TFP Bureau, Raipur, November 17, 2024: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai praised the collective efforts of the Nishad Samaj in organizing mass weddings and providing support to widows and widowers during the 23rd State-Level Matrimonial Programs and Adarsh Vivah Ceremony held at Fundhar village, Raipur, on Sunday. He lauded the initiative as a significant step toward promoting social unity and equality.
The Chief Minister expressed his admiration for Nishad Samaj’s dedication to strengthening societal ties through organized events like collective marriages, which also serve as platforms for matchmaking for youth who have lost a spouse. “This initiative is a noble and commendable effort,” Shri Sai remarked. “An organized society not only benefits its members but strengthens the nation as a whole.”
Emphasizing the role of education in societal progress, Chief Minister Shri Sai urged the Nishad Samaj to prioritize education within their community. He noted that societal advancement is impossible without education and encouraged community leaders to ensure every individual has access to educational opportunities.
Shri Sai also paid tribute to the Nishad community’s historical legacy, citing their lineage as descendants of Guha Nishadraj, who helped Lord Ram cross the Ganges River. He encouraged the community to take part in religious initiatives such as the Darshan of Ramlala and visit Lord Shri Ram. Additionally, the Chief Minister announced the re-launch of the Chief Minister’s Tirth Yatra Yojana, urging the Nishad community to benefit from the government’s fisheries schemes.
Addressing the current political landscape, Shri Sai highlighted the achievements of the government under Prime Minister Modi’s guarantee, including the disbursement of two years’ pending paddy bonus, increased remuneration for Tendu leaf collection, and the approval of Prime Minister’s houses for the homeless. He assured farmers that paddy procurement at support prices, which began on November 14, would ensure payments within 72 hours.
In a gesture of further support, the Chief Minister announced an allocation of Rs 10 lakh for the construction of a community building in Ghoghra Navapara. He also declared an increase in financial assistance for the family of a Nishad community victim from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, following a tragic incident in Chharched village. The family will also receive Rs 4,000 per month for the four children until they turn 18, and two members of the family have been provided with jobs.
During the event, the Chief Minister honored 10 youths selected for the position of sub-inspectors from the Nishad community, further emphasizing the importance of youth empowerment.
The program was attended by prominent leaders including MLA Shri Kunwar Singh Nishad, MLA Shri Motilal Sahu, and Shri Nehru Nishad, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Backward Class Commission, along with a large gathering of Nishad community representatives including Shri M.R. Nishad and Shri Suresh Dhiwar.
