New Delhi [India], June 8 (HBTV): The Chhattisgarh government received special recognition for its innovative development model during the Chief Ministers' conclave chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the national capital.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai's presentation on the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum drew attention from the Prime Minister and participating Chief Ministers. Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Sharma and Arun Sao were also present at the conclave.
Highlighting the state’s commitment to good governance, CM Sai informed the gathering that Chhattisgarh has institutionalised transparency and efficiency through the creation of a dedicated Department of Good Governance and Convergence. He also noted that state schemes are being closely monitored using digital tools such as the Atal Monitoring Portal, ensuring real-time performance tracking and timely grievance redressal.
‘Our goal is not just to launch schemes but to ensure they are implemented honestly and effectively on the ground,’ CM Sai stated.
A key agenda of the conclave was the effective implementation of Central government flagship schemes. The Chief Minister shared that programmes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and Jal Jeevan Mission have been successfully implemented at the grassroots level in Chhattisgarh through Gram Sabhas, community outreach, and tech-enabled interventions.
The highlight of Chhattisgarh’s presentation was the state’s socio-cultural initiatives—Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum—which CM Sai linked to Prime Minister Modi’s call of ‘Kheloge India, Jeetoge India’. He stated that these events have turned the vision into a grassroots reality.
Explaining the Bastar Olympics, CM Sai said it was not just a sporting event but a transformative social movement, replacing guns with javelins, arrows, and balls in the hands of the youth. The event witnessed the participation of 1.65 lakh athletes across 32 development blocks in seven districts, held over 40 days at the block, district, and division levels.
The competition featured 11 traditional tribal games, including archery, running, kho-kho, kabaddi, and tug-of-war. Participants were classified into four categories: junior, senior, surrendered Naxals, and differently abled. Notably, there was enthusiastic participation from remote villages, especially among women and people with disabilities.
During the presentation, CM Sai shared the story of Punem Sanna, a wheelchair athlete from Dornapal—once affected by Naxal violence. Today, Sanna is a medallist and an inspiration for the youth. PM Modi had earlier praised the Bastar Olympics in his Mann Ki Baat broadcast, calling it ‘a celebration of Bastar’s soul’.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the success of the Bastar Pandum festival, which has helped preserve tribal heritage, traditions, and folk arts, while also bringing them national recognition. The event drew participation from 47,000 performers, 1,885 village panchayats, and 1,743 cultural troupes across 32 blocks in seven districts.
Held in three phases, the festival featured folk dance, music, local markets, and traditional food competitions. The government awarded INR 2.4 crore in incentives to participants, fostering community pride and involvement. The initiative has united youth, women, and elders, becoming a symbol of peace, celebration, and progress in areas once affected by conflict.
Chhattisgarh was among the few states selected to showcase best practices at the conclave. Its Bastar model was highlighted as a unique example of cultural integration, public engagement, and development-led transformation that could serve as a model for other states.
(ANI)