The life of ‘Dharti Aaba’ Bhagwan Birsa Munda is an immortal saga of the struggle to protect water, forests, and land: CM Sai

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai unveils the statue of ‘Dharti Aaba’ Bhagwan Birsa Munda on Friday June 19, 2026 in the village of Dondrahi, located in the Bagicha development block of Jashpur district, to mark the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary year. and addresses the gathering -Photo Credit CG/PR

In Short

Unveiling of Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s statue in Dondrahi marking his 150th birth anniversary year

To be known as ‘Birsa Munda Chowk’; announcement of ₹37 lakh for various development works

Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai unveiled the statue of ‘Dharti Aaba’ Bhagwan Birsa Munda on Friday June 19, 2026 in the village of Dondrahi, located in the Bagicha development block of Jashpur district, to mark the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary year.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo announced that the site would henceforth be known as “Birsa Munda Chowk.” Paying tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the Sai stated that his life was dedicated to the struggle against injustice, exploitation, and British rule, as well as to the protection of water, forests, and land. He made the supreme sacrifice to safeguard tribal identity and self-respect, CM added.

Chief Minister Sai remarked that the life of Bhagwan Birsa Munda continues to inspire the tribal community and the entire nation to protect their rights, culture, and traditions. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken the historic decision to observe Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’ (Tribal Pride Day), thereby ensuring national recognition for the contributions of tribal heroes, CM noted .

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai unveiled the statue of ‘Dharti Aaba’ Bhagwan Birsa Munda on Friday June 19, 2026 in the village of Dondrahi, located in the Bagicha development block of Jashpur district, to mark the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary year-Photo Credit CG/PR

Chief Minister Sai announced a total of ₹37 lakh for various construction projects aimed at regional development and the promotion of socio-cultural activities. He sanctioned ₹15 lakh for the construction of a community hall at Baigatoli Karma, ₹8 lakh for a stage at Kudmura Nando Toli, ₹7 lakh for a cultural stage at Kudmura Patratoli (Diba Toli), and ₹7 lakh for the construction of a stage within the Hanuman temple premises near Keshav Ghar.

Tribal development is the government’s top priority

The Chief Minister stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central Government is continuously working towards the holistic development of the tribal community. Basic amenities are being rapidly expanded in tribal areas through the PM JANMAN Yojana and the Dharti Aaba Gram Utkarsh Yojana. He noted that 6,661 villages in Chhattisgarh are covered under this scheme, with priority being given to essential facilities such as roads, drinking water, housing, education, and healthcare, Sai remarked.

The Chief Minister stated that President Droupadi Murmu’s ascension to the country’s highest constitutional office is a symbol of honor and pride for the tribal community. Describing Jashpur as a significant hub of tribal culture and tradition, he mentioned that the All India Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram located there is doing remarkable work for the upliftment of the tribal community across the nation, CM described.

Chief Minister Sai stated that the state government has fulfilled most of the promises made under ‘Modi’s Guarantee’ within two and a half years. Within 24 hours of the government’s formation, approval was granted for 18 lakh Pradhan Mantri Awas (housing) units, of which over 10.60 lakh have already been completed. Farmers are being paid ₹3,100 per quintal for paddy, and procurement is being carried out at a rate of 21 quintals per acre. Farmers have also received outstanding bonus payments for two years. He added that the collection rate for tendu leaves has been raised from ₹4,000 to ₹5,500 per standard bag. The ‘Charan Paduka’ (footwear distribution) scheme has been relaunched, and thousands of people are benefiting from the ‘Ramlala Darshan’ and ‘Chief Minister Tirth Yatra Darshan’ schemes, Sai informed.

Expansion of Digital Services and Public Amenities

The Chief Minister stated that ‘Atal Digital Seva Kendras’ have been launched in over 6,000 Gram Panchayats across the state, providing various citizen services such as income, caste, and domicile certificates. In the future, this facility will be available in every Panchayat.

He mentioned that the Chief Minister’s Helpline (1076) has been launched to ensure the speedy resolution of citizens’ grievances, with continuous monitoring to ensure timely redressal of complaints. While providing details about the ‘Chief Minister’s Electricity Bill Payment Settlement Scheme’—launched to offer relief to electricity consumers—the Chief Minister stated that surcharges on outstanding electricity bills are being completely waived off. CM stated.

During the event, Yogesh Bapat, National General Secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, also shed light on the life and struggles of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, as well as his contributions to the nation.

Padma Shri Jageshwar Yadav; MLAs Gomti Sai and Raimuni Bhagat; Shambhunath Chakraborty, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Matikala Board; Dr. Rampratap Singh, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board; Yashpratap Singh Judev, Vice-Chairman of the Jashpur Municipal Council; along with other public representatives, administrative officials, and a large number of villagers, were present on the occasion.