PM Modi Inaugurates and Lays Foundation for Development Projects Worth Over Rs 33,700 Crore in Chhattisgarh
Raipur, March 30
In line with its commitment to infrastructure development and enhancing sustainable livelihoods, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today laid the foundation, started work, and inaugurated several development projects worth over Rs 33,700 crore in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. On the first day of the New Year and Navratri, he emphasized the importance of Chhattisgarh, known as the land of Mata Mahamaya and the maternal home of Mata Kaushalya. He highlighted the special significance of these nine days dedicated to female divinity for the state. Expressing his fortune to be in Chhattisgarh on the first day of Navratri, he congratulated everyone on the release of the postage stamp honoring the revered devotee Mata Karma. He also mentioned that the Navratri festival would conclude with Ram Navami, which particularly highlights the exceptional devotion of the Ramnami society in Chhattisgarh, who have dedicated their entire existence to the name of Lord Ram. He conveyed his warm wishes to the people of Chhattisgarh, referring to them as Lord Ram’s motherly family.
On this auspicious occasion, with the blessings of the Mohbhatt Self-Manifest Shivling Mahadev, Shri Modi emphasized the opportunity to accelerate development in Chhattisgarh. He mentioned the inauguration and foundation-laying of projects worth over Rs 33,700 crore, including housing for the poor, schools, roads, railways, electricity, and gas pipelines. He stressed that the aim of these projects is to improve facilities for the citizens of Chhattisgarh and create new employment opportunities. He congratulated everyone for the progress made through these developmental initiatives.
The Prime Minister emphasized the cultural importance of providing shelter, calling it a great blessing. He said that the happiness of realizing one’s dream of owning a home is unparalleled. On the auspicious occasion of Navratri and the New Year, he highlighted that three lakh poor families in Chhattisgarh are entering their new homes. He extended his heartfelt wishes to these families for their new beginning. He credited the construction of these homes to the trust shown in his leadership. He mentioned that the dream of permanent homes for millions of families in Chhattisgarh was once lost in the bureaucratic files. He recalled the government’s commitment to realizing this dream. He said that under the leadership of Shri Vishnu Dev, the first cabinet decision was the construction of 18 lakh houses, of which three lakh have already been completed. He expressed his happiness that many of these homes are in tribal areas, benefiting families in Bastar and Surguja. He recognized the transformative impact of these homes for families who had endured hardships in temporary shelters for generations. He called this a significant gift for such people.
Shri Modi said, “The government helped in the construction of these homes, but the beneficiaries themselves decided how their dream homes would be built.” He emphasized that these homes are not just walls, but a transformation in life. He highlighted the efforts to equip these homes with essential amenities like toilets, electricity, Ujjwala gas connections, and piped water. He noted the significant presence of women at the event, saying that most of these homes are owned by women. He acknowledged the achievement of thousands of women who have registered property in their names for the first time. He expressed gratitude for the happiness and blessings visible on these women’s faces, calling it his greatest asset.
The Prime Minister stressed the widespread impact of constructing millions of homes. Not only has this created employment opportunities for local artisans, masons, and laborers in villages, but the materials used for these homes are sourced locally, benefiting small shopkeepers and transport operators. He said these housing projects have created significant employment opportunities in Chhattisgarh, contributing to the livelihoods of many people.
Shri Modi reiterated that his government is fulfilling every promise made to the people of Chhattisgarh. He highlighted the large number of beneficiaries of various schemes and the swift implementation of government guarantees. He pointed out that promises made to women in Chhattisgarh have been fulfilled, including the distribution of two years’ pending bonuses to rice farmers and the purchase of paddy at higher MSP rates. These measures have provided thousands of crores of rupees to millions of farming families. The Prime Minister criticized the previous government for recruitment exam scams and emphasized his government’s transparent investigation and fair conduct of exams. He pointed out that these honest efforts have strengthened trust with growing public support, which is evident from their victories in the Assembly, Lok Sabha, and now Municipal Corporation elections in Chhattisgarh. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support the people have shown for his government’s initiatives.
Shri Modi mentioned that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Chhattisgarh. Coincidentally, it is also the centenary year of Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth. He noted that the Chhattisgarh government is celebrating 2025 as the “Atal Nirman Year” and reiterated the commitment, “We made it, and we will develop it.” He emphasized that the infrastructure projects inaugurated and launched today are a part of this resolve.
He further stated that Chhattisgarh had to be made a separate state because the benefits of development were not reaching this region. Shri Modi criticized the previous government for its failure to develop the region and its corruption in the projects undertaken. He emphasized that his government has prioritized the well-being of the people, focusing on improving their lives, facilities, and opportunities for their children. He highlighted the efforts to bring development plans to every village in Chhattisgarh.
Highlighting the progress in remote tribal areas, Shri Modi said that for the first time, quality roads are reaching these areas. He mentioned the introduction of rail services in several regions, including the flagging off of a new train at the event. He also highlighted the arrival of electricity, piped water, and mobile towers in previously deprived areas. He provided information about the construction of new schools, colleges, and hospitals, stressing that these initiatives are transforming the landscape of Chhattisgarh.
Describing the achievement of Chhattisgarh having a fully electrified rail network, the Prime Minister called it a significant milestone. He mentioned that there are currently rail projects worth around Rs 40,000 crore underway in the state, with Rs 7,000 crore allocated in this year’s budget for improving rail connectivity in various regions and neighboring states. He emphasized that both budgetary support and honest intentions are necessary for development. Shri Modi criticized the previous government for its corruption and incompetence, which hindered progress in tribal areas. He cited the example of coal, noting that despite Chhattisgarh’s abundant coal reserves, the state faced power shortages due to the neglect of power plants by the previous governments. He stated that under his government, new power plants are being established to resolve these issues and ensure reliable electricity for the state.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the government’s focus on solar energy and the launch of the “PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme,” which aims to eliminate electricity bills and enable households to earn income by generating electricity. He said that the government is providing Rs 78,000 per house for installing solar panels and that over two lakh families in Chhattisgarh have already registered for this scheme. He encouraged others to join and benefit from this important initiative.
Shri Modi addressed the challenge of delivering gas pipelines in the landlocked state of Chhattisgarh, emphasizing his government’s efforts to invest in gas infrastructure, which was neglected by the previous government. He informed that work is underway to lay gas pipelines, which will reduce reliance on truck transportation for petroleum products, lower costs for consumers, and enable the use of CNG vehicles. He stated that piped cooking gas will benefit homes, with the goal of reaching over two lakh households. He also pointed out that the availability of gas will facilitate the establishment of new industries in Chhattisgarh, creating significant employment opportunities.
The Prime Minister criticized the policies of previous governments, which he said promoted Naxalism in Chhattisgarh and other states due to a lack of development and resources. He said Naxalism thrived in areas where development and resources were absent and where these issues were ignored, with such districts being declared backward to avoid responsibility. He highlighted the neglect of the most disadvantaged tribal families in several districts of Chhattisgarh during the previous government’s rule. In contrast, he emphasized his government’s efforts to meet the needs of the poor tribal communities. He mentioned initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to provide toilets, the Ayushman Bharat Scheme offering free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, and the establishment of PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras providing medicines at 80% discount.
The Prime Minister criticized those who falsely claim social justice while ignoring the tribal community and emphasized his government’s commitment to the development of the tribal society. He mentioned the launch of the “Dharti Aba Tribal Utkersh Abhiyan,” under which an investment of around Rs 80,000 crore is being made in tribal areas, benefiting about 7,000 tribal villages in Chhattisgarh. He also spoke about the launch of the “PM Janman Yojna,” a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by particularly vulnerable tribal groups. He stated that this initiative is developing more than 2,000 settlements across 18 districts in Chhattisgarh. Additionally, he mentioned the approval of 5,000 kilometers of roads for tribal settlements across the country, with nearly half – 2,500 kilometers – being built under the PM Janman Yojna in Chhattisgarh. He also noted that many beneficiaries under this scheme are receiving permanent homes.
Discussing the rapid changes under the central and state governments in Chhattisgarh, Shri Modi highlighted the achievement of the Sukma district’s health center receiving national quality certification and the reopening of the health center in Dantewada after many years. He said these efforts are ushering in a new era of lasting peace in Naxal-affected areas. He mentioned the Baster Olympics discussed during his “Mann Ki Baat” program in December 2024, citing the enthusiastic participation of thousands of youths, which reflects the state’s progress. He expressed hope for the bright future of Chhattisgarh’s youth and praised the effective implementation of the new education policy in the state. He informed about the establishment of over 12,000 modern PM Shri Schools across the country, with nearly 350 in Chhattisgarh, which will serve as models for other schools and promote the advancement of the state’s education system.
The Prime Minister also praised the exceptional work being done by Eklavya Model Schools and the reopening of schools in Naxal-affected areas in Chhattisgarh. He inaugurated the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) in Raipur, calling it an important step for the nation’s education system. He emphasized that this initiative will enhance the quality of education and provide real-time support to teachers and students in classrooms.
Shri Modi mentioned another promise fulfilled under the new national education policy, which enables education in medical and engineering courses in Hindi. He emphasized that this initiative will remove language barriers for youths from villages, deprived, and tribal families, helping them achieve their dreams. He acknowledged the strong foundation laid by Shri Raman Singh in previous years and reiterated the current government’s efforts to strengthen it. He envisioned building a grand structure of development on this foundation over the next 25 years.
Discussing Chhattisgarh’s resources, dreams, and potential, he set the goal of making the state one of the leading states in the country by its 50th anniversary. In conclusion, the Prime Minister assured that the government will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the benefits of development reach every family in Chhattisgarh.
The event was attended by Chhattisgarh Governor Shri Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Union Ministers Shri Manohar Lal and Shri Tokhan Sahu, Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Shri Raman Singh, and other dignitaries.