- The new industrial policy has given a new impetus to investment, employment and industrial development.
- Nava Raipur is becoming an emerging hub of education and new technology.
- A group of journalists from Chennai paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai
A new era of peace, trust and development has now begun in Bastar, which lagged behind in the race of development for a long time due to Naxalism. Along with security, work is being done rapidly in the fields of roads, education, health, communication, employment and livelihood. Our priority is to bring about lasting change in the lives of the people of the region by linking Bastar’s natural wealth, culture and tourism potential with development. Chief Minister Shri Sai said this yesterday at the Chief Minister’s residence office during a discussion with a group of journalists from Chennai, who had come to Chhattisgarh under the leadership of Shri P. Arun Kumar, Director of Press Information Bureau, Chennai.
Chief Minister Shri Sai discussed with the journalists about the changing picture of development in Chhattisgarh, the development activities that have accelerated after the success against Naxalism in Bastar, the new industrial development policy of the state, investment and employment possibilities and the expansion taking place in the field of education and health.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that for nearly four decades, Naxalism severely impacted Bastar’s development. Providing basic amenities like roads, electricity, education, health, and communication in remote areas was a major challenge. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, coordinated efforts by the central and state governments have achieved decisive success against Naxalism. With the courage of the security forces and the growing confidence of the local people, Bastar is rapidly moving towards peace and development.
He said that areas once difficult to reach due to Naxalism are now rapidly receiving development projects. Through the “Niyad Nellanar” scheme, villages surrounding security camps are being provided with the benefits of various government welfare schemes and basic amenities. With the expansion of road and mobile connectivity, education, health, drinking water, electricity, ration, banking, and livelihood facilities have increased. The government’s goal is not only to end Naxalism, but also to lay a strong foundation for development and prosperity in Bastar, ensuring a better future for generations to come.
The Chief Minister stated that Bastar holds immense tourism potential. Its natural beauty, waterfalls, forest wealth, tribal culture, art, and traditions are unique. With the establishment of peace, new opportunities are emerging for tourism and local entrepreneurship. The government is striving to ensure Bastar’s unique characteristics are recognized nationally and internationally, and to create more employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth through tourism.
Chief Minister Shri Sai, while briefing journalists on the possibilities of industrial development in the state, said that Chhattisgarh is rich in mineral, forest, and agricultural resources and is also self-sufficient in the field of energy. The state’s new Industrial Development Policy 2024-30 gives special priority to employment generation, value addition of local resources, and industries in new and emerging sectors. Due to simplified procedures and an industry-friendly environment, the attraction of domestic and foreign investors towards Chhattisgarh has increased rapidly.
He said that the state is no longer limited to traditional industries. Investment opportunities are also rapidly developing in future sectors such as artificial intelligence, data centers, electronics manufacturing, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and renewable energy. Adequate power availability, strong infrastructure, its geographical location in the center of the country, and excellent connectivity make Chhattisgarh a favorable investment destination. The government’s special emphasis is on investments that create large-scale, quality employment opportunities for the state’s youth.
Referring to the state’s achievements in the field of education, the Chief Minister said that Raipur and Naya Raipur are developing as important education hubs in the country. With the availability of these institutions of higher and technical education, students of Chhattisgarh are getting better opportunities for quality education within their own state.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the state government is continuously working to expand health infrastructure along with education. Numerous steps have been taken to provide quality health services to remote and tribal areas, expand medical education, and strengthen modern medical facilities. The government’s priority is to ensure that the benefits of development reach the people living in the remotest corners of the state.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai honored the journalists from Chennai by presenting them with shawls made by Chhattisgarh’s renowned Kosa Fab. The group of journalists presented the Chief Minister with a replica of Tamil Nadu’s famous Mahabalipuram temple as a memento.
On this occasion, Advisor to the Chief Minister Shri R. Krishna Das, Public Relations Commissioner Shri Rajat Bansal, Press Officer to the Chief Minister Shri Alok Singh and other officials were present.