Team News Riveting
Raipur, February 17
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated the three-day cultural event Korea Mahotsav in Baikunthpur and announced a historic package of development works worth over Rs 156 crore for the residents of Korea district.
On the occasion, he inaugurated 104 works costing more than Rs 70 crore and performed ‘bhoomipujan’ and foundation laying for 40 works worth over Rs 85.54 crore. The Chief Minister said these development works are not merely construction projects but strong pillars of prosperity, self-reliance and a bright future for Korea district.
While addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said “Transforming Chhattisgarh into a prosperous and resource-rich state is the government’s foremost priority. Since the state is largely agrarian, several historic decisions have been made with the welfare and interests of farmers at the center.”
Crediting the vision of Narendra Modi, Sai said that the state government has fulfilled most of its promises in a short span, implementing the Prime Minister’s development commitments within two years. He also expressed confidence that the remaining promises will be completed soon.
Highlighting the rapid progress since the government assumed office, the Chief Minister said that approval for 18 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana was granted in the very first Cabinet meeting, and construction is now moving swiftly. Emphasizing transformative development in Bastar, he noted that the region, once affected by Naxalism, is witnessing unprecedented change under the double-engine government, with roads, hospitals, and schools opening across villages, resettlement of deserted areas, and accelerated works under the Niyad Nellanar Yojana.
Highlighting decisions taken in the interest of farmers, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that paddy procurement is being done at 21 quintals per acre in the state and a support price of Rs 3,100 per quintal is being provided. The differential amount of recently procured paddy will be transferred into farmers’ accounts before Holi, under which nearly Rs 10,000 crore will be given to farmers. He said that under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, Rs 1,000 per month is being provided to 70 lakh women in the state, and around Rs 15,000 crore has already been distributed.
The Chief Minister said the state government has made notable progress toward transparent governance in the past two years. Government processes have been strengthened through digital systems and PSC recruitment is being conducted with full transparency. He said irregularities of the past are being investigated by the CBI and strict action is being taken against the guilty.
Referring to the state’s natural wealth, Chief Minister Shri Sai said Chhattisgarh is rich in mineral and forest resources, and special emphasis is being placed on value addition of minerals to give a new direction to economic growth.
He said Korea district holds immense tourism potential and announced several initiatives to accelerate development, including developing Devgarh Chhuri Dham as a tourism destination, upgrading Police Chowki Podi to a police station, upgrading Police Assistance Centre Pandopara to a ‘chowki’, establishing a PWD office building, a district archaeology office and developing robust infrastructure along with a transit hostel at Phulpur.
To strengthen connectivity in the district, the Chief Minister also announced several road and bridge projects, including construction of bridges and culverts from Korea to Chhindya Shivpur village at a cost of about Rs 8 crore, bridge construction on the Kushaha–Ghughra route costing Rs 6 crore, and construction of the Salka bypass at a cost of Rs 18 crore. He said improved connectivity would boost economic activities and accelerate rural development.
Addressing the programme, Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam described Korea Mahotsav as a special festival of the district and thanked the Chief Minister for development works. Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Lakshmi Rajwade said several schemes are being run to make women self-reliant and that the allocation of pink e-rickshaws to six women of the district is a significant step toward empowerment under CM’s guidance. Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal described the cultural event as an important platform for local talent.
On the occasion, MLA Bhaiyalal Rajwade and other public representatives expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister, stating that development works worth Rs 156 crore would give new direction to the district’s progress. Divisional Commissioner Narendra Dugga, IG Deepak Jha, District Panchayat President Mohit Paikra, Collector Smt. Chandan Tripathi, SP Ravikumar Kurre, District Panchayat CEO Dr Ashutosh Chaturvedi, along with a large number of public representatives and residents, were present at the programme.
