Today, on the auspicious day of Navratri, on the New Year, three lakh poor families of Chhattisgarh are entering their new houses: PM
Government is concerned about providing health facilities and medical treatment for poor tribals: PMGovernment is running a special campaign for the development of tribal society: PMIn line with his commitment to enhance infrastructure development and sustainable livelihood, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, initiated commencement of work and dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs 33,700 crore in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh today. Marking the auspicious beginning of the New Year today and the first day of Navratri, he emphasized the significance of Chhattisgarh as the land of Mata Mahamaya and the maternal home of Mata Kaushalya. He highlighted the special importance of these nine days dedicated to feminine divinity for the state. He expressed his privilege to be in Chhattisgarh on the first day of Navratri and congratulated everyone on the recent issuance of a postal stamp in honor of Bhakt Shiromani Mata Karma. He further remarked that the Navratri festival will conclude with the celebration of Ram Navami, highlighting the unique devotion to Lord Ram in Chhattisgarh, particularly the extraordinary dedication of the Ramnami Samaj, which has devoted their entire being to the name of Lord Ram. He extended his heartfelt wishes to the people of Chhattisgarh, referring to them as the maternal family of Lord Ram.
With the blessings of Mohbhatta Swayambhu Shivling Mahadev on this auspicious occasion, Shri Modi highlighted the opportunity to accelerate development in Chhattisgarh. He noted the inauguration and foundation laying of projects worth over ₹33,700 crore, which include housing for the poor, schools, roads, railways, electricity, and gas pipelines. He stressed that these projects are aimed at enhancing convenience for Chhattisgarh's citizens and creating new employment opportunities. He extended his congratulations to all for the progress achieved through these development initiatives.
Emphasizing the cultural significance of providing shelter, calling it a great virtue, the Prime Minister said that it was an unparalleled joy of fulfilling someone's dream of owning a home. 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 a new beginning. He credited the realization of these homes to the trust placed in his leadership, noting that the dream of permanent housing for lakhs of families in Chhattisgarh was previously lost in bureaucratic files. He recalled the Government's commitment to fulfilling this dream. He remarked that under Shri Vishnu Deo’s leadership, the first Cabinet decision was to construct 18 lakh houses, of which three lakh have been completed. He expressed happiness that many of these homes are in tribal areas, benefiting families in Bastar and Surguja, acknowledging the transformative impact of these homes for families who have endured generations of hardship in makeshift shelters, calling it a significant gift.
“While the Government provided assistance in building these homes, the beneficiaries themselves decided how their dream homes would be designed”, said Shri Modi, emphasising that these homes are not just four walls but a transformation of lives. He highlighted the efforts to equip these homes with essential facilities such as toilets, electricity, Ujjwala gas connections, and piped water. He noted the significant presence of women at the event and remarked that most of these homes are owned by women. He acknowledged the milestone achieved by thousands of women who, for the first time, have property registered in their names. He expressed his gratitude for the joy and blessings reflected on the faces of these women, calling it his greatest asset.
Highlighting the broader impact of constructing lakhs of homes which not only created the employment opportunities for local artisans, masons, and laborers in villages, the Prime Minister said that the materials used for these homes are sourced locally, benefiting small shopkeepers and transport operators. He noted that these housing projects have generated significant employment in Chhattisgarh, contributing to the livelihoods of many.
Underlining that their Government is fulfilling every promise made to the people of Chhattisgarh, Shri Modi highlighted the presence of a large number of beneficiaries from various schemes, emphasizing the swift implementation of government guarantees. He noted that the promises made to the women of Chhattisgarh have been honored, including the disbursement of two years' pending bonuses to paddy farmers and the procurement of paddy at increased 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 highlighted their Government's transparent investigations and fair conduct of examinations. He emphasized that these honest efforts have strengthened public trust with growing support, evident from its victories in Assembly, Lok Sabha, and now municipal elections in Chhattisgarh. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support of the people for their Government's initiatives.
Shri Modi noted that this year was 25th anniversary of Chhattisgarh's statehood, celebrating it as the state's Silver Jubilee Year was coinciding as this year also marked the birth centenary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said that the Chhattisgarh Government is observing 2025 as "Atal Nirman Varsh" and reaffirmed the commitment, "We built it, and we will nurture it." He emphasized that the infrastructure projects inaugurated and launched today are part of this resolution.
Mentioning that Chhattisgarh had to be formed as a separate state because the benefits of development were not reaching the region, the PM criticized the previous Government for its failure to deliver development and for corruption in the projects that were undertaken. He underscored that their 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 schemes to every village in Chhattisgarh.
Underlining the progress in remote tribal areas, where quality roads are now reaching for the first time, Shri Modi mentioned the introduction of train services to several regions, including the flagging off of a new train earlier in the event. He also highlighted the arrival of electricity, piped water, and mobile towers in previously underserved areas. He remarked on the construction of new schools, colleges, and hospitals, emphasizing that these initiatives are transforming the landscape of Chhattisgarh.
Highlighting Chhattisgarh's achievement of becoming one of the states with a fully electrified rail network, calling it a significant milestone, the Prime Minister noted that approximately ₹40,000 crore worth of rail projects are currently underway in the state, with ₹7,000 crore allocated in this year's budget to improve rail connectivity in various regions and neighboring states. Stressing that development requires both budgetary support and honest intentions, Shri Modi criticized the previous Government for its corruption and inefficiency, which hindered progress in tribal areas. He cited the example of coal, noting that despite Chhattisgarh's abundant reserves, the state faced electricity shortages due to the neglect of power plants by previous dispensations. He remarked that under their Government, new power plants are being established to address these issues and ensure reliable electricity for the state.
Highlighting the Government's focus on solar energy and introduction of the ‘PM Suryagarh Muft Bijli Scheme,’ which aims to eliminate electricity bills and enable households to generate income by producing electricity, the Prime Minister noted that the Government is providing ₹78,000 assistance per household for installing solar panels. He added that over two lakh families in Chhattisgarh have already registered for the scheme and encouraged others to join for significant benefits.
Stressing on the Government's efforts to address the challenge of delivering gas pipelines to Chhattisgarh, a landlocked state, Shri Modi criticized the previous Government for neglecting necessary investments in gas infrastructure and highlighted the ongoing work to lay gas pipelines in the region. He noted that these pipelines will reduce dependency on truck transportation for petroleum products, lower costs for consumers, and enable the use of CNG vehicles. He remarked that households will benefit from piped cooking gas, with a target of reaching over two lakh homes. He also emphasized that the availability of gas will facilitate the establishment of new industries in Chhattisgarh, creating significant employment opportunities.
Criticizing the previous dispensation’s policies over the decades, stating that they contributed to the rise of Naxalism in Chhattisgarh and other states, the Prime Minister said that Naxalism thrived in areas lacking development and resources, and instead of addressing these issues, such districts were declared as backward, shirking their responsibility. He highlighted the neglect faced by the most underprivileged tribal families in many districts of Chhattisgarh under previous Government's rule. In contrast, he emphasized their Government's efforts to address the needs of poor tribal communities. He noted the initiatives undertaken, such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to provide toilets, the Ayushman Bharat scheme offering free treatment up to ₹5 lakh, and the establishment of PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which provide medicines at an 80% discount.
The Prime Minister criticized those who falsely claim to champion social justice while neglecting the tribal community. He emphasized his Government's commitment to the development of tribal societies, highlighting the launch of the "Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Utkarsh Abhiyan," under which approximately ₹80,000 crore is being invested in tribal areas, benefiting nearly 7,000 tribal villages in Chhattisgarh. Noting the unique challenges faced by particularly vulnerable tribal groups, Shri Modi mentioned the introduction of the "PM Janman Yojana," the first initiative of its kind for these communities. He remarked that under this scheme, over 2,000 settlements in 18 districts of Chhattisgarh are being developed. He highlighted the approval of 5,000 kilometers of roads for tribal settlements across the country, with nearly half—2,500 kilometers—being constructed in Chhattisgarh under the PM Janman Yojana. He also noted that many beneficiaries have received permanent homes under this initiative.
Highlighting the rapid transformation of Chhattisgarh under the Union and State governments, Shri Modi remarked on the renewed confidence brought by achievements such as Sukma district's health center receiving a national quality certificate and the reopening of a health center in Dantewada after several years. He emphasized that these efforts are ushering in a new era of lasting peace in Naxal-affected areas. Referring to the Bastar Olympics, discussed during his "Mann Ki Baat" program in December 2024, as evidence of the positive changes in Chhattisgarh, he noted the enthusiastic participation of thousands of youth in the event, reflecting the state's progress. He expressed optimism about the bright future of Chhattisgarh's youth and praised the state's effective implementation of the New Education Policy. He highlighted the establishment of over 12,000 modern PM Shri Schools across the country, including approximately 350 in Chhattisgarh, which will serve as models for other schools and elevate the state's education system.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the excellent work being done by Eklavya Model Schools in Chhattisgarh and the reopening of schools in Naxal-affected areas. He also inaugurated the Vidya Samiksha Kendra in the state, calling it a significant step for the nation's education system. He emphasized that this initiative will enhance the quality of education, providing real-time support to teachers and students in classrooms.
Mentioning the fulfillment of another promise under the New National Education Policy, which enables medical and engineering studies in Hindi, Shri Modi emphasized that this initiative will remove language barriers for the youth from villages, underprivileged, 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 further. He envisioned building a grand structure of development on this foundation over the next 25 years.
Remarking on Chhattisgarh's abundance of resources, dreams, and potential, setting the goal for the state to become one of the leading states in the country by the time it celebrates its 50th anniversary, the Prime Minister concluded by assuring that the Government will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the benefits of development reach every family in Chhattisgarh.
The Governor of Chhattisgarh, Shri Ramen Deka, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Union Ministers, Shri Manohar Lal and Shri Tokhan Sahu, Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker, Shri Raman Singh were present amongst other dignitaries at the event.
Background
Prime Minister has been committed to improving the power sector across the country. In line with this, multiple steps were undertaken in providing affordable and reliable power and making Chhattisgarh self-reliant in power generation. He laid the foundation stone of NTPC’s Sipat Super Thermal Power Project Stage-III (1x800MW), located in Bilaspur district, worth over Rs 9,790 crore. This pit head project is based on the latest state of the art Ultra-Supercritical Technology with high power generation efficiency. He initiated the commencement of work of First Super Critical Thermal Power Project (2X660MW) of Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited (CSPGCL) worth over Rs 15,800 crore. He also dedicated to the nation three Power Transmission projects of POWERGRID under Western Region Expansion Scheme (WRES) worth over Rs 560 crore.
In line with India's net-zero emission goals, reducing air pollution and providing cleaner energy solutions, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of City Gas Distribution (CGD) project of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) in Korea, Surajpur, Balrampur and Surguja districts. It includes over 200 km high pressure pipeline and over 800 km MDPE (Medium Density Polyethylene) pipeline and multiple CNG dispensing outlets worth over Rs 1,285 crore. He also laid the foundation stone of Visakh-Raipur Pipeline (VRPL) Project of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) spanning 540 km worth over Rs 2210 crore. This multiproduct (Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene) pipeline will have a capacity of over 3 Million Metric Tonne Per Annum.
With a focus on improving connectivity in the region, Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of seven railway projects with a total length of 108 km and dedicated to the nation three railway projects with a total length of 111 km, worth over Rs 2,690 crore. He flagged off the MEMU train service in the Abhanpur- Raipur section via Mandir Hasaud. He will also dedicate 100% electrification of the rail network of Indian Railways in Chhattisgarh. These projects will reduce congestion, improve connectivity, and enhance social and economic growth across the region.
Enhancing the road infrastructure in the region, Prime Minister dedicated to the nation the upgraded Jhalmala to Sherpar section of NH-930 (37 Km) and Ambikapur-Pathalgaon section of NH-43 (75 Km) to 2 Laning with paved shoulder. Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the upgradation of Kondagaon- Narayanpur section of NH-130D(47.5Km) to 2 Lane with paved shoulder. These projects worth over Rs 1,270 crore will significantly improve accessibility to tribal and industrial regions leading to holistic development of the region.
In line with his commitment to ensure education for all, Prime Minister dedicated two flagship educational initiatives, 130 PM SHRI Schools across 29 districts in the state and Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) at Raipur. 130 schools will be upgraded under the PM Schools for Rising India scheme. These schools will help in providing high-quality education through well-structured infrastructure, smart boards, modern laboratories, and libraries. VSK in Raipur will enable online monitoring and data analysis of various education related government schemes.
Fulfilling the commitment to ensure access to proper housing for rural households and improving their health, security, and overall quality of life, Griha Pravesh of 3 lakh beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) will be held and Prime Minister handed over the keys to some beneficiaries under the scheme.
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आज नवरात्र के शुभ दिन, नव वर्ष पर छत्तीसगढ़ के तीन लाख गरीब परिवार, अपने नए घर में गृह प्रवेश कर रहे हैं: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/FZKTFSJubC
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 30, 2025
हमने गरीब आदिवासियों के इलाज की चिंता की: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/PsCGIEalbI
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 30, 2025
हम आदिवासी समाज के विकास के लिए भी विशेष अभियान चला रहे हैं: PM @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/QupZy3elIK
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) March 30, 2025
