Our Government is Committed to Peace and Development in Bastar-CM Sai
Raipur, 01 June
Chhattisgarh has preserved beautiful memories associated with Buddhism as part of its priceless heritage. We are fortunate that the message and consciousness of Lord Buddha spread widely across contemporary Chhattisgarh, with Bastar standing as living testimony to it. Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai made these remarks while addressing the Buddha Mahotsav and the inauguration/foundation stone-laying ceremony held on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti at Bhongapal in Kondagaon district.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development works worth over ₹94.18 crore in Kondagaon, gifting a major developmental boost to the district. The ceremony began with the CM and dignitaries offering garlands to an image of Lord Buddha.
Shri Sai stated that Bhongapal holds immense religious, cultural, and historical significance, as evident from the massive crowd gathered today. He emphasized that his government is working earnestly to establish peace and promote development in Bastar. “In the last one and a half years, the development we’ve achieved is visible to all, and the benefits are reaching the people,” he said. He added that his government is committed to fulfilling all guarantees made by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
During the program, the Chief Minister made several key announcements:
Construction of high-level bridges over the Palena and Paroda rivers,
₹25 lakh allocation for organizing the Buddha Mahotsav in Bhongapal,
₹1 crore grant for the cultural and tourism development of Bhongapal,
Support for cultural troupes with provisions for costumes, drums, and related activities.
Shri Sai further highlighted the government’s housing initiatives. In the very first cabinet meeting, the state government approved 18 lakh houses for the poor and needy families, and this initiative is continuing uninterrupted. Additionally, 15,000 houses have been sanctioned for surrendered and affected Naxal families. The government is also consistently providing housing to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
He mentioned that over 70 lakh women across the state are regularly receiving benefits under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. During his statewide Su-Shasan Tihar tour, many women shared how the scheme transformed their lives. In Narayanpur, an Abujhmadia woman told him that she bought a sewing machine with the scheme’s funds and now earns a decent income. This, he said, is proof that their initiatives are working.
The CM also talked about the newly launched Atal Digital Seva Kendras in village panchayats, which are providing banking services in rural areas. He stated that within the next year, every panchayat in the state will have this facility.
He noted Bastar’s natural beauty is renowned nationally and internationally, leading to a rise in tourism. “Our brave security forces are fighting resolutely against Naxalites to restore peace in Bastar. Our double-engine government is determined to eradicate Naxalism and fulfill its commitment to peace in the region,” he asserted.
He also discussed the Niyad Nellanar Yojana, which is delivering basic infrastructure to remote areas of Bastar, and said the government is promoting everything from agriculture to tourism. Tourism has been granted industry status to boost this effort. Additionally, the government is actively recruiting for youth employment, with the approval of 5,000 teacher recruitments expected soon.
At the event, CM Shri Sai handed over caste certificates to surrendered Naxalites and affected families, distributed house keys to PM Awas Yojana beneficiaries, and visited departmental stalls. Beneficiaries from the agriculture, social welfare, fisheries, labor, and women & child development departments were provided with tools and equipment under various schemes.
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Dr. Raman Singh also addressed the gathering, stating that Bastar is undergoing a transformative phase and that peace is being established. He highlighted the historical significance of the 6th-century Buddha statue and Buddha Vihar in Bhongapal, emphasizing Lord Buddha’s influence in Bastar. Dr. Singh praised the leadership of CM Vishnu Deo Sai and noted the positive changes being brought by state welfare schemes. He congratulated the organizers for successfully conducting the event.
The program was attended by Industries Minister Shri Lakhanlal Dewangan, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, MP Shri Mahesh Kashyap, MLAs Ms. Lata Usendi and Shri Neelkanth Tekam, Buddhist spiritual leader Bhante Arya Nagarjuna Surai Sasai, Buddha Mahotsav coordinator Shri Anil Khobragade, and a large gathering of Buddhist community members and dignitaries.