Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister hoists the tricolor in Bilaspur
Raipur: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated across the state today with great enthusiasm, patriotism, and pride, reaffirming the commitment to strengthening democracy, upholding the supremacy of the Constitution, and building a developed Chhattisgarh.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hoisted the national flag and took the salute at the main Republic Day ceremony held at the Police Parade Ground in Bilaspur. He honored the families of martyred soldiers and police personnel and announced the award of a medal to the Chhattisgarh Police Force on the 25th anniversary of the state’s formation.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Sai extended his Republic Day greetings to the people of the state and said that the Constitution of India is the strong foundation of our democratic faith, equality, and social justice.
The state government is working with complete dedication for the service, development, and prosperity of Chhattisgarh. In his Republic Day message, Chief Minister Sai gave detailed information about the state’s achievements, welfare schemes, progress in the direction of Naxalite eradication, empowerment of farmers, laborers, and women, education, health, industrial development, and good governance.
The Chief Minister said that Republic Day is not only a day of celebration but also a day to remember the great men and freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation. Paying homage to the framers of the Constitution, especially Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, he said that the Constitution is a symbol of social harmony, equal rights, and freedom of expression.
He described Baba Guru Ghasidas Ji’s message of “all human beings are equal” as the soul of the Constitution and said that the Indian Republic has created an open society where every citizen can participate in nation-building, CM Sai noted .
Chief Minister Sai said that Chhattisgarh recently celebrated its silver jubilee of statehood. This state, formed by former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna revered Atal Bihari Vajpayee, has traversed a strong journey of development in 25 years.
He informed that the newly constructed building of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly – the temple of the Constitution – was inaugurated by the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This building, adorned with designs of paddy ears and folk art from Bastar and Surguja, symbolises Chhattisgarh’s identity, CM added.
The Chief Minister said that this year, the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram was celebrated across the state with reverence and respect. From Konta in Sukma district to Sitamarhi Harchauka in Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, people collectively sang Vande Mataram. This is a true tribute to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
Referring to the 150th birth anniversary of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda and the celebration of Tribal Pride Day, the Chief Minister said that the tribal community made a historic contribution to the freedom struggle. He informed that the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Tribal Freedom Fighter Digital Museum, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is the country’s first digital museum, which familiarises today’s generation with the sacrifices of tribal heroes, CM said .
Chief Minister Sai said that Maoist violence has been a serious challenge to democracy, but under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chhattisgarh has adopted a decisive strategy. He informed that as a result of the indomitable courage of the security forces and continuous operations, Maoist violence is now in its final stages, and the goal of making the state Naxal-free by March 2026 is about to be achieved.
The Chief Minister provided information about the rehabilitation of surrendered Naxalites, initiatives like Bastar Cafe, and development works in affected areas through the Niyad Nella Nar scheme.
The Chief Minister said that the biggest challenge after the formation of the state has been the prosperity of the farmers. Today, farmers in Chhattisgarh are getting the highest price for paddy in the country. He informed that paddy procurement has increased from 5 lakh metric tons to 149 lakh metric tons. In the last two years, one and a half lakh crore rupees have been transferred to the accounts of farmers. Under the Atal Irrigation Scheme, 115 pending irrigation projects are being completed.
The Chief Minister informed that under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, more than 26 lakh houses have been sanctioned in the state, and approximately 2,000 houses are being constructed daily, which is the highest in the country. He said that the state ranks second in the country in power generation and is rapidly moving towards the first position. Rapid progress is being made in solar energy, gas-based projects, and achieving the zero-carbon emission target, CM affirmed.
The Chief Minister informed that under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, 70 lakh women are being provided an honorarium of ₹1,000 per month. So far, an amount of ₹14,948 crore has been distributed. He spoke about the effective implementation of ESI, labor codes, and social security schemes for workers.
The Chief Minister stated that the shortage of teachers has been addressed through rationalisation. Under the National Education Policy, education in local languages, 9,000 smart classrooms, and 22,000 computers are being provided. In the field of health education, the number of medical colleges has increased to 15 with the approval of new colleges. A multi-super specialty hospital has been established in Bilaspur, and MBBS courses have been started in Hindi.
The Chief Minister stated that investment proposals worth ₹7.83 lakh crore have been received so far under the new industrial policy. Nava Raipur is being developed as an IT, AI, pharma, and medical hub. He said that the future belongs to AI, and Chhattisgarh will become its hub, CM Sai added.
The Chief Minister mentioned the Ramlala Darshan Yojana, Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Scheme, Bastar Pandum, Chitrakote Waterfall, Mainpat, Surguja, and Jashpur tourism development.
He emphasised strengthening good governance through e-office, GeM portal, biometric attendance, and digital governance.
School children presented patriotic cultural programs at the ceremony. Attractive tableaux based on various government schemes were displayed by different government departments, vividly showcasing the state’s development journey, Chief Minister said .
Call for a Developed Chhattisgarh
The Chief Minister, quoting lines from a poem by the late Laxman Masturia, called for public participation, stating that everyone’s involvement is essential in building a developed Chhattisgarh. He concluded by extending his greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on Republic Day.
