Kumar Bahukhandi
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addressing a program of Panchayat functionaries held at the DDU Auditorium in the state capital, Raipur, on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day on April 24, 2026 . signifying the role of Panchayat representatives in rural development-Photo Credit -CG/PR
Raipur: Our “double-engine” government is strengthening the foundation of a developed India by empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a new chapter in the holistic development of villages is being written across the country.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated this while addressing a conference of Panchayat functionaries held at the DDU Auditorium in the state capital, Raipur, on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day on April 24 .
Chief Minister Sai stated that the development of villages—and the delivery of the benefits of government schemes to the last person in the queue—will be realised only through the active engagement of Panchayat representatives.
The Chief Minister extended his greetings to the people of the state and the Panchayat representatives on National Panchayati Raj Day.
Chief Minister Sai stated that he began his political career as a Panchayat representative, fulfilling the responsibilities of both a Panch and a Sarpanch. Chief Minister also remarked that the experience gained regarding rural development while serving as a Panchayat representative proves instrumental in one’s subsequent advancement.
Today, thousands of public representatives have embarked on their journey from the Panchayat level and have risen to reach the highest legislative bodies of the country.
The Chief Minister emphasised that Panchayats play a pivotal role in making villages clean, healthy, and beautiful, and that effective policies are formulated only through superior performance at the grassroots level.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai noted that, under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, villagers are now receiving permanent, concrete houses; furthermore, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana has brought about a remarkable improvement in rural connectivity.
He added that, through the Atal Digital Service Centers, services such as banking, electricity bill payments, pensions, and insurance have become easily accessible to villagers, thereby giving a significant boost to the rural economy.
Additionally, Mahtari Sadans are being constructed for women—many of which have already been completed—providing direct benefits to women, CM Sai added.
Chief Minister Sai urged Panchayat representatives to ensure the regular monitoring of all activities being conducted within the Panchayats, so that all development works may be completed with both quality and timeliness.
He said that under the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, the objective of delivering clean drinking water to every household has been established; Panchayats bear a significant responsibility in the successful implementation of this mission, and Panchayat representatives must play an active role in ensuring its completion within the stipulated timeframe, CM Sai noted.
Referring to the organisation of the ‘Sushasan Tihar’ (Good Governance Festival), Chief Minister Sai stated that camps would be organised through this initiative to address the grievances of the general public.
He called upon Panchayat representatives to play an active role in organising the Sushasan Tihar—identifying the specific issues within their respective constituencies—and working towards their resolution.
He further informed that under the ‘Chief Minister Electricity Bill Resolution Scheme,’ a special opportunity is being provided for the settlement of pending electricity bills; under this scheme, the entire surcharge has been waived, and provisions for additional concessions have also been included. CM Sai urged the representatives to ensure that the maximum number of villagers are able to avail themselves of these benefits, he remarked.
The Chief Minister affirmed that the State Government would provide every possible resource to empower the Panchayats and appealed to all representatives to strive for excellence in their work within their respective areas.
Revenue Minister Tankram Verma stated that their “double-engine government” is working with a firm resolve—in alignment with the vision of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay—to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach the very last person standing in the last row.
While extending his greetings to the public representatives on ‘Panchayat Day,’ he noted that the State Government is continuously sanctioning development projects while simultaneously working to economically empower the Panchayats.
He emphasised that, alongside the responsibility for rural development, Panchayat representatives also bear a social responsibility—a duty which, he observed, they are discharging with great competence.
The conference was also addressed by Member of Parliament Brijmohan Agarwal and Rajya Sabha Member Lakshmi Verma.
During the Panchayat Office-Bearers’ Conference, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inspected the mega health camp organised by the District Administration under ‘Project Chhaon,’ as well as various stalls showcasing different developmental projects.
He interacted with women currently undergoing training in tailoring and embroidery, commending their efforts toward livelihood enhancement.
Chief Minister Sai inspected the stalls of various projects initiated by the Raipur District Administration—including ‘Project Dhadkan’ (for identifying congenital heart defects in newborns), ‘Project Dadhichi’ (to encourage body donation), ‘Project Nano’ (to connect farmers with innovative practices), ‘Project Rachna’, ‘Project Smriti Library’, ‘Project Pai-Pai’, ‘Global Gaon’, ‘Gyan Bharatam’, ‘Project Signal’, ‘Mera Gaon Meri Pehchan’, ‘Project Aja’, and ‘Project Business Didi’—and distributed certificates of appreciation as well as financial assistance to beneficiaries.
During the event, he unveiled a cutout for ‘Project Arogyam’ and released a booklet summarising government schemes under ‘Project Handy’.
The Chief Minister lauded the District Administration for their efforts, acknowledging the extensive benefits these initiatives have brought to the general public. Sai noted.
