TFP Bureau, Raipur, January 11, 2026: Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to the holistic development of tribal regions, Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai on Sunday said that Chhattisgarh is moving forward with a vision that combines development with the preservation of tribal culture, traditions and dignity. He was addressing the Gaura Puja Festival and Baiga Pujari Conference held at Maharishi Valmiki Ashram, ITI Rampur, in Korba district.
Extending greetings to the tribal community on the occasion of Gaura–Gauri Pujan and the Baiga Pujari Conference, the Chief Minister said the tribal society has played a historic role in safeguarding India’s ancient culture, customs and spiritual traditions. The Baiga, Pujari and other traditional communities, he said, continue to be custodians of this invaluable heritage.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai announced that the Balco Road, from ITI Chowk onwards, will be renamed as ‘Tribal Pride Path’. He also declared that statues of eminent tribal icons and great personalities would be installed at the beginning of the route to honour their contributions and inspire future generations.
Recalling the formation of Chhattisgarh, Shri Sai said former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee envisioned the state to bring its predominantly tribal population into the mainstream of development. He noted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has further strengthened this vision by declaring November 15, the birth anniversary of martyr Birsa Munda, as Tribal Pride Day and launching landmark initiatives such as the Dharti Aaba Gram Utkarsh Yojana and the PM Janman Yojana to uplift particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs).
The Chief Minister said ₹80,000 crore has been allocated under the Dharti Aaba Gram Utkarsh Yojana and ₹24,000 crore under the PM Janman Yojana, benefiting 6,691 villages in Chhattisgarh. Special efforts are also being made for the welfare of PVTG communities such as the Pahari Korwa and Birhor. Roads, healthcare, education and other basic amenities are being rapidly expanded in tribal areas, and a dedicated authority has been set up to accelerate development in tribal and backward regions.
Highlighting the growing recognition of tribal leadership, Shri Sai said it is a matter of pride that the country today has a tribal woman, President Smt. Draupadi Murmu, in the highest constitutional office, while Chhattisgarh is led by a Chief Minister from a tribal farming family. Sharing personal memories, he recalled his own association as a volunteer with the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram after completing his studies.
The Chief Minister also spoke about efforts to preserve tribal history and culture, including the establishment of a large digital tribal museum in Nava Raipur showcasing illustrated biographies and contributions of tribal heroes. To support traditional practices, an annual honorarium of ₹5,000 is being provided to Baiga, Gunia and Siraha communities, while Sarna sites are being conserved to protect cultural heritage and promote economic empowerment.
Industry Minister Shri Lakhanlal Dewangan, addressing the gathering, said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sai, Chhattisgarh is progressing rapidly towards the goal of a developed state, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India. He noted that Korba district is home to several ancient religious sites which are being developed as new tourism destinations.
Katghora MLA Shri Premchand Patel, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram officials Shri Pantaram Bhagat and Shri Birbal Singh also addressed the conference. Mayor Smt. Sanju Devi Rajput, former minister Shri Nanki Ram Kanwar, public representatives, officials and a large number of dignitaries and community members were present at the event.
