Temple of Democracy, Engine of Reform: CM Sai Hails 25 Years of Chhattisgarh’s Legislative Journey

Raipur, November 19

At the valedictory sitting of the special session of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly today, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai described the House as “the temple of democracy”, a revered space that embodies not merely masonry and architecture, but the aspirations, dreams and collective memory of three crore people of Chhattisgarh. He said the Assembly stands as a living testament to every member who has ever served in it, especially in this “Amrit Varsh” of the Constitution—seventy-five years since India entrusted itself to the values enshrined in the Constitution. This moment, he said, is as much a celebration of democratic heritage as it is an occasion for renewed commitment to constitutional ideals.

*Growth of Exemplary Parliamentary Traditions*

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Assembly has witnessed the evolution of finest parliamentary traditions, and stands as a witness to countless achievements in public welfare and antyodaya. He recalled that the State’s very first Assembly session after the formation of Chhattisgarh was held at Rajkumar College’s Jashpur Hall, before the proceedings moved to the present complex. Since then, the Assembly has been enriched by the presence of eminent national leaders from former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to the current President Smt Droupadi Murmu, whose inspiring addresses strengthened constitutional culture.

He said that all the members have personally witnessed how the State’s identity took shape from limited resources, and how the sons and daughters of Chhattisgarh Mahtari toiled tirelessly over twenty-five years to build the State. Every session, every debate— sharp or cordial, every decision taken in the House is now part of a documented legacy that will be cherished for generations.

*A Firm Foundation for a Prosperous Chhattisgarh*

Shri Sai recalled that when Chhattisgarh began its legislative journey twenty-five years ago, members brought with them the rich parliamentary traditions of the undivided Madhya Pradesh Assembly. “We honoured each of these traditions with complete commitment,” he said, adding that he too had the privilege of serving as an MLA in undivided Madhya Pradesh.

*A Celebration of People’s Aspirations, Struggle and Pride*

Chief Minister expressed pride that on the State’s Rajat Mahotsav, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Assembly complex. Quoting the Prime Minister, he said, “This is not merely the inauguration of a building; it is a celebration of 25 years of people’s aspirations, people’s struggle, and people’s pride.”

He noted that former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s visionary leadership guided India towards a golden era, within which Chhattisgarh was formed on November 1, 2000. Shri Vajpayee not only created the new State but also established the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and introduced the transformative Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, which greatly benefited rural Chhattisgarh.

Shri Sai recalled the tireless efforts of past Chief Ministers and legislators who shaped the State over fifteen years, bringing food security, strengthening the PDS model that later inspired other States, and ensuring fair prices for farmers through a structured paddy procurement system.

He highlighted that the Assembly has been the crucible where policies of social reform took shape—such as the Tonahi Atrocities Prevention Bill for women’s dignity, the Chhattisgarh Public Service Guarantee Act for public accountability, and the legislation granting youth the right to skill development. He added that the Double-Engine Government has strengthened and accelerated the all-round development of Chhattisgarh.

*Over 26 Lakh PM Awas Yojana Approvals*

Chief Minister Shri Sai said the Assembly has played a decisive role in realizing the vision of late Pm shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Prime Minister shri Narendra Modi. When the present government assumed office in 2023, the first file approved was related to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. To date, over 26 lakh PMAY houses have been sanctioned in the State, transforming not just homes but also kitchens through Ujjwala LPG connections in place of traditional chulhas.

*Electricity to Every Household*

Highlighting the State’s progress over twenty-five years, Shri Sai said every home now has electricity, and citizens are transitioning from consumption to production through the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. In the past two years, the Assembly passed several landmark legislations including the Jan Vishwas Bill, Loktantra Senani Samman Bill, Agricultural Produce Market Amendment Bill, Municipal Amendment Bills, Private University Amendment Bill, Capital Region Development Authority Bill, Rajim Maghi Punni Mela Amendment Bill, and the Land Revenue Code Amendment Bill.

*Every Farmer in Chhattisgarh Is Hopeful*

Pointing to the symbolic decoration of the Assembly with paddy ears, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that every farmer is full of hope and armed with adequate water, electricity and fair prices for produce. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to buy paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal and up to 21 quintals per acre.

He emphasised the defining role of women in the State’s 25-year journey, underlining that women MLAs are actively shaping the State today, just as their predecessors did. The Assembly led a transformative step for women’s empowerment by enabling 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions.

*Youth Have Shaped Chhattisgarh’s Development Journey*

Shri Sai said Chhattisgarh is aligned with the national vision of a developed India by 2047 and has articulated its own aspirations through the Vision Document – Nava Anjor 2047. Over the years, premier institutions such as NIT, IIT, IIIT, IIM, National Law University, NIFT and upcoming Forensic Institutes have nurtured talent across the State.

He said Naya Raipur, one of modern India’s newest planned cities, along with Raipur and Durg-Bhilai now forms the State Capital Region, poised to emerge as an IT hub, pharma hub and textile hub. He credited former Prime Minister Shri Vajpayee for sanctioning AIIMS and Prime Minister Shri Modi for expanding medical colleges, adding that Chhattisgarh will now build super-speciality hospitals and a Medicity.

*A New Confidence Rising in Bastar’s Villages*

Reflecting on Bastar, he said the region which was once held back by Maoist extremism is today preparing to shine like a constellation in a developed Chhattisgarh. Through schemes like Niyad Nella Naar, PM Janman Yojana and the Prime Minister’s Tribal Excellence Village Campaign, development is reaching the remotest corners.

On anti-Maoist efforts, he said that hundreds of surrenders, top-cadre arrests and successful operations in recent months indicate that Maoism is in its final phase. Under PM Shri Modi’s leadership and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah’s guidance, a new era of peace, trust and development is flowing through Bastar. He affirmed that Maoism will be completely eradicated by March 2026.

*Decision to Provide Half Electricity Bill Benefits for up to 200 Units of Consumption*

Offering major relief to power consumers, the Chief Minister announced a new electricity scheme. Domestic consumers using up to 200 units will now receive half electricity up to 200 units. This will directly benefit 36 lakh consumers. Those consuming 200–400 units will also receive a half-bill benefit on 200 units for one year, benefiting 6 lakh consumers.

This one-year window will allow households to install solar plants under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. In total, 42 lakh of the State’s 45 lakh consumers will benefit from the scheme. Consumers will also be benefitted under PM Surya Ghar programme. He announced that the scheme will be implemented from December 1st, ensuring immediate reduction in household electricity bills.

*Additional Subsidy Under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana*

Shri Sai added that under the scheme, the State government is providing an additional subsidy of Rs 15,000 for a 1 kW solar plant and Rs 30,000 for 2 kW or higher capacity installations.

This, he said, will accelerate the adoption of solar energy and gradually transition households from half-bill benefits to free electricity.

He underlined that despite political and ideological differences, the Assembly has consistently upheld dignity and exemplary parliamentary conduct, setting a model for legislatures across the country.

Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh, addressing the closing of the special session, said it is noteworthy that 25 members, including 15 from the ruling side and 10 from the opposition, participated in the special session during the State’s twenty-five-year journey. He recalled a closed-door meeting held during the tenure of former Speaker Shri Prem Prakash Pandey, and said the Assembly is not merely a law-making institution but a builder of better futures. He described December 2023 as an unforgettable moment in his public life.

Dr Singh said he views the role of Speaker not as one of power but of responsibility, and he is committed to being worthy of it. He praised the Chief Minister’s leadership for giving Chhattisgarh a distinct identity and expressed confidence that the nation’s biggest challenge—Maoist extremism—is nearing resolution.

He noted that zero-interest short-term agricultural loans, road development decisions, medical college approvals and numerous public welfare measures were all shaped within this House. The Winter Session of the Assembly will be held from December 14–17, 2025.

He concluded by thanking all members and media representatives for their cooperation during the special session held in the State’s silver jubilee year.