Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Vishnu Deo Sai, has announced an allocation of ₹75 lakh for the construction of domes in five locations for the Dhurwa community. Each dome will be built at a cost of ₹15 lakh. Sai also assured that he would approve the proposals submitted by 36 sarpanchs of the Dhurwa community for the development of Gram Panchayats. This announcement was made during the divisional-level Nuakhai Milan समारोह and the inauguration of the newly constructed community building ‘Olek’ in Jagdalpur’s Forest School complex on Sunday.
Sai emphasized the state government’s commitment to the comprehensive development of the tribal community. He highlighted the initiation of the ‘Dharti Aba Gram Utkarsh Yojana’ by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure adequate funding for the development of tribal-dominated villages. This scheme has a provision of ₹80,000 crore. Furthermore, the Prime Minister Janman Yojana has been launched for the upliftment of particularly backward tribes, aiming to integrate them into the mainstream of development.
Sai stated that these efforts will usher in a wave of development in tribal areas, enabling the tribal communities to progress continuously. During the event, the Chief Minister also performed prayers to the deity Maa Danteshwari of Bastar in a symbolic ‘Gudi’ and inaugurated the newly constructed social building ‘Olek’ of the Dhurwa community.
Sai paid homage to the Dhurwa community’s hero, Shaheed Gundadhur, and said that the Nuakhai Milan समारोह is a carrier of their rich culture and traditions. He added that it is a great tradition of the tribal community to worship their deities and offer grains or fruits before consuming them, and this tradition continues to be upheld and will be preserved for future generations.
Recalling the contributions of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, CM Sai congratulated the Dhurwa community on the inauguration of the social building ‘Olek’, stating that it would be highly useful for the community’s development and for meetings. He mentioned that former Prime Minister Vajpayee formed a separate Ministry of Tribal Affairs in the Indian government, keeping in mind the welfare of the tribal community. The birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee is being celebrated as Atal Nirman Varsh.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the role of the Special Tribal Area Development Authority for the development of the tribal-dominated Bastar and Sarguja divisions. He mentioned that former Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh had established both Special Tribal Area Development Authorities to ensure necessary development work in these areas, beyond the schemes.
He further stated that the government is focused on development in Maoist-affected areas of the Bastar division, providing basic amenities like roads, bridges, electricity, water, and housing, along with ration through the Niyad Nellanar scheme. The government is committed to ensuring that every eligible person benefits from the public welfare schemes.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, while wishing the Dhurwa community members on the Nuakhai Milan समारोह, said that this coordinated effort of the community inspires the new generation. He said that when traditions are upheld, the unity and culture of the community are strengthened.
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Bastar MP Mahesh Kashyap, and Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Dev also addressed the gathering and wished the Dhurwa community on the Nuakhai Milan समारोह. Divisional President of the Dhurwa community, Pappu Nag, presented the welcome address and provided information about the activities of the community. The Chief Minister was warmly welcomed by the community officials with traditional attire and gifts. Other guests were also welcomed in the traditional manner.
Among those present were Chitrakoo MLA Vinayak Goyal, Dantewada MLA Chaitram Atami, Chhattisgarh Beverages Corporation Chairman Srinivas Rao Maddi, Jagdalpur Mayor Sanjay Pandey, other public representatives, Commissioner Bastar Doman Singh, IG Sundarraj P, Collector Harish S, Superintendent of Police Shalabh Sinha, and officials and members of the Dhurwa community from across the Bastar division.