- Nuakhai is a festival celebrating our agricultural culture, the hard work of those who feed us (farmers), and our gratitude toward nature: Chief Minister
- Our government is committed to ensuring that the benefits of development schemes, coupled with good governance, reach the last person in society: Chief Minister Shri Sai
- The Kelo project will bring water to the fields of local farmers; the expansion of irrigation facilities will provide a new boost to agriculture
- At the ‘Nuakhai Bhetghat’ (gathering) and talent recognition ceremony of the Kolta community, the Chief Minister announced the construction of community halls worth Rs 80 lakh
- Community halls will be built at Chandi Dongri in village Kotarlia (at a cost of Rs 30 lakh) and in the Nagar Panchayat of Pusaur (at a cost of Rs 50 lakh)
- The Chief Minister honored talented students, urging the youth to move forward through education and talent, and to bring laurels to the state and society
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai stated that the well-being and prosperity of farmers are the state government’s highest priority. Our farmers—the providers of our food—are at the heart of Chhattisgarh’s economy and culture. The state government is working continuously to increase farmers’ income, expand irrigation facilities, and make agriculture more profitable. Our endeavor is to ensure, through good governance and public service, that the benefits of development schemes reach the last person in society, and that every family in Chhattisgarh becomes a participant in the state’s journey of development. Chief Minister Shri Sai was addressing the ‘Nuakhai Bhetghat’ and talent recognition ceremony of the Kolta community, held today at the Shaheed Colonel Viplav Tripathi Stadium in Raigarh. Members of the community extended a warm welcome to the Chief Minister by adorning him with a traditional ‘Gajmala’ (garland). The Chief Minister also performed rituals to worship ‘Maa Raneshwari Ramchandi’ and prayed for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of all the people of the state. On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai announced the allocation of Rs 30 lakh for the construction of a well-equipped community hall at Chandi Dongri in Kotarlia village, and Rs 50 lakh for the construction of a ‘Mangal Bhavan’ (community hall) for the Kolta community in the Pusaur Nagar Panchayat. He also announced the construction of a boundary wall.
- Nuakhai: A Festival Celebrating the Hard Work of Farmers and the Joy of a New Harvest
Extending his wishes for the festival of Nuakhai to the Kolta community and all the people of the state, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai stated that Nuakhai is an important festival rooted in our rich agricultural culture. It is a celebration dedicated to welcoming the new harvest, honoring the hard work of farmers, and expressing gratitude toward nature. Such festivals not only keep our traditions alive but also connect the new generation to their culture and roots.
He noted that Chhattisgarh is an agrarian state, and his government is committed to strengthening the economic condition of farmers. The government is working consistently with the vision of ensuring that farmers receive fair returns for their labor, reducing the costs of cultivation, expanding irrigation facilities, and bringing prosperity to families through agriculture.
The Chief Minister mentioned that the Kelo Project has been initiated to bring irrigation water to the fields of farmers in the Raigarh region. This project will prove to be a boon for the local farming community. The expansion of irrigation facilities will boost agricultural productivity and strengthen the economic status of the farmers.
He further stated that new projects worth over Rs 10,000 crore have been launched to accelerate development across the state. The government’s objective is to ensure that the benefits of infrastructure development directly reach ordinary citizens, farmers, the youth, and the local economy.
- Realizing the Dream of a Permanent Home for Every Needy Family
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai stated that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the dream of poor and needy families to own a permanent, concrete house is being rapidly realized. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, approximately 1,600 houses are being constructed daily in Chhattisgarh. He stated that a permanent house is not merely four walls and a roof; for a poor family, it represents dignity, security, and the foundation for a better future. It is the endeavor of our government to ensure that no eligible, needy family remains deprived of a permanent home.
- Good Governance, Transparency, and Public Service as the Government’s Work Culture
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the state government has made good governance, transparency, and public service the cornerstone of its work culture. Technology and modern systems are being utilized to ensure that ordinary citizens do not have to struggle to find solutions to their problems and that they have easy access to the administration.
He mentioned that initiatives such as the Department of Good Governance and Convergence, the Chief Minister’s Helpline, ‘Seva Setu’, and ‘Atal Digital Seva Kendras’ have been launched to ensure the prompt and time-bound resolution of the problems and grievances of ordinary citizens. The Chief Minister’s Helpline, in particular, ensures the timely resolution of citizens’ complaints.
The Chief Minister noted that, in line with the guarantees given by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the state government has fulfilled most of its promises within the first two and a half years of its tenure. Government schemes are truly meaningful only when their benefits reach those in need in a timely manner; therefore, the government’s priority is to ensure that schemes and services reach the last person in line.
- Historic Success Against Naxalism; Now, a New Journey Toward Development
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai stated that the state has achieved historic success in its efforts to eradicate Naxalism. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and with the firm resolve of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, we…Through the courage of our brave security forces and the cooperation of the local population, a new atmosphere of peace and trust has been established in Bastar.
He stated that those associated with Naxalism are being given an opportunity to abandon the path of violence and return to the mainstream of society. 15,000 housing units have been sanctioned for the rehabilitation of surrendered Naxalites. Our objective is to establish peace, rehabilitate affected families, and provide them with the opportunity to lead a life of dignity.
Chief Minister Shri Sai remarked that Chhattisgarh, having moved beyond the challenge of Naxalism, is now forging a new identity defined by development, trust, and prosperity. The government remains committed to integrating every region of the state—including Bastar—into the mainstream of development.
During the event, Chief Minister Shri Sai honored talented students from the community and extended his best wishes for their bright futures. He emphasized that education is the most powerful instrument for the progress of an individual, a family, and society at large. Today’s youth, through their hard work, talent, and modern education, can achieve success in any field.
Urging the students to dream big and work diligently to realize those dreams, he encouraged the youth to bring honor to their families, their society, and the state of Chhattisgarh—both nationally and globally—through their talents.
The Chief Minister noted that the tradition of honoring talented students is highly commendable. It inspires children and youth to excel and fosters a positive environment for education within society.
- The culture and values of the Kolta community are exemplary: Finance Minister Shri O.P. Choudhary
Extending his greetings on the occasion of the Nuakhai festival, Finance Minister and Raigarh MLA Shri O.P. Choudhary stated that the people of the Kolta community—across regions from Pusaur and Sariya to Tamnar, Lailunga, and Dharamjaigarh—are distinguished by their honesty, decency, hard work, and strong values. The community’s glorious culture and traditions serve as an inspiration to all.
He further emphasized the need for collective efforts to empower the younger generation of the community in the realms of education, employment, entrepreneurship, and competitive examinations. Young people should set ambitious goals and work hard to achieve them.
Finance Minister Mr. Choudhary expressed his gratitude to Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai for the development initiatives underway in the Raigarh region. He noted that facilities such as the lift irrigation project in Sakra, registry offices in Pusaur and Sariya, a 100-bed hospital, a nursing college, and the ‘Nalanda Parisar’ (Nalanda Complex) are providing a new direction for the region’s development. The Finance Minister also announced the construction of a community hall in Belariya, to be funded with Rs. 25 lakh from the MLA’s discretionary fund.
- Advancing Society through Education and Values
Lok Sabha MP Mr. Radheshyam Rathia extended his best wishes for the Nuakhai festival, stating that the Kolta community has always been dedicated to social upliftment and communal unity. He urged the community to move forward on the path of development while preserving its cultural traditions and heritage.
Rajya Sabha MP Mr. Devendra Pratap Singh emphasized that education plays the most critical role in the progress of any society. He encouraged parents to provide their children with both quality education and strong moral values. He also inspired the youth to cultivate respect for their parents and elders, and to ensure that the vulnerable and needy members of society are supported as the community progresses.
During the event, talented students from the community were honored. Chief Minister Mr. Sai, along with community leaders, public representatives, and other members of the community, partook in a traditional Nuakhai meal. The event served to promote the preservation of cultural heritage, the encouragement of education, social cohesion, and the development of the region.
Present on the occasion were Mayor Mr. Jivardhan Chauhan, Zila Panchayat Vice-President Mr. Deepak Sidar, Mr. Arundhar Diwan, Mr. Gurupal Bhalla, Mr. Subhash Pandey, Mr. Shrikant Somawar, Mr. Satyanand Rathia, and Mr. Vikas Kedia, alongside various community office-bearers, local public representatives, distinguished citizens, and a large number of people from the Kolta community.