- The life of the late Shri Larang Sai was dedicated to public service, the upliftment of the tribal community, and the development of the Surguja region, stated Chief Minister Shri Sai.
- Balrampur district received a gift of development projects worth ₹202.65 crore, including the foundation stone laying for 1,863 projects and the inauguration of 146 completed projects.
- A new building for the Boys’ Higher Secondary School will be constructed in Shankargarh, and a large community hall will be built in Chando.
- A grand memorial gateway will be constructed near the statue site to preserve the memory of the late Shri Larang Sai.
- Ensuring balanced development across all regions of the state, including the Surguja region, is the commitment of our government, affirmed Chief Minister Shri Sai.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai virtually unveiled the statue of the late Union Minister, Shri Larang Sai, during an event held in the village of Chirai-Jaswantpur in Balrampur district, joining from his residence-office in the capital, Raipur. Paying respectful tribute, the Chief Minister recalled Shri Larang Sai’s invaluable contributions to public service, the upliftment of the tribal community, and the development of the Surguja region. On this occasion, the Chief Minister gifted development projects worth ₹202.65 crore to Balrampur district. This includes the foundation stone laying for 1,863 projects (valued at ₹156.68 crore) and the inauguration of 146 completed projects (valued at ₹45.97 crore).
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Shri Sai remarked that the late Shri Larang Sai was a leader deeply committed to public service, having dedicated his entire life to the welfare of the poor, the marginalized, the tribal community, and the development of the region. Serving as an MLA, Member of Parliament, and Minister in the then-undivided Madhya Pradesh, he fulfilled significant responsibilities while always prioritizing the interests of the public. His contribution to the rights, dignity, and development of tribal society is unforgettable. His statue will continue to inspire future generations to follow the path of social service, dedication, and public welfare.
Recalling his close personal bond with the late Larang Sai, Chief Minister Mr. Sai shared that ever since he first became an MLA, he had the opportunity to be in close contact with ‘Kaka’ Larang Sai and learn from his vast experience. He mentioned that during his time in Delhi as a Member of Parliament, Kaka Sai would frequently visit his residence and often stay there. He had assured Kaka Sai that a room would always be reserved for him at his residence whenever he visited Delhi.
The Chief Minister noted that the late Larang Sai also shared a very deep and personal bond with the former Prime Minister, the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who held him in high regard. Kaka Sai was known for his natural, unassuming demeanor, simple lifestyle, and unwavering dedication to the public. His ideals in public life will always serve as an inspiration for us all.
- Chief Minister makes three significant announcements for the region’s development
Taking into account the needs of the local residents, Chief Minister Mr. Sai made three key announcements. He announced the construction of a new school building to replace the dilapidated structure of the Boys’ Higher Secondary School in Shankargarh. Additionally, a large community hall will be built in Chando to host social, cultural, and public events.
To ensure that the memory of the late Larang Sai endures, the Chief Minister also announced the construction of a grand memorial gateway near the site of his statue. He stated that this gateway would stand as a symbol of his dedication to public service and his significant contribution to the development of the region.
- Development initiatives in Balrampur district to gain new momentum
Chief Minister Mr. Sai remarked that the launch of a large number of development projects simultaneously in Balrampur district marks a significant step toward the region’s progress. The groundbreaking ceremonies for new projects will accelerate construction activities, while the completion of existing projects will provide better amenities to the general public. The expansion of roads, infrastructure, and other basic facilities will create new development opportunities in rural areas.
The Chief Minister stated that his government is working with full commitment toward the balanced and holistic development of all regions in the state, including Surguja and Bastar. It is our resolve that the benefits of development reach the remotest village and the last person, and that every citizen has equal opportunities to progress.
- Continuous efforts for the welfare of the poor and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
Chief Minister Shri Sai noted that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the dream of providing permanent housing to poor families is being realized rapidly. Approximately 1,600 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana are being constructed in the state every day. He mentioned that the Central Government has also approved an additional 15,000 houses—requested for the rehabilitation of Naxalites who have surrendered in the Bastar region—under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for this support.
The Chief Minister emphasized that bringing positive change to the lives of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) is a key priority for his government. The state is home to approximately 320,000 individuals belonging to communities such as the Pahadi Korwa, Birhor, Kamar, Baiga, and Abujhmaria. Under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Janman’ scheme, about 32,000 houses have been sanctioned for these communities. Furthermore, continuous efforts are being made to provide them with electricity, drinking water, ration cards, and other essential amenities.
- Paddy procurement will commence on November 15; for the convenience of farmers…360 New Procurement Centers to Open
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the state government is committed to ensuring the prosperity of farmers and securing a fair price for their hard work. Paddy procurement in the state will commence on November 15. This year, too, the government will procure up to 21 quintals of paddy per acre from farmers at a rate of ₹3,100 per quintal.
He mentioned that 360 new paddy procurement centers are being opened across the state for the convenience of farmers. This will reduce the need for farmers to travel long distances to sell their produce and will help alleviate unnecessary crowding and long queues at the procurement centers. The Chief Minister emphasized that his government’s objective is to ensure that no farmer faces any difficulty in selling their paddy.
- Government Committed to Increasing Income for Families in Forest Regions
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the state government is making continuous efforts to strengthen the livelihoods of families residing in forest regions. In the Bastar and Surguja divisions, approximately 1.3 million (13 lakh) families are engaged in the collection of tendu leaves. To increase the income of these families, the remuneration rate for tendu leaf collection has been raised from ₹4,000 to ₹5,500 per standard bag. Additionally, the ‘Charan Paduka’ (footwear distribution) scheme for tendu leaf collectors has been reinstated.
He further noted that more than 550,000 (5.5 lakh) landless agricultural laborer families in the state are being provided with an annual financial assistance of ₹10,000. The government’s goal is to ensure that the poor, farmers, laborers, and families living in forest regions become economically empowered and integrated into the mainstream of development.
- Good Governance to Make Life Easier for Ordinary Citizens
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that the state government is working continuously to make the administrative system transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric. An ‘e-Office’ system has been implemented within the state secretariat, and government services are being made more accessible through digital platforms. He stated that citizens can register their problems and complaints through the Chief Minister’s Helpline. Our endeavor is to ensure the timely resolution of every complaint, sparing citizens the need to make repeated visits to government offices for minor tasks. Good governance truly finds its purpose when ordinary citizens can access government services easily and in a timely manner.
Chief Minister Shri Sai expressed his gratitude to the local residents who attended the event in large numbers, despite the rain. He also expressed his regret for being unable to attend the event in person due to the adverse weather conditions.
We will accelerate the region’s development to realize the dreams of the late Larang Sai: Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam
Agriculture Minister Shri Ramvichar Netam stated that the late Larang Sai dedicated his entire life to public service and the development of the region. His contribution was not limited to the Samri area alone; he played a significant role in the development of the entire Surguja region. The installation of his statue is a commendable initiative—not only a gesture of respect toward him but also a way to introduce future generations to his ideals.
Shri Netam noted that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, development initiatives in the Surguja region are gaining new momentum. With the allocation of over ₹202 crore for development projects in Balrampur district, there will be an expansion of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, culverts, ponds, and other essential amenities. He added that further development projects will be prioritized based on the region’s specific needs and the requests made by public representatives. It is our collective responsibility to fulfill the vision that the late Larang Sai had for the development of this region.
- The life and achievements of the late Larang Sai will always remain a source of inspiration: Minister Smt. Lakshmi Rajwade
Minister for Women and Child Development—who also serves as the Minister in-charge of the district—Smt. Lakshmi Rajwade, remarked that the late Larang Sai was a prominent leader of the tribal community and a person deeply committed to public service. He made significant contributions to public life through his association with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. His leadership abilities, approachable personality, and deep connection with the common people were his defining characteristics.
Smt. Rajwade stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, the state government is working continuously for the welfare of women, farmers, the poor, and tribal communities. Through the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’, mothers and sisters across the state are receiving financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month, which is boosting their self-confidence and economic self-reliance.
She noted that the decision to approve 1.8 million (18 lakh) houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana during the very first cabinet meeting after the government was formed serves as a testament to the administration’s commitment to the welfare of the poor. She expressed confidence that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Sai, development initiatives and public welfare efforts—including those in Balrampur district and the entire Surguja region—will gain further momentum.
Present on the occasion were MLA Smt. Uddheshwari Paikra, District Cooperative Central Bank President Shri Ramkishun Singh, Shri Babruvahan Maharaj, Shri Om Prakash Jaiswal, and other public representatives, along with a large number of local residents.