TFP Bureau, Raipur, April 24, 2025: In a bid to revolutionize digital services in rural Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai virtually launched the Atal Digital Suvidha Kendra on National Panchayati Raj Day. The initiative, aimed at enhancing access to government services and schemes, will now enable villagers to avail civic amenities, including cash payments, directly at the village level.
Addressing Panchayat representatives and villagers, the Chief Minister emphasized that the digital centers would bring a significant transformation by reducing the need for long-distance travel to banks. This initiative fulfills a key promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide cash withdrawal services in rural areas, ensuring that senior citizens, farmers, and beneficiaries of various government schemes can access their funds locally.
The Atal Digital Suvidha Kendra will offer services such as birth and death certificates, pension payments, ration cards, and more. “This scheme strengthens the Digital India mission and promotes transparent, accountable governance at the grassroots level,” said Chief Minister Sai. The initiative began in 1,460 Gram Panchayats, with plans for future expansion.
In addition to launching the digital services, Chief Minister Sai also inaugurated the More Village-More Water campaign to address water conservation in over 11,000 Gram Panchayats across the state. During his address, he administered an oath to Panchayat representatives and citizens, urging them to actively engage in water conservation efforts, including rainwater harvesting and the restoration of traditional water sources.
“Our water levels are depleting, and it is essential that we conserve every drop. This campaign is a collective effort that will ensure a sustainable water future for Chhattisgarh,” said the Chief Minister. He also encouraged citizens to identify and restore local water sources.
The Chief Minister highlighted the state’s commitment to housing under the PM Awas Yojana, with over Rs 300 crore recently released for 51,000 families. He encouraged Panchayat representatives to help spread awareness about the ongoing PM Awas Plus Plus survey, which offers additional benefits for eligible families.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, who also spoke at the event, reinforced the importance of water conservation and highlighted the success of the Atal Digital Suvidha Kendra, which is being rolled out in phases. “These centers will bring e-services to rural areas, enabling citizens to access vital documents and services without having to travel far,” Sharma said.
Chief Minister Sai further interacted with beneficiaries from various districts, including Surajpur, Dhamtari, Bastar, and Raigarh. Beneficiaries shared their positive experiences, expressing gratitude for the convenience the new digital services have brought to their lives. For example, Sumni Baghel from Bastar district explained how she will no longer have to travel 20 kilometers to conduct financial transactions.
This launch of the Atal Digital Suvidha Kendra and the More Village-More Water campaign marks a significant step in Chhattisgarh’s rural development efforts, empowering local communities and promoting sustainable practices for a better future.
