Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated the Chhattisgarh Rajat Mahotsav in Tilsiwan, Surajpur district, remotely launching development projects worth more than 211 crore rupees. As part of the event, a life-size statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee was unveiled at the Atal Parisar near the new bus stand in Surajpur. The Kisan Mela and Jaivik Mela were also virtually inaugurated.
Chief Minister Sai highlighted the significance of the silver jubilee year, marking the 25th anniversary of Chhattisgarh’s formation, and emphasized the state’s achievements. He called for unity to propel the state towards further progress. He paid tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, acknowledging his role as the architect of Chhattisgarh and honoring his legacy. Sai mentioned Vajpayee’s contributions to politics, his poetic skills, and his dedication to the nation.
The Chief Minister shared the government’s accomplishments, highlighting welfare initiatives implemented in the last 20 months. These included the purchase of paddy at Rs 3100 per quintal, the Mahtari Vandan Yojana providing Rs 1000 monthly to 70 lakh women, the re-distribution of Charan Paduka to tendu leaf collectors, paddy bonuses for farmers, Rs 10,000 in financial aid to 5 lakh 62 thousand landless agricultural laborers, the Ramlala Darshan Yojana, pilgrimage trips for senior citizens, and the establishment of Atal Digital Seva Kendras.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, who attended the event virtually, lauded the development strides made by the state over the past 25 years. He congratulated the attendees on the unveiling of the statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and acknowledged the former Prime Minister’s pivotal role in the creation of Chhattisgarh and his initiation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
The projects in Surajpur totaled 211.33 crore rupees. This included the inauguration of 37 completed projects valued at 78.78 crore rupees, which encompass works from the Public Works Department, Public Works Department (Bridge), Panchayat and Rural Development Department, Urban Body Department, Tribal Development Department, and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Additionally, the foundation stones were laid for 55 projects, worth 132.55 crore rupees, with contributions from departments like the Public Works Department, Public Works Department (Bridge), Panchayat and Rural Development Department, Water Resources Department Surajpur, Rural Engineering Service, Police Department, and Tribal Development Department.