Farmers’ Prosperity Is Our Government’s Highest Priority, Says CM Vishnu Deo Sai at Nuakhai Celebrations in Raigarh

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, accompanied by Finance Minister and Raigarh MLA O. P. Choudhary and other public representatives, joins the Kolta community during the Nuakhai Bhetghat and Meritorious Students Felicitation Ceremony at Shaheed Colonel Viplav Tripathi Stadium in Raigarh on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The occasion celebrated the region’s rich agricultural traditions, community unity and educational achievements, with the Chief Minister reaffirming his government’s commitment to farmers’ prosperity and inclusive development. Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/DPR

Chief Minister announces ₹80 lakh for community buildings at Kotraliya and Pusaur, highlights the Kelo Irrigation Project and calls for agricultural prosperity, good governance, cultural preservation and educational excellence.

Key Highlights

• Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai declares farmers’ welfare and prosperity the highest priorities of his government.
• ₹30 lakh announced for a community building at Chandi Dongri in Kotraliya and ₹50 lakh for a Kolta Samaj Mangal Bhawan at Pusaur.
• Kelo Irrigation Project to improve water availability and strengthen agricultural productivity in the Raigarh region.
• More than ₹10,000 crore worth of new development projects highlighted by the Chief Minister.
• Approximately 1,600 houses being constructed daily under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, according to Sai.
• Meritorious students felicitated; Finance Minister O. P. Choudhary announces ₹25 lakh for a community building at Belaria.

Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has reaffirmed that the happiness, prosperity and economic security of farmers remain the highest priorities of his government, emphasising that agriculture is not merely an occupation but the foundation of the state’s economy, cultural identity and social life. Addressing the Kolta Samaj’s Nuakhai Bhetghat and Meritorious Students Felicitation Ceremony at Shaheed Colonel Viplav Tripathi Stadium in Raigarh on Thursday, October 15, 2026, the Chief Minister announced ₹80 lakh for two community buildings, highlighted the expansion of irrigation facilities through the Kelo Project and reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring that development reaches the last person in society.

The Chief Minister received a traditional welcome from members of the Kolta community, who greeted him with a ceremonial garland. He offered prayers to Maa Raneshwari Ramchandi, seeking peace, prosperity and happiness for the people of Chhattisgarh. The occasion brought together agricultural traditions, community solidarity, educational achievement and discussions on the development priorities of the Raigarh region.

Farmers Are at the Heart of Chhattisgarh’s Economy and Culture: Sai

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai emphasised that the prosperity of farming families was essential to the overall progress of Chhattisgarh. He said the government was working to improve agricultural incomes, expand irrigation facilities, reduce cultivation costs and make farming more profitable.

The Chief Minister stated, “The happiness and prosperity of farmers are our government’s highest priority. Our food producers are at the centre of Chhattisgarh’s economy and culture. We are continuously working to increase farmers’ incomes, expand irrigation facilities and make agriculture more profitable.”

Sai said the state’s development could not be considered complete unless farming families benefited directly from government initiatives. He stressed that public welfare and good governance must translate into practical improvements in people’s everyday lives.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addresses the Kolta Samaj’s Nuakhai Bhetghat and Meritorious Students Felicitation Ceremony at Shaheed Colonel Viplav Tripathi Stadium in Raigarh on Thursday, October 15, 2026, emphasising farmers’ prosperity, irrigation development, good governance and the preservation of Chhattisgarh’s rich agricultural traditions.Photo: primelookindia.com via CG/DPR

“Our endeavour is to ensure that, through good governance and public service, the benefits of development schemes reach the last person in society and every family in Chhattisgarh becomes a participant in the state’s development journey,” the Chief Minister said.

He observed that agriculture supported not only rural livelihoods but also local trade, employment, cultural traditions and the wider economy. Strengthening farmers’ economic conditions would therefore contribute to the prosperity of the entire state.

Nuakhai Celebrates Farmers’ Labour and Gratitude Towards Nature

Extending Nuakhai greetings to members of the Kolta community and people across Chhattisgarh, Sai described the festival as an expression of the state’s rich agricultural heritage and its deep relationship with nature.

Nuakhai, associated with the arrival of the new harvest, carries particular cultural significance among farming communities. It symbolises respect for food, appreciation of agricultural labour and gratitude towards nature for sustaining human life.

The Chief Minister said, “Nuakhai is an important festival associated with our rich agricultural culture. It celebrates the arrival of the new harvest, honours the hard work of our food producers and expresses gratitude towards nature.”

He observed that traditional festivals preserve the cultural identity of communities while introducing younger generations to their ancestral roots.

“Such festivals keep our traditions alive and connect the younger generation with its culture and roots,” Sai said, appreciating the Kolta community’s efforts to preserve its customs while encouraging educational and social advancement.

The celebration also highlighted the importance of collective participation in agricultural traditions, where the arrival of a new crop becomes an occasion for thanksgiving, family gatherings and community harmony.

Chief Minister Announces ₹80 Lakh for Two Community Buildings

Responding to the requirements placed before him by the Kolta community, Chief Minister Sai announced financial assistance totalling ₹80 lakh for the construction of two community buildings.

He announced ₹30 lakh for a fully equipped community building at Chandi Dongri in Kotraliya village and ₹50 lakh for the construction of a Kolta Samaj Mangal Bhawan in Nagar Panchayat Pusaur.

The Chief Minister also announced the construction of a boundary wall.

The proposed buildings are expected to provide suitable spaces for community meetings, cultural celebrations, educational activities and social gatherings.

The announcements reflected the government’s stated commitment to strengthening community infrastructure while supporting the preservation of cultural traditions.

Kelo Irrigation Project to Bring Water to Farmers’ Fields

Highlighting the importance of irrigation for agricultural development, Chief Minister Sai said work had been initiated under the Kelo Project to bring water to agricultural fields in the Raigarh region.

He expressed confidence that the project would improve water availability, strengthen agricultural productivity and help farmers reduce their dependence on uncertain rainfall.

“Work on the Kelo Project has been initiated to bring irrigation water to the fields of farmers in the Raigarh region. This project will prove to be a boon for farmers. Expanded irrigation facilities will increase agricultural productivity and strengthen their economic condition,” Sai said.

The Chief Minister emphasised that farmers should receive fair returns for their labour and have access to facilities that make cultivation more productive and economically sustainable.

He also referred to more than ₹10,000 crore worth of new development projects initiated in Chhattisgarh, stating that infrastructure investments should produce direct benefits for ordinary citizens, farmers, young people and the local economy.

Permanent Housing Is a Foundation of Dignity and Security

Referring to the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Chief Minister Sai said the state government was working to fulfil the aspirations of poor and vulnerable families to own permanent homes.

According to figures presented by the Chief Minister, approximately 1,600 houses were being constructed daily in Chhattisgarh under the housing programme.

He emphasised that a permanent home represented much more than a physical structure.

“A permanent home is not merely four walls and a roof. For a poor family, it is the foundation of dignity, security and a better future,” Sai said.

The Chief Minister stated that the government’s objective was to ensure that no eligible family requiring housing assistance was deprived of the scheme’s benefits.

He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for advancing housing programmes intended to improve living conditions among economically disadvantaged households.

Good Governance, Transparency and Timely Public Services

Chief Minister Sai said transparency, administrative accountability and citizen-oriented service delivery were central to his government’s working approach.

He emphasised that ordinary citizens should not have to visit government offices repeatedly to obtain solutions to their problems.

Referring to administrative initiatives, Sai highlighted the Good Governance and Convergence Department, Chief Minister’s Helpline, Seva Setu and Atal Digital Seva Kendras as mechanisms intended to improve access to public services and ensure timely grievance redressal.

“Government schemes become meaningful only when their benefits reach those who need them, and reach them on time. Our priority is to take schemes and services to the last person,” the Chief Minister said.

He stated that technology and modern administrative systems were being used to make government services more accessible and responsive.

Sai also said the government had fulfilled most of its commitments during its two-and-a-half-year tenure in accordance with Prime Minister Modi’s guarantees.

Bastar Moving Towards Peace, Rehabilitation and Development

During his address, the Chief Minister also referred to the government’s campaign against Naxalism and the changing development priorities of Bastar.

He credited the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the determination of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the courage of security personnel and the cooperation of local communities for the government’s reported successes against Naxalism.

Sai said that the objective was not limited to restoring peace but also involved rehabilitating affected families and extending development opportunities to previously inaccessible areas.

He referred to the approval of 15,000 houses for surrendered Naxalites as part of rehabilitation efforts.

The Chief Minister said people formerly associated with Naxalism were being encouraged to abandon violence and return to mainstream society.

He emphasised that rehabilitation and dignified living conditions were necessary for sustainable peace and that the government remained committed to connecting Bastar and every other region of Chhattisgarh with the wider development process.

Education Is the Strongest Foundation of Social Progress

A significant part of the ceremony was devoted to recognising meritorious students of the Kolta community.

Chief Minister Sai felicitated talented students and extended his best wishes for their academic and professional futures.

He described education as one of the most powerful means of advancing individuals, families and society.

“Education is the strongest medium for the progress of an individual, a family and society. Today’s young people can achieve success in any field through hard work, talent and modern education,” Sai said.

Encouraging students to pursue ambitious goals, the Chief Minister urged them to remain disciplined and committed to excellence.

“Dream big and work hard to fulfil those dreams. Through your talent and achievements, bring recognition not only to your families and society but also to Chhattisgarh across the country and the world,” he said.

Sai praised the community’s tradition of honouring academically accomplished students, observing that public recognition encouraged other young people to strive for excellence and helped create a positive educational environment.

Kolta Community’s Culture and Values Are Exemplary: O. P. Choudhary

Finance Minister and Raigarh MLA O. P. Choudhary extended Nuakhai greetings and praised the Kolta community for its traditions, honesty, hard work and commitment to social values.

He said members of the community living across Pusaur, Saria, Tamnar, Lailunga and Dharamjaigarh were recognised for their cultural heritage and dedication to collective progress.

Choudhary emphasised the need to encourage younger generations to pursue education, employment, entrepreneurship and competitive examinations.

He said collective community efforts could help students and young professionals achieve greater success and contribute to the development of society.

The Finance Minister also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Sai for development initiatives in the Raigarh region.

Referring to local infrastructure, Choudhary highlighted the Sakra lift irrigation project, registry offices at Pusaur and Saria, a 100-bed hospital, a nursing college and a Nalanda campus.

He said these initiatives were contributing to improved facilities and opportunities for residents.

Choudhary also announced ₹25 lakh from his MLA fund for the construction of a community building at Belaria.

Parliamentarians Emphasise Education, Social Unity and Respect for Elders

Lok Sabha MP Radheshyam Rathia extended greetings on Nuakhai and praised the Kolta community’s commitment to social advancement and collective welfare.

He encouraged community members to preserve their cultural heritage while embracing opportunities for development.

Rajya Sabha MP Devendra Pratap Singh stressed the importance of education in achieving social progress.

He urged parents to provide children with quality education as well as strong moral values.

Singh emphasised respect for parents and elders and encouraged the community to support economically and socially disadvantaged members.

Both parliamentarians highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring that progress reached every section of society.

Traditional Nuakhai Meal Reinforces Community Bonds

The ceremony reflected the cultural and social significance of Nuakhai through traditional customs, collective participation and recognition of educational achievement.

Chief Minister Sai joined community leaders, public representatives and members of the Kolta Samaj in partaking of a traditional Nuakhai meal.

The gathering provided an opportunity to celebrate the new harvest, honour talented students and discuss the community’s developmental needs.

The programme brought together the themes of cultural preservation, agricultural prosperity, educational advancement and social unity.

Raigarh Mayor Jeevardhan Chouhan, District Panchayat Vice-President Deepak Sidar, Arundhar Diwan, Gurupal Bhalla, Subhash Pandey, Shrikant Somawar, Satyanand Rathia and Vikas Kedia were among those present, along with community office-bearers, public representatives, distinguished citizens and a large gathering of Kolta Samaj members.

Agriculture, Education and Community Development Must Advance Together

The Nuakhai Bhetghat and Meritorious Students Felicitation Ceremony served as a platform for recognising the Kolta community’s cultural heritage while addressing the practical requirements of farmers, students and local residents.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s announcements regarding community infrastructure, his emphasis on irrigation expansion and his appeal for educational excellence reflected the government’s stated priorities for rural and social development.

The proposed community buildings at Kotraliya and Pusaur, the continuing focus on the Kelo Irrigation Project and the recognition of talented students were among the significant outcomes of the event.

For the farming communities of Raigarh, the Chief Minister’s central message was that agricultural prosperity, cultural identity, good governance and inclusive development must advance together.

The celebration concluded with a renewed emphasis on preserving traditions, supporting farmers, empowering young people and ensuring that development opportunities reach every section of society.