State’s rapid development, strictness on corruption, and resolve to end Naxalism
Farmers will receive the difference amount for paddy procurement before Holi
125 days of employment will be provided under ‘Ji Ram Ji Yojana’
Over 5 lakh houses constructed in just 10 months under PM Awas Yojana
Rs 10,700 crore sanctioned in two years for irrigation facilities
Raipur, February 25, 2026/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai today, while expressing gratitude on the Governor’s address in the Assembly, said that the state government is moving forward with the resolve of good governance, development, and security. He stated that the government has taken strong action against corruption, and many individuals involved are currently behind bars. He mentioned that under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, 7 crore trees have been planted, and the loss of trees due to industry policies is being compensated by large-scale afforestation. He expressed his pleasure in informing the House that according to a report published by the Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, Chhattisgarh has registered an increase of 683 sq km in forest and tree cover. This achievement is extremely significant and a matter of pride for the state.
The Chief Minister stated that the government is fighting a decisive battle against Naxalism and expressed hope that Naxalism will be completely eradicated from Chhattisgarh by March 31. He said that where in the past schools were burnt and arms factories were operated, today a new stream of development is flowing in Bastar. Schools are functioning, hospitals are opening, and people are receiving proper medical treatment. The rehabilitation policy has yielded positive results, with a large number of Naxalites surrendering.
The Chief Minister said that despite being larger than Kerala, the state did not achieve the expected development in the past, but now the expansion of basic infrastructure is being rapidly accelerated. This year, 54,000 artists have registered for Bastar Pandum, symbolizing cultural renaissance. Homestays are being promoted, providing employment opportunities to local people. Chief Minister Shri Sai said that in the last two years, under the Forest Conservation Act, 1,03,855 trees have been cut for mining work in approved mining cases, while in return, more than 30 lakh saplings have been planted in mining and industrial areas. Under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, we have planted about 7 crore trees in two years.
Discussing the Tribal Museum in New Raipur, he said that thousands of tourists are visiting it, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court has also praised it. He informed that the ‘Ramlala Darshan Yojana’ has been launched to enable state residents to visit Ramlala, benefiting 42,000 people. More than 5,000 people have also benefited from the Chief Minister Darshan Yojana. The Charan Paduka Yojana, which was discontinued by the previous government, has been restarted.
The Chief Minister said that in the last 10 months, over 5 lakh houses have been completed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the highest in the country. Paddy has been procured from farmers at Rs 3100 per quintal for up to 21 quintals, and the difference amount will be provided to the farmers before Holi. In the irrigation sector, while the previous government had sanctioned Rs 5700 crore, the current government has sanctioned Rs 10,700 crore.
The Chief Minister informed that recruitment processes for 32,000 posts are underway in the state, and a new act will be introduced to streamline them. The ‘Antariksh Sangwari’ has also been inaugurated in New Raipur. Cashless medical treatment facilities will be provided to government employees. He stated that work worth over Rs 47,000 crore is in progress in the railway sector. Describing the ‘Ji Ram Ji Yojana’ as better than MNREGA, the Chief Minister said that it will provide 125 days of employment instead of 100. The government’s intention is to move beyond the half-electricity bill to free electricity, for which subsidies are being provided for solar panel installation. Bio-CNG plants are being set up by GAIL and BPCL through the Chhattisgarh Biofuel Development Authority (CBDA) in 8 municipal corporations of the state.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that we have created a new department for good governance and convergence. Its work is to move forward with new thinking, different from the prevailing methods, incorporating technology and the best governance practices. We have implemented the e-office system, where files now move through computers, and officials have to provide their opinions within a specified time limit and forward them. This has not only brought transparency but also saved time. We are extending this system from the state level to the district level. We are implementing digital governance in all departments to ensure speedy work and prevent people from having to run around.
The Chief Minister said that we are moving towards free electricity from half electricity. The Pradhan Mantri Saur Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a meaningful initiative by the Prime Minister regarding green energy. We have illuminated over 27,000 homes with solar energy in Chhattisgarh so far. Consumers receive subsidy benefits from the center, and we are also providing subsidy benefits to consumers in the state. I appeal to all citizens of the state to take advantage of the Pradhan Mantri Saur Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and get free electricity for the next 25 years.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that under the Amrit Station Yojana, 32 railway stations in the state are being modernized to provide better facilities to rail passengers, with work completed at 05 stations. Vande Bharat Express service has been started for Nagpur and Visakhapatnam. Rail projects worth Rs 51,000 crore are underway in the state. The construction of important railway lines like Raoghat-Jagdalpur and Kharsia-Parmalkasa will accelerate the state’s development. Today, communication connectivity is as important as roads, and our government has sanctioned 500 new mobile towers, which will further improve connectivity.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that to improve the quality of health services, we are starting 5 new medical colleges in the state. Bhoomi Pujan has been done in Manendragarh, Kabirdham, Janjgir-Champa, and Dantewada districts, and land allocation proceedings are underway in Kunkuri. Robotic surgery has now commenced at the AIIMS established by Atal Ji’s vision.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Prime Minister launched the largest healthcare plan in the country, Ayushman Bharat. Payments amounting to Rs 4,551 crore have been made under this scheme. The Prime Minister also established Health and Wellness Centers, the start of which was also from Chhattisgarh. We implemented rationalization. During the previous government’s tenure, remote rural schools became completely devoid of teachers. Even in schools with teachers, there was generally only one teacher per hundred students. Most teachers had moved to urban schools; in some urban schools, the ratio was even one teacher per ten students. We resolved this problem through rationalization. Now, teachers have been posted in rural schools, ensuring quality education.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that India’s youth are achieving wonders worldwide. Last year, I met a young man from Bastar, Avinash Tiwari, in Tokyo, the capital of Japan. Avinash works for a prestigious company there. I was very pleased to see the light of Chhattisgarh’s talent in the land of the rising sun. Our youth power is our greatest strength. To ensure the administrative system functions better and to maximize the utilization of youth energy, we are recruiting for over 32,000 posts. The Chief Minister stated that the state government’s objective is to elevate Chhattisgarh to new heights of development, security, and good governance.