Ensure Online Witness Testimony System in Courts – CM Sai

Raipur, May 15

During a joint review meeting held at the Bijapur district headquarters, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai gave important instructions for making the judicial system more people-friendly, stating that “An online witness testimony system should be ensured in courts to provide timely and accessible justice to villagers living in remote areas.” He said that the use of digital technology can make the judicial process smooth and fast, which will bring relief to common people. The Chief Minister clarified that this system would be particularly beneficial for tribal areas where people face difficulties in reaching courts due to transportation issues. The meeting was attended by the District In-charge Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, MLA Shri Chait Ram Attami, Former Minister Shri Mahesh Gagda, Chief Secretary Shri Amitabh Jain, DGP Shri Arun Dev Gautam, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Subodh Singh, Commissioner Public Relations Dr. Shri Ravi Mittal, Divisional Commissioner Shri Doman Singh, Collectors of both districts, Superintendents of Police, and senior officials.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that “Good Governance Festival” is not just a formal program, but a reflection of the government’s transparency and accountability. He informed that the Good Governance Festival 2025 is being conducted in three phases, and he himself is visiting districts in the third phase. He said that in the last one and a half years, we have prioritized the implementation of Modi’s guarantees, which has further strengthened public trust in the government.
The Chief Minister said that in the last one and a half years, effective action has been taken against Naxalism in the Bastar division. Reiterating the resolve to completely eradicate Naxalism by March 2026, he said that full arrangements should be made for housing, rehabilitation, skill training, and employment for surrendered Maoists. He instructed to organize placement camps with the participation of NMDC and the private sector so that these youth can return to the mainstream with confidence.
The Chief Minister said that employment opportunities should be developed in tribal areas according to local resources. He informed about the Atal Seva Kendras launched in 1460 panchayats, stating that now villagers will get banking services in their own villages.
The Chief Minister said that the tribal-majority Bastar region is rich in mineral and forest produce resources. Positive efforts are being made to increase the income of its residents and bring them into the mainstream of development. By ensuring the overall development of Bastar, not only Bastar but the entire Chhattisgarh and the country will be freed from Maoism by March 2026. He stated that forest produce collection, processing, and farming are essential for the prosperity of the tribal community, and instructed for better efforts to promote farming, develop irrigation facilities, and engage in allied activities like fish farming, animal husbandry, goat farming, pig farming, and milk production. He also emphasized focusing on the development of tourism facilities in Bastar to promote employment.
The Chief Minister also called for ensuring the maximum availability of services to the general public through Atal Digital Service Centers in the Gram Panchayats of Bastar. He instructed to continue working with team spirit in public service, advancing road, bridge-culvert, and other development works under the Niyad Nellanar scheme. He also instructed for the effective implementation of all government schemes and to ensure saturation for every eligible person in individual-centric schemes.
The Collector of Bijapur informed that the quality of education is being improved through summer camps and the Bal Shiksha Mitra program. The Chief Minister appreciated the officials for the significant improvement in examination results in Dantewada district (10% increase in high school and 4% increase in higher secondary).
The Chief Minister provided information about the concessions given for setting up rice mills under the new industrial policy and instructed to connect local youth with it. He also spoke about encouraging maize cultivation in high lands to increase farmers’ income.
Chief Minister Shri Sai gave information about the Chief Minister Rural Bus Service Scheme and said that the interior villages of Bastar and Surguja divisions would be connected to the main road. He directed the Collectors of Bijapur and Dantewada to identify routes and send proposals.
The Chief Minister urged officials to work with a team spirit and give top priority to public interest. DGP Shri Arun Dev Gautam also emphasized a coordinated working style in the meeting.