Our government is working with determination to make this land, rich in wealth and prosperity, beautiful, prosperous, safe, and developed: Chief Minister Sai

In Short

• Journalists from Sikkim loved Chhattisgarh, saying that Chhattisgarh’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and the people’s cordial behavior were deeply impressive.

• “Chhattisgarh made us proud to be Indian” – Journalist Archana Pradhan

• Journalists from Sikkim on a study tour met with the Chief Minister.

• Chief Minister’s Kanya Vivah Yojana, farmer-friendly schemes, industrial policy, and Naxal rehabilitation policy received praise.

Raipur: Chhattisgarh is a state rich in natural resources, and our government is working with determination to make this land, rich in wealth and prosperity, beautiful, prosperous, safe, and developed.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met with a group of journalists from Sikkim on a study tour at his residence office on Thursday February 12, 2026 , had a cordial conversation, and shared many things about Chhattisgarh with them.

He welcomed and greeted all the guests by presenting them with a state scarf. All the journalists were overwhelmed by the Chief Minister’s kindness and hospitality, and he invited them to visit Sikkim.

The Chief Minister stated that Chhattisgarh is 44% forested, and 31% is inhabited by tribal communities. Tribal communities are becoming economically empowered through forest produce collection and value addition.

In Jashpur district, women from self-help groups are generating income by producing products under the “Jashpure” brand. He stated that the government pays ₹5,500 per standard bag for tendu leaf collection, and free slippers are being provided under the Charan Paduka Yojana.

Referring to the Chief Minister’s Kanya Vivah Yojana, the Chief Minister said that this scheme was launched in 2005 to address the concerns of poor families about the marriage of their daughters. Recently, more than 6,000 couples have tied the knot under this scheme, earning it a place in the Golden Book of World Records.

He informed that under the scheme, newlyweds are provided financial assistance of ₹35,000 and material support of ₹15,000.

On the issue of Naxalism, the Chief Minister said that due to the successful leadership and strong will of the Central Government, Naxalism is now on its last legs in the state. Under the state government’s attractive rehabilitation policy, surrendered Naxalites are provided with a financial assistance of ₹50,000 and a monthly allowance of ₹10,000 for three years.

More than 2,500 Naxalites have surrendered so far. Efforts are also being made to connect them with employment through skill training. CM Sai stated that the successful operation of the “Bastar Pandum” cafe by surrendered Naxalites in Jagdalpur is a strong example of this.

The Chief Minister further stated that under the “Niyad Nella Naar” scheme, 17 government schemes have been extended to remote areas, strengthening access to basic amenities such as roads, electricity, water, rations, health, and education.

He said that Naxal-affected areas are now rapidly integrating into the mainstream of development. Regarding tourism potential, the Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh is full of natural beauty. Places like Chitrakoot Falls, Kutumbsar Caves, Abujhmad Forests, and Dhudmaras are the hallmarks of the state.

To promote rural tourism, homestays have been granted industry status, providing financial assistance to villagers for the construction of up to five rooms. Providing information regarding health and industrial development, the Chief Minister stated that a Medicity is being constructed on 100 acres in Nava Raipur, providing accessible healthcare services for the low-income group. Referring to the state’s attractive new industrial policy, he said that under this policy, the state has received investment proposals worth approximately ₹8 lakh crore.

Furthermore, the establishment of Chitrotpala Film City will boost the film industry in the state.

“Chhattisgarh has made us proud to be Indian” – Archana Pradhan

Archana Pradhan, a journalist from Sikkim, said that the effective implementation of ‘Make in India’ has been seen in Chhattisgarh. The production of various steel products, including railway tracks, at the Bhilai Steel Plant demonstrates the state’s industrial potential.

She said, “We had the opportunity to observe Chhattisgarh’s industrial units up close and understand the state’s significant contribution to the nation’s development.”

Sikkim Journalists Love Chhattisgarh

Journalists who visited the Chief Minister after their visit expressed their deep appreciation for Chhattisgarh’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and the cordiality of its people.

Sharing their experiences, they praised the local cuisine and cultural heritage. During their five-day visit, the journalists from Sikkim visited the Bhilai Steel Plant, Gevra Open Mines, Nava Raipur, and the Tribal Museum.

They expressed their deep appreciation for the beautiful memories of their visit to Chhattisgarh, which they will cherish for life. They praised the Chief Minister’s Kanya Vivah Yojana, the announcements made in the interest of farmers, the clean environment, and the rehabilitation policy.

Sikkimese souvenir ‘Thangka’ presented to Chief Minister

A team of journalists presented the Chief Minister with a ‘Thangka’ painting, a symbol of Sikkim’s religious and cultural identity. The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude for the gift and described it as a symbol of affection and cultural exchange.
The journalists explained that Sikkimese Thangka paintings are sacred mementos depicting Buddhist deities, mandalas, and scenes from the life of Buddha on cotton or silk fabric.

This handmade art symbolises Sikkim’s religious, spiritual, and cultural identity and is often brought for home decoration and positive energy. Rolled and easily transported, they make excellent souvenirs for travellers. This traditional art form is a symbol of religious faith and belief for the residents of Sikkim.

Present on the occasion were Pankaj Jha, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister; R. Krishna Das, Press Officer to the Chief Minister, Alok Singh, Assistant Director of PIB Gangtok, Manas Pratim Sharma, Assistant Director of PIB Raipur, Sudipto Kar, Purushottam Jha and Sarad Basnet, journalists Benu Prakash Tiwari, Vikas Chhetri, Homnath Dabri, Ishwar, Archana Pradhan, Anushila Sharma, Prakash Adhikari, Lalit Dahal, Vinod Tamang, Mohan Kumar Karki, Nar Bahadur Chhetri .

CM Sai posted on his social media platform X about the meeting –