CM Vishnu Deo Sai Sets Firm Tone at 9-Hour Collector Conference: “No Laxity Will Be Tolerated in Public Welfare Work”

Raipur, October 12

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday chaired a 9-hour marathon Collectors’ Conference 2025 at Mahanadi Bhawan, setting a clear tone for transparency, discipline, and public accountability. The meeting, which began ahead of schedule, underscored the CM’s insistence on punctuality and results-oriented governance. Chief Secretary Vikas Sheel, Departmental Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, and District Collectors attended the session.

CM Shri Sai made it clear from the outset that good governance means timely, transparent delivery of benefits to citizens — warning that any form of negligence would not be accepted. “This conference isn’t just for review; it’s a platform to define new standards of public service,” he told officers, adding that results must be visible on the ground, not merely in reports.

*Paddy Procurement: Zero Tolerance for Irregularities*

The CM announced that paddy procurement will begin on November 15, directing that all preparations be completed well in time. “If any irregularity is found, the collector concerned will be held directly responsible,” Sai warned. Each procurement centre, he said, must be closely monitored through Integrated Command and Control Centres, particularly in border districts, to prevent illegal paddy inflow from other states.

He instructed special monitoring of particularly vulnerable tribal farmers, ensuring 100% registration through camps in PVTG areas. On the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, Sai said no eligible farmer should be left out and asked Commissioners of Bastar and Surguja divisions to hold continuous reviews.

Reviewing the Energy Department, he directed that the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana reach the maximum number of beneficiaries. Banks must facilitate easy financing in rural areas to ensure no household is left out, he said.

*Health, Malaria-Free Bastar and Public Health Monitoring*

Health services remain a top priority, the CM stressed. All hospitals must ensure 100% institutional deliveries, and field verification of vaccination data must be conducted. He ordered maternal death audits in every case to devise prevention strategies and sought effective operation of NRC centres and wellness centres for non-communicable disease awareness.

He placed special emphasis on malaria elimination in Bastar, directing identification of hotspots and focused campaigns to achieve a “Malaria-Free Chhattisgarh”. Under the PM Vaya Vandana Yojana, Sai instructed priority registration and card distribution for all eligible senior citizens.

*Education: Zero Dropouts, 100% Enrolment, and Classroom Accountability*

Sai gave strict directives to reduce dropouts to zero and achieve 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio, aligning with the National Education Policy. “Teaching material should not stay locked in cupboards—it must be seen in classrooms,” he said. Collectors were told to ensure proper classroom use and regular monitoring of learning resources.

He praised Bijapur district’s initiative of introducing Gondi-language teaching to boost attendance and reduce dropouts, urging other districts to adopt similar innovations. All students must be registered under Aadhaar-based APAR IDs by December 31, forming the foundation for uniform distribution of uniforms, books, and scholarships.

Sai announced a “Chief Minister’s Education Quality Campaign”, featuring social audits and grading of schools. Districts performing well will serve as models for others. Teachers with exemplary performance will be rewarded, and biometric attendance of staff will be strictly enforced. School Management Committees will be reactivated, and officials must engage with parents of absent students to ensure full attendance.

*Tribal Development: “Dharti Aaba Abhiyan” and Aadi Karmyogi Drive*

The CM said the Dharti Aaba Abhiyan represents holistic tribal development. He directed all 17 departments to coordinate for 100% target achievement in tribal areas covering hostels, drinking water, livelihoods, dairy, fisheries, and tourism.

He congratulated officials for Chhattisgarh’s first rank in the Aadi Karmyogi Abhiyan, which has reached 6,650 villages across 128 blocks. “This campaign is strengthening self-reliance and accountable governance among tribal communities,” Sai said.

*PM Janman Yojana and Urban Governance*

Reviewing the PM Janman Yojana, the CM ordered completion of all works by March 2026. He told collectors to expedite development in PVTG villages and instructed 11 departments to finish approved projects without compromising quality. The scheme has already benefited over two lakh residents across 2,300 habitations, with Manendragarh and Dhamtari recognized for outstanding progress.

He directed the Urban Administration Department to ensure regular water supply in all municipalities and completion of remaining PM Awas Yojana (Urban) 1.0 houses by December 31, 2025. Completed houses must be handed over to beneficiaries within two months, and construction agencies must be held accountable for delays.
Under the “Mor Gaon Mor Pani Abhiyan”, rainwater harvesting plants have been installed in 1.5 lakh homes.

CM Sai expressed displeasure over payment delays under Swachh Bharat Mission, saying such lapses slow down the campaign. He directed that all future payments be made strictly on time, warning of accountability for delays.

Collectors were told to inspect city wards before 7 a.m., monitor civic amenities, and improve cleanliness and waste management. Field visits are mandatory, he cautioned.

*Skill Development and Youth Employment*

The CM reviewed the Technical Education and Skill Development Department, directing the launch of a state-level job fair for youth and ensuring all PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana training batches are conducted as per the annual plan.

Collectors were told to review skill development activities, identify land for Livelihood Colleges, and prepare Skill Gap Analyses to match local industry needs. Training must lead to employment and self-reliance, not just certificates, Sai said. Quarterly loan fairs and industry-linked counselling will connect trained youth to real jobs.

*E-Governance and Citizen Service Delivery*

CM Sai emphasized digital governance and timely citizen services. “Every newborn must receive essential certificates without delay,” he directed, asking officials to ensure time-bound disposal under the Lok Seva Guarantee Act. Currently, 86 services operate online through the e-District project.

Collectors were instructed to regularly review pending applications and coordinate with departments to bring more services online. “Transparent, swift, and citizen-friendly digital delivery is the future of governance,” Sai said.

*Zero Tolerance on Corruption and Accountability*

Issuing a stern warning, the CM said the government follows a Zero Tolerance Policy against irregularities in paddy procurement, sand mining, or administrative lapses. “Any officer or employee found guilty will face strictest action,” he said.

He also directed timely payments to all working agencies, stressing that payment delays slow down development work. To ensure accountability, all officers must conduct surprise inspections of subordinate offices and take immediate corrective steps wherever negligence is found.

Sai instructed that biometric attendance systems be operationalized not only at the state level but also in all district offices.

He concluded by urging collectors to improve their district rankings, saying these should reflect real outcomes, not just data. “Respect public representatives, listen to them sincerely, and act promptly on their suggestions,” he said.

“Administrative responsibility is not limited to execution—it includes sensitivity, dialogue, and accountability. Only a sensitive administration can earn people’s trust, and that is the true hallmark of good governance,” Sai affirmed.