Choupal of Good Governance Under the Shade of a Mahua Tree: CM’s Surprise Visit to Chuktipani, Warmly Welcomed by the Baiga Community
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Raipur, 19 May
As part of Sushasan Tihar (Good Governance Festival), Chief Minister Mr. Vishnu Deo Sai made an unannounced visit today to Chuktipani, a Baiga-majority village in the Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district, arriving by helicopter without prior notice. Villagers were initially surprised to see the CM suddenly among them — but within moments, the surprise turned into a heartfelt welcome.
The locals greeted the Chief Minister with garlands made of gulmohar flowers, baskets of tendu fruits, and handcrafted bouquets of local flowers and leaves, reflecting their warmth and cultural identity.
At a choupal (community gathering) held under a mahua tree in the village middle school courtyard, CM Sai addressed the villagers, saying:
“I have come to your doorstep to see for myself how the government is functioning. Please don’t hesitate to share any problems you’re facing.”
During the choupal, the Chief Minister noticed an overflowing water tank, which prompted him to express strong displeasure at the water wastage. Upon hearing related complaints from the villagers, he reprimanded the PHE (Public Health Engineering) Sub-Engineer, saying:
“Either do your job properly, or be prepared to get suspended.”
In the public interaction, women shared how they were using the funds received under the Mahtari Vandana Yojana to form self-help groups, engage in organic farming, and sell vegetables in local markets to generate income. They also presented the CM with red leafy greens grown using vermicompost as a token of their progress.
In response to community demands, CM Sai announced the renovation of the middle school building and declared that the school ground would be developed into a mini stadium. Notably, 179 houses have already been sanctioned under the PM Awas Yojana for the village to ensure every needy family has a roof over their head.
This unexpected visit to Chuktipani was more than just a public interaction — it sent a clear message that the government is not confined to files and offices but is actively reaching the grassroots, testing the soil of real governance.
Present during the visit were Chief Secretary Mr. Amitabh Jain, Principal Secretary to the CM Mr. Subodh Singh, Secretary to the CM Mr. P. Dayanand, other officials, and a large number of villagers.