- Chief Minister holds a heartfelt interaction with 36 youths from the second batch of the Chief Minister’s Good Governance Fellowship
- Chief Minister shares experiences of his struggles, public service, and public life; gives the mantra of working with dedication and sensitivity
- Young fellows to understand the functioning of governance through training at IIM Raipur and field experience in districts
- State government empowering youth through education, skill development, modern technology, and employment opportunities
- Our goal is to create more employment opportunities for the youth by translating investment proposals into reality: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
- Fulfill any assigned responsibility with utmost dedication and honesty; make public welfare the objective of your work: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai held a heartfelt interaction today with participants of the second batch of the Chief Minister’s Good Governance Fellowship at his residence office in Raipur. Chief Minister Sai answered the youths’ questions and shared experiences from his journey—spanning his student life, struggles, and family responsibilities to his career in public service and public life. He urged the young fellows to utilize this opportunity not only to understand the functioning of the government but also to bring about positive changes in people’s lives through their knowledge, skills, and innovative ideas.
Chief Minister Sai stated that youth power is national power. The active participation of the youth is crucial in building a developed Chhattisgarh and a developed India. Youth possess the power of education, energy, talent, and fresh ideas. When this power aligns with public welfare and the betterment of society, it lays the foundation for significant transformation. He remarked that having a clear goal, working consistently hard, and discharging every responsibility with dedication and honesty brings not only success but also personal satisfaction. During the interaction, young participants asked Chief Minister Shri Sai numerous questions regarding their expectations for the fellowship, as well as topics such as good governance, education, employment, investment, modern technology, the role of youth in the state’s development, and his personal and public life journey. The Chief Minister answered all questions with ease and warmth.
- The Crucial Role of Youth in Realizing the Vision of a Developed India
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has resolved to transform India into a developed nation by 2047. In alignment with this national resolve, Chhattisgarh is also moving towards becoming a developed state. Today, India is making rapid progress across various sectors and establishing a strong global presence. The youth play a decisive role in further accelerating this journey.
He urged the young fellows to continuously hone their capabilities, come forward with innovative ideas, and propose practical solutions for public-interest issues while working alongside the administration. The ‘Chief Minister’s Good Governance Fellowship’ serves as a vital platform for youth from diverse educational backgrounds to learn, gain experience, and utilize their talents for the state’s development.
Chief Minister Shri Sai emphasized that while working in the districts, understanding local conditions and the genuine needs of the people would be paramount. He advised them to offer suggestions based on data, evidence, and field experience—in coordination with relevant departments—to enhance the effectiveness of scheme implementation and public service delivery.
- Education Has Come a Long Way; Prestigious Institutions Now Available in the State
Chief Minister Shri Sai remarked that education is the fundamental key to development. He encouraged the youth to utilize the knowledge and experience gained during their studies for the advancement of their society and the state.
Recalling his own student days, the Chief Minister shared that educational facilities in rural areas were very limited at the time. He had to travel about six kilometers from his village, Bagiya, to a school in another village to appear for his fifth-grade board examination. School buildings used to be rudimentary structures, and children had to bring mats or jute sacks from home to sit on.
The Chief Minister stated that circumstances have changed significantly today. Prestigious national-level institutions such as IIM, IIT, IIIT, AIIMS, and a Law University are now available in Chhattisgarh. Students in schools are being provided with facilities like textbooks, uniforms, and mid-day meals. Through ‘Prayas’ residential schools, talented students are gaining access to quality education and opportunities to prepare for competitive examinations. Free accommodation and meals have been arranged for youths preparing for competitive exams at the Tribal Youth Hostel in Delhi. The state government is also providing assistance for the education of children of registered workers.
- Employment-oriented skills essential alongside education
Emphasizing the importance of employment-oriented skills alongside education for the youth, Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that preparing young people to meet the demands of the changing economy and industries is a priority for the government. Skill training is being imparted through ‘Livelihood Colleges’ in the districts. Thirty ITIs across the state are being upgraded and modernized to align with industrial requirements.
The Chief Minister noted that over the past two and a half years, employment has been provided to approximately 24,000 youths through more than 700 job fairs. Two [events] organized in the capital, Raipur…More than 95 employers participated in the day-long state-level job fair, and approximately 5,000 youths secured employment opportunities.
He stated that the government aims to ensure that youths find better opportunities within the state that align with their capabilities and skills, enabling them to not only secure employment but also become entrepreneurs who create jobs for others.
- Converting investment into employment is the government’s priority
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai stated that the new industrial policy places special emphasis on employment and entrepreneurship for local youths. Special incentives are being provided to women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities to set up industries.
He noted that the state government’s objective is not merely to receive investment proposals but to transform them into actual projects and employment opportunities. The implementation of investment agreements is being continuously reviewed.
Referring to his recent visit to Singapore, the Chief Minister mentioned that Chhattisgarh’s investment potential was prominently highlighted during meetings with industry representatives. The state’s rich mineral wealth, diverse forest produce, and strong industrial potential are capable of giving new momentum to development. Investments in emerging sectors like semiconductors and textiles will create new job opportunities for the youth.
Highlighting the vision for a proposed ‘Medicity’ spanning approximately 100 acres in Naya Raipur—featuring hospital facilities with 5,000 beds—the Chief Minister stated that such projects would expand healthcare services in the state while simultaneously generating new avenues for employment and economic activity.
- AI Mission to prepare youth for future technologies
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that it is essential to equip the state’s youth with proficiency in modern technology to meet future requirements. With this objective, a provision of ₹500 crore has been made in the budget for the AI Mission. The mission aims to provide Artificial Intelligence education to six lakh students and train approximately 1,500 officials and employees.
He remarked that technology is rapidly transforming the world. The state government aims to prepare the youth of Chhattisgarh not merely as participants in this transformation, but as leaders.
- Chief Minister Shares Story of Struggle – Bearing Family Responsibilities at a Young Age
Responding to a question from a ‘Youth Fellow’ about his source of inspiration, Chief Minister Shri Sai recalled his childhood and the days of struggle. He recounted how the responsibility of the family fell upon his shoulders following the sudden demise of his father when he was around ten years old. As the eldest of four brothers, he had to look after his mother, grandmother, and younger brothers, while also managing the farming operations.
The Chief Minister mentioned that he personally performed various agricultural tasks, including ploughing the fields with bullocks. These circumstances taught him the value of hard work and responsibility, and how to face adversity at a young age.
The Chief Minister stated that he had never even imagined he would become a village Sarpanch. After being elected unopposed as Sarpanch, he went on to serve the public as an MLA, an MP, and a Union Minister of State. He endeavored to fulfill every responsibility entrusted to him with utmost dedication and honesty.
Remembering the late Shri Dilip Singh Judeo, the Chief Minister described his patience, affability, and warm, personal demeanor as sources of inspiration. He remarked that remaining among the people, sharing in their joys and sorrows, and always being available to resolve their issues have formed the foundation of his public life.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai advised everyone to discharge any assigned responsibility with complete dedication and honesty, keeping public welfare at the core of their work. He noted that this not only brings respect and personal satisfaction but also benefits the state, the country, and society at large.
- 36 Youth Fellows to Understand Governance and Grassroots Implementation of Schemes
On this occasion, Shri Rahul Bhagat, Secretary of the Department of Good Governance and Convergence and Secretary to the Chief Minister, presented the outline of the Chief Minister’s Good Governance Fellowship. He stated that the 36 youths selected for the second batch come from diverse academic backgrounds, including engineering, science, management, mathematics, commerce, and economics. Some of these participants are also running their own startups.
The two-year fellowship program comprises a total of five months of study and training, followed by 19 months of field experience. After an initial three-month training period at IIM Raipur, the participants will work with the district administration to gain an understanding of scheme implementation, administrative processes, and the actual functioning of public services.
Shri Rahul Bhagat also encouraged the participants to read the state’s vision document, ‘Anjor Chhattisgarh 2047’, and to pen down their thoughts regarding the Chhattisgarh of their dreams.
- Young Fellows Share Their Queries with the Chief Minister
During the interaction, the young fellows shared their queries with the Chief Minister and apprised him of their educational backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations to contribute to the state’s development.
Ms. Neelima Bhardwaj from Raipur asked the Chief Minister about his expectations from the fellowship participants. Speaking on behalf of all the fellows, participant Khushi expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that working in the districts would provide a valuable chance to understand administration and the grassroots implementation of schemes. Anshul, a participant from Jashpur, spoke about his education and…