Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has declared a ₹75 lakh investment for constructing domes at five locations to benefit the Dhurwa community. Each dome will be constructed at a cost of ₹15 lakh. Additionally, Sai assured that the proposals from 36 sarpanchs of the Dhurwa community, focusing on Gram Panchayat development, would be approved. This announcement was made during the Nuakhai Milan समारोह, a divisional-level gathering, and during the inauguration of the newly built ‘Olek’ social building at the Forest School complex in Jagdalpur, held on Sunday.
Chief Minister Sai reiterated the state government’s dedication to the all-encompassing development of the tribal community. He mentioned the launch of the Dharti Aba Gram Utkarsh Yojana by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at ensuring ample financial resources for developing tribal-dominant villages. This scheme has a provision of ₹80,000 crore. Moreover, the Prime Minister Janman Yojana has been initiated to uplift particularly backward tribes and integrate them into mainstream development.
Sai indicated that these significant endeavors would bring about a wave of development in tribal regions, enabling the continuous progress of tribal communities. During the event, the Chief Minister also participated in prayers to Maa Danteshwari, the revered deity of Bastar, in a symbolic ‘Gudi’ and inaugurated the new ‘Olek’ social building for the Dhurwa community.
Commemorating the Dhurwa community’s hero, Shaheed Gundadhur, Sai acknowledged that the Nuakhai Milan समारोह is a symbol of their rich culture and traditions. He added that the tribal community has a long-standing tradition of offering grains or fruits to their deities before consumption, a practice that continues to be observed and preserved for generations to come.
Reflecting on the contributions of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Sai congratulated the Dhurwa community on the opening of their social building, ‘Olek’. He stated that the new building would be highly beneficial for the community’s development and for conducting meetings. Sai also highlighted that Vajpayee formed a dedicated Ministry of Tribal Affairs within the Indian government to prioritize the welfare of the tribal community. The birth centenary of Vajpayee is being celebrated as Atal Nirman Varsh.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the role of the Special Tribal Area Development Authority in the development of the tribal-dominated Bastar and Sarguja divisions. He acknowledged that former Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh established these authorities to ensure necessary development work in these areas, in addition to existing schemes.
Addressing the Maoist-affected regions, Sai stated that the government is focused on providing basic amenities, including roads, bridges, electricity, water, and housing, along with ration through the Niyad Nellanar scheme in the Bastar division. The government aims to guarantee that all eligible individuals benefit from public welfare programs.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, conveying his best wishes to the Dhurwa community on the Nuakhai Milan समारोह, said that the community’s unified efforts are an inspiration for the new generation. He emphasized that upholding ancestral traditions strengthens the community’s unity and culture.
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Bastar MP Mahesh Kashyap, and Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Dev also extended their greetings to the Dhurwa community during the Nuakhai Milan समारोह. Pappu Nag, the Divisional President of the Dhurwa community, delivered the welcome address and shared insights into the community’s activities. The Chief Minister and other guests were welcomed with traditional attire and gifts.
Attendees included 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 Dhurwa community officials and members from the Bastar division.