Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addresses the Agra Mahakumbh-2026 in Ambikapur on Saturday, September 19, 2026 highlighting entrepreneurship, investment, employment generation and the Agarwal community’s contribution to Chhattisgarh’s development. Photo:channel24india.com via CMO
At Agra Mahakumbh-2026 in Ambikapur, Chief Minister highlights employment-focused Industrial Policy 2024-30, ₹500-crore Startup and NIPUN Mission and entrepreneurship centres planned across all 33 districts
Key Highlights
- Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurates the two-day Agra Mahakumbh-2026 in Ambikapur on September 19.
- Sai says Chhattisgarh has received investment proposals worth more than ₹8.23 lakh crore under its industrial push.
- ₹500 crore provision proposed over five years for the Mukhyamantri Startup and NIPUN Mission.
- Entrepreneurship Development Centres planned in all 33 districts, along with 100 emerging-technology labs and five industry Centres of Excellence.
- Industrial Policy 2024-30 focuses on employment, MSMEs, women entrepreneurs and new investment opportunities.
- Sai inaugurates a trade fair and releases the ‘Agrakul Darshan’ magazine at the event.
- Chief Minister praises the Agarwal community’s contribution to entrepreneurship, employment generation, philanthropy and social service.
Ambikapur: Chhattisgarh has received investment proposals worth more than ₹8.23 lakh crore as the state seeks to accelerate industrial development and employment generation through its Industrial Policy 2024-30, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said on Saturday, September 19, 2-26 .
Inaugurating the two-day Agra Mahakumbh-2026 in Ambikapur, Sai said the government was working to create a secure, transparent and industry-friendly environment where businesses could expand, investment could grow and more employment opportunities could be generated for young people. The September 19-20 gathering brings together representatives, entrepreneurs, social workers, women and youth from the Agarwal community.
“The State Government is continuously working to create a safe, transparent and industry-friendly environment in Chhattisgarh where trade and industry can expand, investment can increase and maximum employment opportunities can be created for the youth,” Sai said.
From Enterprise to Social Service
The Chief Minister praised the Agarwal community’s long tradition of entrepreneurship, philanthropy and public service, saying its contribution to Chhattisgarh extended well beyond commerce and business to industry, employment generation and community welfare.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Tourism and Culture Minister Rajesh Agarwal and other dignitaries during Agra Mahakumbh-2026 in Ambikapur on Saturday, September 19. A community magazine was also released on the occasion. Photo:channel24india.com via CMO
Referring to Maharaja Agrasen’s ideals, Sai said social progress was meaningful when everyone received an opportunity to move forward and those with greater means helped others participate in that progress.
He also recalled the community’s role during the Covid-19 pandemic, citing assistance with oxygen, food supplies, health camps and other support for people in need.
Sai said the growing participation of women in business, education, medicine, industry, startups and social service was strengthening families as well as the state’s economy.
Turning to young people, he urged them to combine traditional values with technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Young people should not limit themselves only to looking for jobs. Through new ideas and enterprises, they should move forward themselves and create employment opportunities for others as well,” Sai said.
₹8.23 Lakh Crore Investment Proposals
Sai described the state’s Industrial Policy 2024-30 as employment-oriented, with incentives for micro, small and medium enterprises and special provisions intended to encourage participation by women and other sections.
He said Chhattisgarh had so far received investment proposals exceeding ₹8.23 lakh crore, adding that their implementation could expand industrial activity and create employment opportunities. The investment figure was also reported in coverage of Saturday’s event.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the recently approved Mukhyamantri Startup and NIPUN Mission, for which ₹500 crore is to be provided over the next five years.
Under the initiative, Entrepreneurship Development Centres are planned across all 33 districts, together with 100 emerging-technology laboratories and five industry Centres of Excellence, according to the government release.
The programme is intended to provide young people greater exposure to skills, technology, innovation and startup opportunities.
Export Policy to Open New Markets
Sai also referred to the Chhattisgarh Export Promotion Policy 2026-30, saying it was designed to connect small industries, local products and value-added agricultural and industrial goods with larger domestic and international markets.
Highlighting Surguja’s potential, he identified tourism, agro-based industries, food processing and local products as sectors capable of attracting further enterprise and employment.
With tourism accorded industry status, he said investment opportunities were also emerging in hotels, homestays and tourism-related services.
The Chief Minister called upon experienced entrepreneurs from the Agarwal community to support younger and smaller entrepreneurs through mentoring, experience and business expertise.
‘Prosperity Must Take Everyone Forward’
Tourism and Culture Minister Rajesh Agarwal said prosperity should mean enabling every section of society to progress. He described Agra Mahakumbh as an opportunity to reflect on collective consciousness, organisational strength, social responsibility and the community’s future direction.
The two-day programme has been organised around themes including social dialogue, women and youth participation, health, culture and recognition of achievement. Advance information issued by the organisers had also described the gathering as a platform bringing together Agarwal representatives from different parts of the country.
Sai also congratulated recipients of the Dasham Agra Alankaran, saying recognition of outstanding achievement could inspire the younger generation to pursue excellence.
During the programme, the Chief Minister inaugurated the trade fair, visited stalls to learn about products and entrepreneurial activities and released the ‘Agrakul Darshan’ magazine.
Surguja MP Chintamani Maharaj, Basna MLA Sampat Agarwal, Chhattisgarh Yoga Commission Chairman Sanjay Agarwal, former Assembly Speaker Gaurishankar Agarwal, former minister Amar Agarwal, senior administrative officials and representatives of the Agarwal community were among those present.
