Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Addresses Journalists at India Habitat Centre
New Delhi: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, while addressing journalists at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on Sunday January 4, 2026 , said that Chhattisgarh has long been identified as a Naxal-affected state, but the state has now decisively moved towards development and good governance.
He informed that the BJP government in the state has successfully completed two years on December 13, and during this period, most of the promises made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guarantee have been fulfilled.
The Chief Minister said that at one time, approximately 70 percent of the country’s Naxal-affected area was in Chhattisgarh, and during that period, the state government was not providing the expected cooperation. However, after the formation of the BJP government, concrete and decisive action has been taken against Naxalism.
Today, Naxalism is in its final stages. He informed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a deadline of March 31, 2026, for the complete eradication of Naxalism from the country, and Chhattisgarh is playing a leading role in achieving this.
CM Sai said that two years ago, the people had placed their trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guarantee and the policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Today, Chhattisgarh is emerging as a stronger and more robust state.
He said that the previous 15-year BJP government had laid a strong foundation for development and good governance in the state, while the five years of the Congress government were marred by corruption and scams, Sai added.
The Chief Minister said that the poor, farmers, women, youth, and tribal communities are the government’s top priority. Several historic decisions have been taken in the last two years. 1.8 million Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme) houses have been sanctioned, realising the commitment to Antyodaya (upliftment of the poorest).
Paddy procurement has been done at a rate of Rs. 3100 per quintal, with a limit of 21 quintals per acre, for three consecutive seasons, which has significantly increased the income and respect of farmers and made farming a profitable business, CM Sai affirmed.
He informed that under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana (Mother’s Respect Scheme), Rs. 14,306 crore has been disbursed to 70 lakh women in 22 installments. The collection rate for tendu leaves has been increased from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 5,500 per standard bag, benefiting 1.3 million families. 7.3 million poor families are receiving free rations, and 562,000 landless laborers are being provided with an annual assistance of Rs. 10,000, CM added.
He said that internal security has been strengthened in Naxal-affected areas, leading to the neutralisation of major Naxal leaders and encouraging surrenders.
Surrendered Naxalites are being provided with a monthly assistance of Rs. 10,000 under the rehabilitation program. Roads, electricity, water, and schools have been rapidly expanded in formerly Naxal-affected areas. Bastar’s development is being carried out in a mission mode, and the Niyad Nella Nar scheme is showing positive results.
He added that tourism has been promoted in Bastar, gaining international recognition. Events like the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum have increased local participation.
The Chief Minister stated that the new industrial policy has laid a strong foundation for a developed Chhattisgarh. Investment proposals worth Rs. 7.83 lakh crore have been received so far. Special incentives are being given to industries that provide more than 1,000 jobs. A logistics park and an air cargo facility have been developed in Raipur.
He said that more than 400 administrative reforms have been implemented. Old laws have been repealed or simplified. Governance has been completely digitised, and the e-office system has accelerated work processes. The registration process has been made simpler, more transparent, and faster. A Department of Good Governance and Convergence has been established, along with the State Capital Region Development Authority, Vishnu Deo Sai added.
The Chief Minister stated that there has been a historic expansion in railway, road, and air connectivity. Expressways have ensured better connectivity, and work is progressing on railway projects worth Rs. 47,000 crore. Following the lines of a developed India, the ‘Anjor Vision Document’ has been prepared for the year 2047. Chhattisgarh is rapidly moving towards becoming a developed state.
