Team News Riveting
Bilaspur, January 26
The 77th Republic Day was celebrated across Chhattisgarh on Monday with enthusiasm, patriotism, and a deep sense of pride, reaffirming the ideals of a strong democracy, the supremacy of the Constitution, and the collective resolve to build a developed Chhattisgarh.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai unfurled the national flag at the main Republic Day programme held at the Police Parade Ground in Bilaspur and took the salute at the combined parade. He honoured the families of martyred soldiers and police personnel, and announced that Chhattisgarh Police Force will be awarded a medal to mark the 25th anniversary of the state’s formation.
Extending Republic Day greetings to the people of the State, Chief Minister Shri Sai said India’s Constitution is the strong foundation of the nation’s democratic faith, equality, and social justice. He said the State government is working with full commitment towards the service, development, and prosperity of Chhattisgarh Mahtari.
In his Republic Day address, Chief Minister spoke in detail about the State’s achievements, welfare schemes, progress towards eliminating Naxalism, the empowerment of farmers, workers and women, and improvements in education, healthcare, industrial development, and good governance.
Chief Minister said Republic Day is not only a day of celebration, but also a day to remember the great personalities and freedom fighters who made sacrifices for the nation. Paying tribute to the makers of the Constitution, especially Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, he said the Constitution symbolises social harmony, equal rights, and freedom of expression. He described Baba Guru Ghasidas Ji’s message of “Manakhe-Manakhe Ek Saman” (all human beings are equal) as the soul of the Constitution, and said the Indian Republic has built an open society where every citizen can contribute to nation-building.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said Chhattisgarh has recently marked the silver jubilee of its Statehood. Formed by former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the State has completed a strong development journey over the last 25 years. He said the newly constructed building of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, the “temple of the Constitution”, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The building, designed with motifs of sheaves of paddy and adorned with the folk art of Bastar and Surguja, stands as a symbol of Chhattisgarhi identity.
Chief Minister said the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram was celebrated across the State this year with devotion and respect. From Konta in Sukma district to Sitamarhi Harchauka in Manendragarh–Chirmiri–Bharatpur, people collectively sang Vande Mataram, he said, calling it a true tribute to Shri Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Referring to the 150th birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda and the observance of Tribal Pride Day, Chief Minister Shri Sai said the tribal community made a historic contribution to India’s freedom struggle. He said the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Tribal Freedom Fighters Digital Museum, inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is the country’s first digital museum and introduces the present generation to the sacrifices of tribal heroes.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said Maoist violence has remained a serious challenge to democracy, but Chhattisgarh has adopted a decisive strategy under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. He said that due to the courage of security personnel and sustained operations, Maoist violence is now in its final phase, and the target of making the State Naxal-free by March 2026 is set to be achieved. He also spoke about the rehabilitation of surrendered Naxalites and development initiatives in affected areas through measures such as Bastar Cafe and the Niyad Nella Nar Yojana.
Chief Minister said the biggest challenge after the formation of the State has been ensuring prosperity for the annadata (farmers). He said Chhattisgarh farmers are now receiving the highest price for paddy in the country. He added that paddy procurement has increased from 5 lakh metric tonnes to 149 lakh metric tonnes, and in the last two years, ₹1.5 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers’ bank accounts. He said 115 pending irrigation projects are being completed under the Atal Sichai Yojana.
Chief Minister said more than 26 lakh houses have been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in the State, and around 2,000 houses are being constructed every day, the highest in the country. He said Chhattisgarh ranks second in the country in power generation and is moving towards the first position. Work is progressing rapidly on solar energy, gas-based projects, and the zero carbon emission target, he said.
Chief Minister said that under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, over 70 lakh women are being provided monthly financial assistance of ₹1,000, and ₹14,948 crore has been distributed so far. He also spoke about the effective implementation of ESI, labour codes, and social security schemes for workers.
Chief Minister said teacher shortages have been addressed through rationalisation. Under the National Education Policy, arrangements are being made for education in local dialects, along with 9,000 smart classrooms and 22,000 computers. In the field of health education, the number of medical colleges has increased to 15 with new approvals. He said a multi super speciality hospital has been set up in Bilaspur and MBBS education in Hindi has also been started.
Chief Minister said under the new industrial policy, investment proposals worth ₹7.83 lakh crore have been received so far. Nava Raipur is being developed as an IT, AI, pharma and medical hub, adding that the future belongs to AI and Chhattisgarh will become its centre.
Chief Minister referred to the Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana, Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana, Bastar Pandum, and the development of tourism at Chitrakote Waterfall, Mainpat, Surguja and Jashpur. He stressed strengthening good governance through e-Office, the GeM portal, biometric attendance, and digital governance.
The programme featured patriotic cultural performances by schoolchildren. Attractive tableaux based on government schemes were presented by various departments, showcasing the State’s development journey.
Call for a Developed Chhattisgarh
Quoting lines from a poem by the late Shri Laxman Masturiya, Chief Minister called for public participation and said everyone’s involvement is essential in building a developed Chhattisgarh. He concluded by extending Republic Day greetings and best wishes to the people of the State.
