Kumar Bahukhandi
In Short
*Our Government is Committed to the Welfare of Fishing Community – Chief Minister
*CM participates in National Fishermen Awareness Conference
Raipur: “Life is incomplete without education. Education is not merely a means to secure a job, but a path to success in life. Education is the mantra of social development. Whether it is the art of living, business, agriculture, or any other field — education plays a vital role in every sphere of success,” said Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, while addressing the National Fishermen Awareness Conference at Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium, Raipur on Sunday October 5, 2025 .
The Chief Minister said that the state government has been consistently working to strengthen the education sector since its inception. “At the time of state formation, there was only one medical college in Chhattisgarh. Today, the state has around 15 medical colleges,” he said. “Institutions of national and international repute — IIT, IIIT, IIM, Law University, AIIMS and CIPET — have been established in Chhattisgarh, benefitting local students immensely.”
CM Sai further informed that construction of Nalanda Campuses is underway in every district of the state, providing both direction and opportunity to the youth.
Highlighting the importance of social unity, the Chief Minister said, “Society must remain organized, because a strong society builds a strong nation.” He cautioned that addiction is a major obstacle to social progress and urged the community to take a pledge towards de-addiction and social reform.
Referring to the initiatives for fisherfolk, the Chief Minister said, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, a revolutionary step that has elevated the standard of living of fishermen across the country.” He added that, “In line with this, the Chhattisgarh Government has recently ended the contractor system at the Gangrel Dam and restored fishing rights to farmers in the submergence areas.”
CM Sai said that his government is continuously working to integrate the fishing community into the mainstream of development. “Several schemes have been initiated in the fisheries sector. The state’s first Aqua Park is being built at the Hasdeo Bango Reservoir at a cost of about ₹37 crore. The park will open up new opportunities in four key areas — fish production, processing, export, and tourism,” he said.
He also mentioned that at present, fish farming is being carried out in 800 cages at the reservoir, benefiting several local panchayats. “This is a major step towards increasing the income of our fishermen and strengthening the rural economy,” the Chief Minister emphasized.
CM Sai extended warm greetings and best wishes to all office-bearers of the National Fishermen Association and the hardworking fishermen and women from across the country for the successful organisation of the conference.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State Dr. Rajbhushan Chaudhary Nishad said that the Nishad community has a glorious history and tradition. “It is essential that the new generation learns about and takes pride in this heritage,” he remarked. He added, “Our visionary Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always given an esteemed place to the Nishad community. When the grand temple of Lord Ram Lalla was built in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Modi also ensured the construction of the Nishad Raj Temple on the banks of the Saryu River, thereby honoring the community. The Nishad community will always remain grateful to him for this gesture.”
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, in his address, said that the Nishad community is extremely hardworking and industrious. “The contribution of the Nishad community to the progress of society is exemplary,” he said.
The event was also attended by MLA Sunil Soni, Chairman of Chhattisgarh Fishermen Welfare Board Bharat Matiyara, along with community leaders, office-bearers, and public representatives from across Chhattisgarh and other states.
