Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai virtually inaugurated the Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav program held in Tilsiwan, Surajpur district, and launched development projects worth over 211 crore rupees. He also unveiled a life-size statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the Atal Parisar in Surajpur’s new bus stand and virtually inaugurated the Kisan Mela cum Jaivik Mela.
The Chief Minister stated that the event marked the silver jubilee year, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Chhattisgarh’s formation. He emphasized the state’s remarkable progress over the past two and a half decades and called for collective efforts to propel the region to new heights of development. He paid tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the architect of Chhattisgarh, recognizing his pivotal role in giving the people of the state a new identity and acknowledging his enduring inspiration for the youth. Sai reflected on Vajpayee’s political career, poetic talent, and his contributions to the nation.
Highlighting the state government’s achievements, the Chief Minister mentioned various welfare initiatives implemented under the Modi government’s guarantee in the last 20 months. These include the procurement of paddy at a rate of Rs 3100 per quintal, financial assistance of Rs 1000 per month to 70 lakh women under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, the re-distribution of Charan Paduka to tendu leaf collectors, paddy bonus to farmers, financial aid of Rs 10,000 to 5 lakh 62 thousand landless agricultural laborers, the Ramlala Darshan Yojana for devotees, the 19 pilgrimage trips for senior citizens, and the establishment of Atal Digital Seva Kendras.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, addressing the gathering virtually, noted the significant development milestones achieved by the state over the past 25 years. He congratulated everyone on the unveiling of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee statue and credited the former Prime Minister with the creation of Chhattisgarh. He underscored Vajpayee’s initiation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, which connected villages to main roads, paving the way for rural development.
Chief Minister Sai announced that Surajpur district received development projects worth 211.33 crore rupees. This included the inauguration of 37 completed projects costing 78.78 crore rupees, encompassing projects from the Public Works Department, Public Works Department (Bridge), Panchayat and Rural Development Department, Urban Body Department, Tribal Development Department, and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Additionally, the foundation stones were laid for 55 projects worth 132.55 crore rupees, involving departments such as the Public Works Department, Public Works Department (Bridge), Panchayat and Rural Development Department, Water Resources Department Surajpur, Rural Engineering Service, Police Department, and Tribal Development Department.