TFP Bureau, Raipur, January 12, 2026: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday said that the MP Cluster Development Project will give fresh momentum to tribal development in Chhattisgarh by promoting self-employment, skill enhancement and the effective use of local resources. Chairing a review meeting of the project at his official residence-cum-office here, the Chief Minister said the initiative would play a key role in reducing migration from tribal areas by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities at the local level.
Highlighting the vision behind the scheme, Shri Sai said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, consistent efforts are being made to integrate tribal regions into the mainstream of development. The MP Cluster Development Project, he noted, is based on a cluster model in which groups of villages are developed in an integrated manner so that the benefits of government schemes and development initiatives reach people directly and efficiently.
“The core objective of the project is economic empowerment through skill development and self-employment by optimally utilising local resources,” the Chief Minister said. He added that Chhattisgarh, known as the rice bowl of India, possesses immense potential in agriculture, particularly in diverse indigenous rice varieties that also have strong export prospects. By linking agriculture with allied activities such as fisheries, goat rearing, cattle rearing and pig farming, rural and tribal households can significantly enhance their income.
Shri Sai further said that tribal communities have traditionally been engaged in the collection of forest produce such as mahua, tamarind and chironji. Through value addition, branding and market linkage of these products, the state government aims to strengthen livelihoods and ensure better returns for forest-dependent families.
Referring to the state’s new industrial policy, the Chief Minister said special provisions have been made to encourage Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs. He urged public representatives and development partners associated with the MP Cluster Development Project to ensure that the benefits of the new policy percolate to tribal areas as well. To strengthen implementation, nodal officers will be appointed for the project, he added.
During the meeting, Shri V. Satish presented a detailed overview of the concept, objectives and progress of the MP Cluster Development Project. He informed that the scheme is being implemented in tribal-dominated states including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal through coordinated efforts of local communities, NGOs, public representatives and government agencies. The initiative focuses on creating sustainable self-employment opportunities and preventing distress migration.
Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam stressed that officials from all concerned departments must actively and responsibly contribute to the development of villages included in the clusters. He said a clear understanding of local needs would help design effective skill development programmes and generate long-term employment.
The meeting reviewed ongoing work under the project in several clusters, including Lailunga in Raigarh district, Parshurampur in Surguja, Bakawand in Bastar, Mata Rajmohini Devi cluster in Balrampur, and Dhanora cluster in Keshkal.
Members of Parliament Shri Bhojraj Nag, Shri Chintamani Maharaj, Shri Radheshyam Rathia and Shri Devendra Pratap Singh, along with MLAs Smt. Renuka Singh, Smt. Gomati Sai, Shri Prasad Indep and Shri Kapil Sahasrabuddhe, senior officials from various departments and other dignitaries were present at the meeting.
