Prime Minister recalls his long association with Chhattisgarh, credits progress against Naxalism for opening new avenues of growth; highlights infrastructure expansion, welfare schemes and Anjor Vision
TFP Bureau, Raipur, November 1, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on the occasion of Chhattisgarh’s Foundation Day, extending greetings to the people of the state and expressing confidence that it will play a significant role in the journey towards a developed India.
In his letter, Modi recalled his long association with Chhattisgarh, its cultural richness and the people’s way of life. He also highlighted the state’s progress in tackling Naxalism, expanding infrastructure and implementing welfare programmes, describing these developments as important steps towards a more prosperous future.
Recalling the formation of Chhattisgarh 26 years ago under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Modi said the decision had fulfilled the long-standing aspirations of millions of people and opened a new chapter in the state’s development.
The Prime Minister said he had developed a special bond with the region during his early years in organisational work and had travelled extensively across the state, from the forests of Surguja to Bastar. He recalled the simplicity, hard work and vibrant cultural traditions of its people. He also referred to his visit during the state’s silver jubilee celebrations last year, when the new Legislative Assembly building was inaugurated.
Progress against Naxalism opens new avenues for development
Describing the decline of Naxalism as a major turning point, Modi said areas once associated with the Red Corridor were now moving towards peace, trust and development.
He credited the courage of security personnel and cooperation from local communities for the transformation in Bastar. Initiatives such as the Bastar Olympics, Niyad Nella Nar and Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar, he said, were helping connect people in remote areas with essential services, livelihood opportunities and development programmes.
The Prime Minister said the improved security environment was also creating opportunities for better connectivity and infrastructure development in regions that had remained isolated for years.
Rail, road and air connectivity receives major push
Highlighting infrastructure development, Modi pointed to the expansion of air connectivity in the state. He recalled that around 25 years ago there was only one daily flight between Delhi and Raipur, while Chhattisgarh now had four modern airports.
He also referred to railway projects worth more than ₹51,000 crore underway in the state and the introduction of modern train services such as Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat.
Road infrastructure improvements, including the reduction in travel time between Raipur and Bilaspur by nearly half, were also highlighted. The Prime Minister said upcoming expressway projects connecting important economic centres, including Visakhapatnam and the Ranchi-Dhanbad region, would strengthen connectivity, industrial development and employment opportunities.
Welfare schemes reach millions of families
Referring to the message of Saint Guru Ghasidas, ‘Mankhe-Mankhe Ek Saman’ (all human beings are equal), Modi said the principle of equality and inclusive development remained central to the government’s approach.
He highlighted the role of schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan in extending housing, roads, electricity, drinking water, education and healthcare facilities to remote tribal communities.
Citing welfare achievements, the Prime Minister said 73 lakh families in Chhattisgarh were benefiting from free food grains under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and state schemes. More than 22 lakh permanent houses had been constructed in rural and urban areas, while over 41 lakh rural households had received tap-water connections.
He also cited nearly 40 lakh gas connections and around 2.5 crore Ayushman cards as evidence of the expanding reach of welfare programmes.
Farmers, women and youth among key beneficiaries
Highlighting agriculture’s contribution to the state economy, Modi said the paddy procurement system was helping more than 25 lakh farmers secure better prices for their produce, strengthening rural incomes.
He also referred to the Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana as an initiative aimed at improving agricultural prospects in aspirational districts such as Dantewada.
On women’s empowerment, the Prime Minister highlighted the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, under which more than 68 lakh women receive ₹1,000 every month through direct transfers to their bank accounts. He said the financial assistance was strengthening women’s participation in household and social decision-making.
Describing young people as Chhattisgarh’s greatest asset, Modi pointed to institutions such as AIIMS, IIT, IIIT, IIM and NIFT as important contributors to higher education and career opportunities. He also highlighted skill development initiatives, including PM-SETU and the Pradhan Mantri Internship Scheme.
The Prime Minister said efforts were being made to promote primary education in local languages and dialects, including Gondi, Halbi, Sargujia and Chhattisgarhi, in line with the National Education Policy.
Naya Raipur emerging as a centre for technology and industry
Modi also welcomed the emergence of Naya Raipur as a modern urban and economic centre. He said initiatives linked to the India AI Mission and Semiconductor Mission were opening new possibilities for technology-driven growth.
He identified pharmaceuticals, textiles, information technology, power, aluminium and steel as sectors with significant potential. Events such as the All India Steel Conclave 2.0 and the Green Steel and Mining Summit, held in Naya Raipur, were helping strengthen Chhattisgarh’s position in the country’s industrial landscape.
Cultural heritage remains central to the state’s identity
The Prime Minister described Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage as an important part of India’s diversity. He referred to the state’s association with Lord Ram, its connection with the life of Saint Guru Ghasidas and the influence of the Kabirpanth tradition.
He also highlighted Pandwani, particularly the contribution of Padma Vibhushan awardee Teejan Bai, along with the state’s folk arts, languages and tribal traditions. Modi said Chhattisgarh was progressing while preserving its distinctive cultural identity.
Anjor Vision to guide the journey towards Viksit Bharat
In the concluding part of his letter, Modi referred to the Chhattisgarh government’s ‘Anjor Vision’ document, saying it provided a new direction to the goal of building a developed state as part of the larger vision of Viksit Bharat.
Expressing confidence in Chhattisgarh’s future, he said the state’s development journey would gain further momentum and contribute significantly to the country’s progress. He extended his greetings once again to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and the people of Chhattisgarh on the state’s Foundation Day.
