New Delhi [India], June 18 (HBTV): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday and highlighted the transformative progress in the state, particularly in the Bastar region, once synonymous with conflict and insurgency. The Chief Minister briefed the Prime Minister on peace and development initiatives and shared updates from the recently held Su-Shasan Tihar (Good Governance Festival).
During his visit, CM Sai also met Union Home Minister Amit Shah at his residence, where discussions focused on state development and ongoing anti-Naxal operations.
Emphasising Bastar’s changing identity, the Chief Minister stated that the region, once marked by guns and landmines, is now witnessing a digital and infrastructural transformation. Over the past one and a half years, 64 new forward security camps have been established, which have not only improved security but also enabled mobile connectivity in remote areas. A total of 671 mobile towers have been activated, including 365 with 4G services.
‘These towers represent more than connectivity; they symbolise trust and a connected future for the youth of Bastar,’ said the Chief Minister. He noted that access to digital education and services has reduced the need for students to migrate to cities, and many are now preparing for competitive exams from their own villages using smartphones.
CM Sai also reported improvements in basic amenities around these camps, including electricity, healthcare, drinking water, and education. Through the Niyad Nellanar scheme, 18 community services and 25 government welfare schemes are being implemented simultaneously in 146 villages.
Highlighting the success of Su-Shasan Tihar, the Chief Minister stated that hundreds of grievance redressal camps were conducted, where citizens received services such as ration cards, Aadhaar updates, pensions, health check-ups, Ayushman cards, Ujjwala gas connections, school admissions, and housing assistance under one roof. Elected representatives actively engaged with people in their villages during the initiative.
Addressing water scarcity due to declining rainfall — which has dropped from 100 to 65 rainy days annually — CM Sai introduced the Water Conservation Initiative – Chhattisgarh's Model for a Secure Future. This model involves capturing rainwater, using GIS mapping, and deploying the Jaldoot mobile app to assess water infrastructure needs. Women’s self-help groups are playing a key role by restoring ponds and traditional water sources.
The Chief Minister also presented the Nalanda Campus project, India's first 24x7 hybrid public library, built at a cost of INR 18 crore. Featuring an e-library, youth tower, health zone, and solar infrastructure, the campus has benefitted over 11,000 students, with more than 300 clearing competitive exams like UPSC and CGPSC.
He further shared details of the Prayas model, which offers free coaching for exams like IIT-JEE, NEET, and CLAT to tribal and underprivileged students. So far, 1,508 students from the programme have secured admission into premier institutions.
Prime Minister Modi commended the state's efforts and assured continued support from the Centre for Chhattisgarh’s development.
(ANI)