Silver Jubilee year address highlights farm support, women’s welfare, anti-Maoist gains, and record investments
TFP Bureau, Raipur, February. 23,2026: Ramen Deka on Monday addressed the Eighth Session of the Sixth Legislative Assembly, outlining an ambitious roadmap for transforming Chhattisgarh into a developed state by 2047, while highlighting achievements across agriculture, infrastructure, welfare, and internal security.
The Governor was received at the Assembly by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Speaker Raman Singh, and Leader of Opposition Charan Das Mahant. He congratulated legislators on the state’s Silver Jubilee year and the inauguration of the new Assembly building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a “temple of democracy.”
Vision Rooted in Founding Ideals
Recalling the vision of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who created the state, the Governor said consistent policy efforts aimed at the last citizen in the queue were driving inclusive growth. Women’s empowerment, he noted, remains central, with the state observing the year as Mahtari Gaurav Varsh and providing monthly financial assistance to nearly 69 lakh women.
Agriculture and Rural Economy in Focus
The address reported procurement of over 141 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from more than 25 lakh farmers at MSP, with payments exceeding ₹33,000 crore. Additional assistance worth ₹10,292 crore is scheduled for disbursal before Holi under the Krishak Unnati Yojana.
To strengthen agricultural research, a Centre of Excellence is being set up at Indira Gandhi Agricultural University with support from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. The state is also expanding irrigation, approving 477 projects worth ₹1,874 crore.
Security Gains and Development in Bastar
Highlighting progress against Left-wing extremism, the Governor said 532 Maoists had been neutralised in two years, while over 2,700 surrendered. Development initiatives in affected regions include roads, bridges, schools, health centres, and mobile connectivity expansion.
Tribal Welfare and Recognition
Chhattisgarh ranks first nationally in issuing forest rights titles, with over 4.8 lakh individual titles distributed. The state was honoured as best performer in tribal development initiatives by President Droupadi Murmu. The Governor also noted cultural initiatives such as the Bastar Pandum festival, whose closing ceremony was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Industry, Investment and Infrastructure
Investment proposals worth ₹7.83 lakh crore have been received under the new industrial policy, spanning sectors such as semiconductors, IT, pharma, and AI. Railway projects worth ₹51,000 crore and new expressways are underway to boost connectivity, while Nava Raipur is being developed as an integrated capital region and education hub.
Health, Education and Technology Push
The Governor said 81 lakh families have received health coverage cards and over 4,000 gram panchayats have become TB-free. An MoU has been signed with AIIMS to advance cataract-free initiatives, while five new medical colleges will add 250 MBBS seats. A space centre, science city, and astro parks are also planned to promote scientific learning.
Tourism, Environment and Culture
Forest and tree cover has increased by 683 sq km — the highest rise in the country. More than seven crore saplings have been planted under a national campaign. Dhudmaras village in Bastar has been recognised as Best Tourism Village by the UN Tourism Organisation, reflecting the state’s growing global visibility.
Closing Note
Presenting the Anjor Vision document as a blueprint for long-term development, the Governor urged legislators to work collectively for a prosperous and inclusive future, concluding his address with the call: “Jai Hind, Jai Chhattisgarh.”
