Kumar Bahukhandi
A delegation of journalists who returned from an inter-state study tour to Rajasthan pays a courtesy call on Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday December 21, 2025 at his residence -Photo Credit -CG/PR
Chhattisgarh government is fully committed to the overall development of tourism – Chief Minister Sai
Raipur: A delegation of journalists from Chhattisgarh, after returning from an inter-state study tour to Rajasthan, paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at his residence in Raipur on Sunday December 21, 2025 .
On this occasion, the journalists shared their experiences of their visit to Rajasthan from December 15 to 20, including their observations on the legislature, administrative functioning, and innovations in the field of tourism.
Chief Minister Sai said that the Chhattisgarh government has initiated an inter-state study tour program for journalists so that they can understand the innovative efforts related to governance, administration, tourism, and cultural development in other states from a journalistic perspective.
He said that based on the experiences gained from such study tours, new and effective initiatives can be launched in Chhattisgarh as well.
The Chief Minister urged the journalists to document their experiences from this trip in the form of travelogues, which would serve as a useful guide for general tourists.
CM Sai said that journalists’ writing is not only a medium of information but also a powerful tool for promoting tourism.
Highlighting the immense potential for tourism in the state, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the Chhattisgarh government is fully committed to the overall development of tourism. Referring specifically to the Bastar region, he said that Bastar is like heaven on earth in terms of natural beauty, but Naxalism has been a major obstacle to its development for a long time.
The Chief Minister said that in line with the resolve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the state government is working with full determination to eradicate Naxalism completely by March 2026.
Chief Minister Sai said that tourism has been included in the state’s new industrial policy. Under this initiative, homestays are being promoted in remote forest areas so that tourists can stay with rural families and experience their culture, food, and lifestyle firsthand.
This will not only boost tourism but also create new employment and income opportunities for the local people. He said that the inclusion of Dhurmaras in Chhattisgarh among the world’s 20 leading tourist destinations is a matter of pride for the state.
The Chief Minister welcomed the suggestions given by the journalists and said that they would be seriously considered and implemented.
On this occasion, Vijay Tripathi from Jashpur said that during his visit to Rajasthan, he had the opportunity to see the state assembly, where a magnificent museum has been built to educate the general public about the law-making process and the functioning of the assembly. This museum provides an opportunity to understand the legislative journey from the formation of the state to the present day and the contributions of historical figures.
Vijay Khetrapal from Korba said that this study tour provided an opportunity to understand how centuries-old forts and palaces in Rajasthan have been developed into tourist centers by integrating them with modern amenities.
Along with this, tourism has been made attractive in the desert areas through activities like jeep safaris, camel rides, paragliding, and desert camps, which could be an effective case study for Chhattisgarh.
Arjun Jha from Jagdalpur shared his experience of Chokhi Dhani in Jaipur, saying that rural life, folk culture, and cuisine are presented on a single platform there. He suggested that Chhattisgarh’s folk culture could be presented to tourists in a similar way through Bastar Pandum. Tinkeshwar Tiwari also emphasised promoting traditional Chhattisgarhi cuisine prominently at tourist destinations, along the lines of Rajasthani cuisine.
Rajat Awasthi, a young journalist from State News Service, honored Chief Minister Sai with a traditional Rajasthani turban and thanked him for initiating the journalist study tour program.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister’s Press Officer Alok Singh, Additional Director of Public Relations Department Sanjeev Tiwari, Joint Director Jitendra Nagesh, along with journalists and other officials, were present.
