Chief Minister highlights welfare schemes, industrial growth and security improvements as delegation praises state’s culture, governance initiatives and hospitality.
TFP Bureau, Raipur, February 12, 2026: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday said his government is firmly committed to transforming Chhattisgarh into a more beautiful, prosperous, secure and developed state, as he interacted with a delegation of journalists from Sikkim visiting on a study tour. Welcoming the delegation at his official residence office, the Chief Minister shared detailed insights into the state’s development trajectory, governance priorities and welfare initiatives, while presenting traditional ‘gamchhas’ to the visitors as a gesture of respect and goodwill.
The visiting journalists expressed admiration for Chhattisgarh’s natural beauty, cultural richness and warm hospitality, and extended an invitation to the Chief Minister to visit Sikkim. Members of the delegation said their visit gave them a deeper understanding of the state’s economic potential, social initiatives and contributions to national development.
During the interaction, the Chief Minister highlighted that nearly 44 percent of Chhattisgarh’s geographical area is covered by forests and about 31 percent of its population belongs to tribal communities. He said the government has been focusing on empowering forest dwellers through systematic collection, processing and value addition of minor forest produce. He cited the example of Jashpur district, where women’s self-help groups are producing marketable goods under the ‘Jashpure’ brand, generating sustainable livelihoods and strengthening rural entrepreneurship.
He also outlined support measures for forest-dependent communities, including payment of ₹5,500 per standard bag for tendupatta collection and distribution of free footwear under the Charan Paduka Yojana. According to him, such initiatives are improving incomes and living standards in remote regions.
Referring to social welfare schemes, the Chief Minister spoke about the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana, launched to reduce the financial burden of marriage on economically weaker families. He noted that more than 6,000 couples were recently married in a single event under the scheme, an achievement that entered the Golden Book of World Records. Beneficiary couples receive ₹35,000 in financial assistance along with material support worth ₹15,000.
Addressing the issue of Left-wing extremism, Sai stated that Naxalism in the state is now in its final phase due to coordinated efforts and strong policy measures. Under the state’s rehabilitation policy, surrendered Naxals receive ₹50,000 in immediate assistance and ₹10,000 per month for three years. More than 2,500 individuals have surrendered so far, and many are being connected to employment through skill development programmes. He cited the example of the ‘Bastar Pandum’ café in Jagdalpur, operated by surrendered Naxals, as a symbol of successful rehabilitation and reintegration.
The Chief Minister also elaborated on the ‘Niyad Nella Nar’ initiative, under which 17 government schemes have been extended to remote and previously inaccessible areas. These include improved access to roads, electricity, drinking water, ration distribution, healthcare and education. He said such efforts are helping integrate Naxal-affected regions into the mainstream of development and governance.
Highlighting tourism prospects, Sai said Chhattisgarh possesses exceptional natural attractions such as Chitrakote Waterfall, Kutumsar Caves, Abujhmad forests and Dhudmaras landscapes. To promote rural tourism and generate local employment, homestays have been granted industry status and villagers are being provided financial assistance to construct up to five rooms for visitors.
On infrastructure and investment, he informed the delegation that a 100-acre MediCity is being developed in Nava Raipur to provide affordable healthcare services, particularly for lower-income groups. He also stated that the state’s new industrial policy has attracted investment proposals worth nearly ₹8 lakh crore, reflecting growing investor confidence. Plans for the upcoming Chitrotpala Film City are expected to strengthen the state’s presence in the film and entertainment sector.
Members of the visiting delegation praised the state’s progress, with journalist Archana Pradhan remarking that Chhattisgarh made them feel proud to be Indian. She pointed to the Bhilai Steel Plant as a symbol of the state’s industrial strength and said the tour helped them appreciate its role in national development. The journalists noted that their visits to major sites such as Bhilai Steel Plant, Gevra Open Mines, Nava Raipur and the Tribal Museum provided valuable exposure to the state’s economic and cultural landscape.
They also expressed appreciation for farmer-friendly measures, environmental cleanliness, social welfare programmes and the rehabilitation policy for former extremists, describing these as indicators of balanced governance and inclusive growth.
As a token of cultural exchange, the delegation presented the Chief Minister with a traditional Sikkimese ‘Thangka’ painting, a sacred art form depicting Buddhist deities, mandalas and spiritual motifs on cloth. Thanking them, Sai described the gift as a symbol of mutual respect and cultural bonding between states.
Officials and media representatives present on the occasion included the Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Pankaj Jha, Advisor R. Krishna Das, Press Officer Alok Singh, PIB officials Manas Pratim Sharma and Sudeepto Kar, along with several members of the visiting media delegation. The journalists said they were returning with lasting memories of Chhattisgarh’s scenic beauty, vibrant traditions and development initiatives, calling the visit both enlightening and inspiring.
