Historic Milestone as 21 Assistant Directors Join Town and Country Planning Department to Drive Sustainable Urbanisation
TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 9, 2026: Urban development must not merely address present-day requirements but must also be meticulously planned to meet the needs of future generations. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai emphasised this vision while handing over appointment letters to 21 newly selected Assistant Directors (Planning) of the Town and Country Planning Department at Mantralaya, Mahanadi Bhavan, today.
Extending his best wishes to the young officers, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted that this was the first time since the formation of the State that such a large batch of Assistant Directors had been appointed simultaneously. Recognising the profound emotional significance of the occasion, Shri Sai specially congratulated the parents and families of the successful candidates. He remarked that seeing one’s children attain such important positions and serve the public is a moment of immense pride and joy for every parent. He noted that, along with their new responsibilities, the aspirations of their families and the hopes of the entire State were now closely intertwined with these young professionals.
Putting the historic recruitment into perspective, Shri Sai pointed out that only 17 Assistant Directors had been appointed to the department in the 25 years since the formation of Chhattisgarh. The recruitment of 21 officers at one time reflects the State Government’s foresight and commitment to equipping its departments with adequate human resources and professional expertise. He observed that Chhattisgarh is urbanising rapidly, with city limits expanding and new settlements emerging along major roads. This rapid transition requires long-term, scientific planning for residential and commercial zones, public spaces, transport networks and drainage systems.
Chief Minister Shri Sai reminded the officers that town planning goes far beyond drawing maps or determining land use; it directly influences citizens’ quality of life and prevents problems arising from unplanned urban expansion. Urging them to prioritise the public interest, he advised them to work with complete honesty, sensitivity and transparency so that citizens face no hurdles in completing routine administrative work.
Aligning the State’s goals with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ and his vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, Chief Minister Shri Sai spoke about the State’s own roadmap, ‘Chhattisgarh Anjor: Vision 2047’. The blueprint envisions a modern State equipped with advanced infrastructure, abundant opportunities for young people and equitable growth achieved through the active participation of all citizens.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to youth empowerment, Shri Sai stated that more than 15,000 young people had secured government jobs across various departments during the past two and a half years. Recruitment is underway for more than 7,000 posts in the Police Department and over 3,000 posts in the Education Department, while more than 1,200 appointments have been made in the Electricity Department. Moreover,
recruitment processes for vacant posts in other government departments, corporations and institutions are also in progress. Beyond government employment, the State’s new Industrial Development Policy accords high priority to job creation by offering special incentives to industries that employ local youth. The government is also promoting self-employment through job fairs and entrepreneurship initiatives.
Speaking on the occasion, Finance, Housing and Environment Minister Shri O.P. Choudhary noted that previously, only three or four Assistant Directors had been appointed at a time. He urged the new officers to ensure that citizens visiting their offices for map approvals or other work experience the same transparency and fairness that characterised their recruitment process.
Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap also congratulated the candidates and expressed confidence that the modern outlook, knowledge and energy of the new generation would significantly accelerate the State’s planned development under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Sai.
Departmental Secretary Shri Ankit Anand, Commissioner Shri Awanish Sharan, senior officials, the newly appointed officers and their families attended the ceremony.
