TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 14, 2025: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday attended the Thakur Joharni celebrations organized by the tribal community at Narharpur in Kanker district, where he announced a series of development projects and reiterated his government’s commitment to prioritizing Bastar and Surguja divisions in the state’s new industry policy. Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda also joined the celebrations as a special guest.
Participating in the traditional rituals, the Chief Minister prayed to the deities of the tribal community and extended his greetings on Thakur Joharni and Navakhai. “This festival is a unique expression of tribal tradition and identity. It must be preserved for future generations to strengthen unity in society,” Sai said. He underlined that the new industrial policy of Chhattisgarh has been designed to create maximum opportunities for employment and self-employment in tribal-dominated regions, particularly Bastar and Surguja.
Highlighting the state’s educational progress, the Chief Minister said that institutions of national repute such as IIT, IIM and IIIT are functioning in Chhattisgarh to provide quality education. Alongside, institutions like Prayas and Eklavya are working to uplift tribal students, while Nalanda campuses are being established across the state. He also mentioned the operation of a Tribal Youth Hostel in Delhi to support higher education needs.
Sai also emphasized the government’s determination to root out Maoism. “Security forces are continuously achieving major successes, and our target remains to eliminate Maoism completely by March 31, 2026,” he declared. He added that the state government, guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is linking people to employment-driven sectors such as animal husbandry and poultry farming through the National Dairy Development Board. Welfare schemes such as Atal Digital Seva Kendras, higher remuneration for tendu leaf collectors, the Ramlala Darshan Yojana and distribution of Charanpaduka are also being implemented to ensure holistic development.
Former Jharkhand Chief Minister Arjun Munda, addressing the gathering, described Thakur Joharni as a festival rooted in the deep bond between tribals and their land, water, forests, dance, music and traditions. He urged the community to remain vigilant about education, health and rights while preserving their cultural heritage.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Sai announced a number of projects for Narharpur region, including construction of the Bagod Anicut at a cost of ₹30 crore, establishment of a 132 KV electric substation worth ₹30 crore, and ₹80 lakh for a fully equipped rest house in Narharpur. He also announced ₹20 lakh for setting up the Mawa Modol Library, ₹20 lakh for construction of a Gondwana community building at Dhodhrapahar, a mobile tower for Narharpur, and ₹1.20 crore for 12 tin sheds in Gondwana Samaj areas. In addition, he assured necessary support to Jangorayatar English Medium School run by the Gondwana Samaj in Dhanesara village.
The event was attended by senior leaders including Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, MP Bhojraj Nag, MLAs Asharam Netam, Vikram Usendi and Neelkanth Tekam, along with officials, community leaders and a large gathering of villagers.
