TFP Bureau, Raipur, July 27, 2025: Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, called on Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai at his official residence in Raipur today. The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions on enhancing rural development, boosting communication infrastructure in remote and tribal areas, and accelerating the pace of development in Maoist-affected regions of the state.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Sai briefed the Union Minister on the Chhattisgarh government’s key initiatives aimed at delivering the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at the grassroots. He highlighted the state’s flagship housing initiative under which the new government has approved the construction of 18 lakh pucca houses — a major step toward housing for all.
The CM also underlined the digital and financial inclusion efforts in rural areas, noting that 1,460 gram panchayats are now equipped with functional Atal Digital Seva Kendras, providing vital banking and citizen services to remote communities. He further outlined ongoing programs aimed at women’s empowerment through skill development and innovation, citing the exemplary work of women’s self-help groups (SHGs) across the state.
Union MoS Dr. Pemmasani shared his observations from recent visits to the districts of Narayanpur and Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki, where he reviewed the implementation of Central government schemes. He praised the visible progress in these formerly insurgency-affected regions, terming it a sign of “renewed hope and brighter future” for Chhattisgarh.
Dr. Pemmasani also lauded the outcomes of the ‘BIHAN’ scheme, especially the economic empowerment of women through SHG-led production of bell metal crafts, millets, and household items. He noted that many of these women are now earning between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000 monthly — a significant step toward financial self-reliance in rural India.
The Union Minister fondly recalled the traditional tribal welcome he received during his recent tour and described his emotional interaction with children at a Divyang Residential School as a memorable highlight. He appreciated the state government’s initiatives to support and uplift differently-abled children.
Chief Minister Sai thanked the Union Minister for his visit and reiterated Chhattisgarh’s commitment to working in close coordination with the Central government to ensure inclusive and sustainable rural development.
Secretary to CM Shri P. Dayanand and other senior officials were present during the meeting.
