patel was not merely a freedom fighter but a visionary statesman who united the princely states with unflinching courage and commitment, and laid the foundation for an integrated and united India,” the release quoted Sai as saying.
He said that Sardar Patel’s foresight and extraordinary leadership earned him the title of the “Iron Man of India”, and his efforts to unify the nation will continue to serve as a timeless source of inspiration for generations to come.
Under the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ‘Run for Unity’ is being organised across the country as a symbol of national integrity and solidarity, he said.
“India is a land of immense diversity, yet our soul and culture are one. This spirit of unity in diversity is our greatest strength,” the chief minister said.
Sai also administered the national unity pledge, urging everyone to realise PM Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.
Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, State Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, and other public representatives were present.