Complete the ongoing development works on time, start the unstarted works soon: Industry Minister
Raipur. State's Industry, Public Enterprises, Excise and Labour Minister Shri Lakhanlal Devangan yesterday gave strict instructions to the officials of Municipal Corporation Korba and said that the ongoing development works in the wards of the corporation area should be completed within the time limit and the works which have not been started yet should be started soon. He said that action should be taken against the construction agencies which delay in starting the construction works and stop the work midway after starting it, notice should be given and if the work is still not started then the security amount should be confiscated and action should also be taken to blacklist such construction agencies. He said that it should be finally ensured that the development work being done is of complete quality and it should also be ensured that there is no compromise with the q

Industry Minister Lakhanlal Dewangan issued these instructions to officials during a development review meeting. Minister Dewangan held a meeting with officials and ward councilors from the Darri Zone and Sarvamangalanagar Zone of the Korba Municipal Corporation and reviewed development projects in the 20 wards of these zones, ward-wise. Mayor Sanjudevi Rajput, Commissioner Ashutosh Pandey, Chairman Nutan Singh Thakur, and Senior Councilor Narendra Dewangan were also present. Currently, a total of 166 approved works have been approved in the Darri Zone and Sarvamangalanagar Zone. Of the 112 approved works in the 14 wards of the Darri Zone, 45 have been completed, 45 are in progress, and 22 are pending. Similarly, of the 54 approved development works in the six wards of the Sarvamangalanagar Zone, 28 are completed, 14 are in progress, and 12 are pending. While reviewing the unstarted development works ward-wise, Industry Minister Mr. Devangan gave strict instructions to the officials to issue notices to the concerned construction agencies and get the works started soon. Similarly, during the review of the ongoing development works, it came to light that some works were stopped midway. On this, Industry Minister Mr. Devangan took a strict stand and directed the officials to issue notices to the concerned construction agencies to start the work. However, if they still do not start the work, then their security deposit should be confiscated and action should be taken to blacklist them. Industry Minister Mr. Devangan told the officials that during the execution of development and construction works, the conguid

Raipur. The Gyan Bharatam National Manuscript Survey Campaign, run by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has achieved a historic milestone in Chhattisgarh's Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district. Centuries-old rare manuscripts and documents have been discovered in the old settlement of Pendra town, and they have now been digitally preserved for future preservation.

The survey team recovered invaluable treasures from two key locations
in Ward No. 4 of Pendra. Several religious texts, including a 500-year-old handwritten version of the Bhagavad Gita, were found at the residence of Pandit Mohan Dutt Sharma. These manuscripts were a highlight, and Collector Dr. Santosh Kumar Dewangan bowed to them with reverence. During the survey, a nearly 200-year-old handwritten zamindari genealogy and historical maps related to the revenue and forest departments of the Pendragarh region were also recovered from the residence of District Panchayat Vice President Raja Upendra Bahadur Singh. These documents were also preserved through digital technology. The Collector discussed in detail with Raja Upendra Bahadur Singh and his wife, Mrs. Shikha Singh, regarding family history, zamindari traditions, and historical treasures. He noted that such documents play a vital role in understanding local history and administrative structures.

Precious Manuscripts of Religious and Classical Knowledge 
Among the manuscripts obtained are Lagna Chandrika, ItichandrikaAkhyatPrarambha:, AthaSriBhagavataMahatyampraragyate, YadvadashaMahavakyaNinyeyiPrarambha:, ShirghavodhashathikaPrarambha:Ramachandrayanama: and Iti Sarasvata Tadvit Process Completed: Samvat 1925 Sri: Ashwin Shukla includes ancient handwritten material such as. The language, writing style and state of preservation of these texts reflect the rich tradition of ancient Indian learning, Sanskrit literature and religious studies.

Offers prayers at Jagannath Temple for prosperity and well-being of people

Raipur, May 10, 2026/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday attended the Harinam Sankirtan Namyagya organized at Shri Jagannath Temple in Gayatri Nagar area of Raipur. He offered prayers to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra and prayed for the happiness, prosperity and well-being of the people of the state.

Describing Harinam Sankirtan as an integral part of India’s spiritual and cultural legacy, Chief Minister said such events strengthen communal harmony and bring people together through devotion.

MLA Shri Purandar Mishra along with other public representatives, dignitaries and devotees were also present on the occasion.

Video calling system launched in Raipur women's jail

Prisoners found a way to connect with their loved ones

Raipur, May 10, 2026: On the loving occasion of Mother's Day, a new ray of joy has dawned on the inmates of Raipur's women's prison. Following an announcement by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, the prison administration has presented the inmates with the much-awaited gift of the Prison Inmate Video Calling System.

The distance from loved ones will be less

The video calling system was established under a contract between the Prison Department and BSNL. Now, female prisoners will be able to communicate directly with their families and lawyers via video calls, which will help with their mental support and legal consultations.

Respect for talent

Thirty-eight female prisoners who completed skills development training under the Nishchay program were honored with certificates. This is a major step toward their rehabilitation and future self-reliance.

Special gifts were distributed by the department to 14 innocent children living with their mothers in the jail, which brought smiles on the faces of the children and made the atmosphere of the jail premises festive. Senior jail and administration officials were present on the occasion of the launch of this sensitive initiative, mainly Mr. Himanshu Gupta (DG, Jail), Mr. Yogesh Singh Kshatriya (Jail Superintendent), Mr. Vijay Chhablani (Representative, BSNL), Ms. Garima Pandey (Incharge, Women's Jail) and all the jail staff and concerned women prisoners were present. This initiative will not only serve as a medium to connect the prisoners with their human rights and family, but will also set an excellent example of technological integration towards prison reform.

Raipur, 10 May 2026/ A special grand function was organized today in Central Jail and Women Jail, Raipur under Chhattisgarh Government's ambitious scheme Nishchay. The main objective of this program is to take young prisoners away from the world of crime and lead them towards self-reliance and respectable life. Zen Ji Nishchay program is being run in all the jails of Chhattisgarh with the aim of preventing young prisoners from going back into the quagmire of crime. Under this program, young prisoners are provided counseling, knowledge of guilt, self-employment oriented skill training and loan through bank for self-employment after release.

From skill development to self-reliance

During the ceremony, a total of 67 inmates were awarded skill development certificates upon completion of their training. These included 38 female inmates and 29 male inmates.
The Nishchay program aims to provide inmates with knowledge of crime, psychological counseling, and employment-oriented training under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Vijay Sharma and supported by the Chief Minister's Secretary Mr. Rahul Bhagat.

Computer center for technical education inaugurated

To promote digital literacy, a computer training center was formally inaugurated today at the Central Jail, Raipur. Inmates will now be able to receive basic and advanced computer training within the prison, which will enhance their employment opportunities after release.

Upcoming Loan Mela Financial Assistance for Self-Employment

Not limiting the rehabilitation of prisoners to just training, preparations have also been completed to empower them financially. On May 13, 2026, a loan fair will be organized by the Indian Overseas Bank in the Central Jail premises, the objective of which is to provide easy loans to the prisoners who are about to be released, to start their own business. On this occasion, DG (Prisons) Mr. Himanshu Gupta, Jail Superintendent Mr. Yogesh Singh Kshatriya, Women Jail Incharge Ms. Garima Pandey along with all the officers and employees of the jail administration were present.

Bilaspur : Narayan Sahu, driver of businessman Suryakant Tiwari, accused in Chhattisgarh's famous coal levy scam, has not got any relief from the High Court.

The court rejected his bail plea, stating that he was not just a driver but an active member of the entire extortion network. The court also acknowledged that Suryakant Tiwari had purchased properties in his name.

The EOW has reportedly been searching for Narayan Sahu for nearly two years. He was arrested about two months ago. According to investigating agencies, he played a key role in the collection and transfer of funds related to the coal levy.

After his arrest, Narayan Sahu first filed a bail petition in the EOW Special Court, which was rejected. He then appealed to the High Court, claiming that he was merely a driver and that there was no concrete evidence against him. He also alleged that he was pressured into making a statement.

The state government, opposing the bail plea, told the court that the investigation had found Narayan Sahu's role to be extremely serious. According to agencies, he was involved in illegal cash collection of approximately ₹13 crore through an alleged coal levy syndicate. He remained absconding for nearly two and a half years and was not cooperating with the investigation.

After the hearing, the High Court stated that the investigating agencies have substantial and serious evidence against the accused, and that several entries in his name were found in the seized diary.

According to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), more than ₹570 crore was illegally collected through irregularities in coal transportation and permitting procedures in Chhattisgarh. Several IAS officers, businessmen, and former ministers are also under investigation in this case.

Raipur: Mass marriage ceremonies were organised in Jashpur district on Friday under the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana, run under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai.

A total of 65 couples tied the knot in ceremonies held in various project areas of the district. The marriages of the newlyweds, both from the Hindu and Christian communities, were solemnized with traditional rituals.

A special feature of this event was that a deaf and mute couple in the Bagicha Project area also married, setting an inspiration for everyone. Public representatives, officials, and local residents present at the ceremony wished the newlyweds a happy married life.

According to reports, a total of 20 couples, 13 from Hindu and 7 from Christian communities, were married in the Bagicha Project area. Meanwhile, 12 couples, 9 from Hindu and 3 from Christian communities, tied the knot in the Kansabel Project. Furthermore, a mass wedding was held in the Bagicha Project for 32 couples, 6 from Hindu and 26 from Christian communities.

Public representatives from the District Panchayat and Janpad Panchayat, along with officials from various departments, were present at the program. All described the Chief Minister's Kanya Vivah Yojana as an initiative that strengthens social harmony and the spirit of cooperation.

Under this scheme, run by the Women and Child Development Department, each couple receives a financial assistance of ₹50,000. This includes ₹8,000 for wedding arrangements, ₹7,000 for utility items, and ₹35,000 in the form of a check for the bride. The newlyweds are also provided with a marriage certificate. This scheme is becoming an effective means for economically disadvantaged families to have respectable marriages.

Raipur. Chhattisgarh is now gaining recognition in the country for its rich forest resources and herbal products. Known as the Herbal State, the "green gold" from forests is now giving a new direction to the rural economy.

Products made from tendu leaves, bamboo, lacquer, honey, and medicinal plants are now reaching global markets. This is not only conserving forests but also increasing rural incomes.

Tendu leaves and bamboo are considered the state's largest sources of "green gold." Precious trees such as teak, sal, bija, and rosewood are also abundant here. Modern technology is now being used to process these forest produce into high-value products.

The central processing unit established in Jamgaon is considered a major initiative in this direction. Inaugurated by Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai and Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, the unit produces juices, candies, and herbal powders from products like amla, bael, giloy, and ashwagandha. Modern warehouses with a capacity of 20,000 metric tons have also been built here.

Chhattisgarh Herbals, the state government's official brand, is now gaining popularity. Its products are also available on e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. Demand has surged for products like Bhringraj oil, Neem oil, Chyawanprash, pure honey, and Bael sherbet.

Women's self-help groups play a crucial role in this entire system. Tribal and rural women are handling machine operation, packaging, and quality control. This has increased women's income and reduced rural migration. The herbal extraction units established in the state have given Chhattisgarh a new identity as a herbal manufacturing hub.

Raipur. The Chhattisgarh government's Urban Administration and Development Department has issued transfer orders for several engineers, carrying out administrative reshuffles. Executive engineers and assistant engineers posted in various municipal corporations and municipal bodies across the state have been assigned new responsibilities.

According to the order issued, Lal Mahendra Pratap Singh has been transferred from the Raipur Municipal Corporation to the Bilaspur Municipal Corporation. Dinesh Netam has been posted from Kawardha to the Joint Director's Office in Durg.

Similarly, Brijesh Srivastava has been transferred from Kondagaon to Bilaspur, while Lalit Kumar Trivedi has been given the responsibility of Executive Engineer in-charge in Bilaspur.

Several changes have also been made in the Durg division. C.B. Parganiha has been transferred from Durg to Dhamtari. Hemant Kumar Sahu has been transferred from Bhilai-Charoda to the Durg Municipal Corporation. Chandrashekhar Sarathi has been given a new responsibility in the Champa Municipality from Raigarh.

Apart from this, Gagan Vasan, posted in Nava Raipur, will now provide his services in Municipal Corporation Jagdalpur.

To expedite administrative work, Sunil Dubey, Executive Engineer of the Municipal Corporation of Risali, has been given additional responsibility. Along with his current duties, he has been given the additional charge of Superintending Engineer at the Joint Director, Urban Administration and Development, Regional Office, Durg.

This decision of the government is being considered an important step towards accelerating urban development works and strengthening the administrative system.

Ms. Pushpa Sahu became the Secretary of the Board of Secondary Education, Ms. Roktima Yadav took charge as the Collector of Korea.

Raipur, 08 May 2026/ The state government has issued new appointments while reshuffling the responsibilities of the Indian Administrative Service officers. Under this order, important changes have been made at the education and district level. Ms. Pushpa Sahu, an IAS officer of the year 2012 batch, has been appointed as Secretary, Board of Secondary Education. It is noteworthy that under the order issued on 6 May 2026, Ms. Pushpa Sahu was posted as Collector, District-Koriya, in which, after making a partial amendment, she has been posted as Secretary, Board of Secondary Education.

Mrs. Roktima Yadav, a 2016 batch IAS officer, has been appointed the new Collector of Korea District. She will hold this position temporarily until further orders. Under an order dated May 6, 2026, Mrs. Roktima Yadav was appointed Commissioner of Higher Education, which has been partially modified to become Collector of Korea District.

Mrs. Rita Yadav, a 2019 batch IAS officer, has been appointed Commissioner of Higher Education. She has also been given the additional charge of Managing Director, Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA). Upon assuming her position, this post will be considered equivalent to a cadre post with a senior pay scale.

Public welfare works started in the Bag dominated village Kamarkhol of Kabirdham district.

Raipur, May 8, 2026: The impact of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai's Chaupal, held during Good Governance Festival in Kamrakhol, a remote forested village in Kabirdham district's Baiga-dominated region, is now visible on the ground. The district administration has taken prompt action on the announcements made by Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, approving the demands raised by the villagers at the Chaupal, and has initiated work related to drinking water, water conservation, and community amenities.

It is noteworthy that on May 4, as part of the statewide Good Governance Festival, which began on May 1, Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai held a surprise public meeting in the remote forest village of Kamarkhol in Kabirdham district. During the meeting, villagers raised demands for a solution to the drinking water problem in the village, construction of a shed at the Muktidham, and deepening of the old pond. Chief Minister Shri Sai announced his approval of these demands on the spot. Now, the district administration has implemented these announcements and initiated the work.

Kabirdham Collector Shri Gopal Verma informed that taking immediate action on the announcement made by the Chief Minister, the Public Health Engineering Department has started digging tube wells to expand the drinking water system in the village. Also, two works have been approved under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme at a cost of 12 lakh 15 thousand rupees. These works will help the villagers in water conservation along with providing employment. Also, on the demand of the villagers, a permanent Muktidham shed will be constructed in the village. Instructions have been given to start the work immediately and complete it on time so that the villagers can get its benefits.

Giving information, Chief Executive Officer of District Panchayat Kabirdham, Mr. Abhishek Agarwal said that the work of deepening the old government pond and construction of Pachari has been approved at a cost of Rs. 8.48 lakh, in which the villagers will get employment of 3249 man days and wages of Rs. 6.34 lakh are proposed to be paid. Similarly, in the construction of Muktidham shed, the villagers will get employment of 138 man days and a permanent asset will be constructed in the village.

Villagers say they previously faced difficulties accessing drinking water and community amenities. The swift action taken on demands raised at the village meeting has boosted public confidence. Approximately 130 members of the Baiga community, a special backward tribe, will directly benefit from these works. Pond deepening will strengthen water conservation, while employment-oriented projects will provide local work for villagers.

Following the instructions of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, the Collector tightened his belt and set a deadline to complete the work within a month.

Raipur, May 7, 2026 / The administration has taken a major initiative to address the severe drinking water crisis in Chhattisgarh's Surguja district. On the instructions of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, 113 new hand pumps and borewells are being installed in Pahari Korwa (a particularly vulnerable tribal group) settlements and remote forest areas. Providing safe drinking water near homes to villagers living in remote hilly areas and reducing their dependence on traditional, distant water sources remains

a top priority for the government. People living in remote forest areas should not be deprived of basic amenities, and ensuring that the benefits of welfare schemes, especially essential services, reach the last person remains a top priority.

The result of the Chief Minister's sensitivity

Recently, during his visit to Surguja, Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai took the drinking water problem seriously and directed the District Collector to take immediate and effective action. The Chief Minister's clear instructions were that villagers living in the forest region should not be deprived of basic amenities.

The collector gave a one-month deadline.

In compliance with the Chief Minister's directives, Surguja Collector and DMF (CDF) Chairman Mr. Ajit Vasant has activated the administrative machinery. He has issued strict instructions to the concerned departments and District Panchayat CEOs to complete all 113 hand pumps and borewell excavations within one month.

Where and how many hand pumps will be installed?

The on-site survey for these works, approved under the District Mineral Foundation Trust (DMIT), has been completed. Using funds from the District Mineral Fund, the work will be carried out in various development blocks, including 34 new hand pumps in Lundra, six in Batauli, 22 in Lakhanpur, 11 in Ambikapur, 16 in Sitapur, 20 in Mainpat, and four in Udaipur.

Approval received at a high-level meeting

Tourism Minister Mr. Rajesh Agrawal and Lundra MLA Mr. Prabodh Minj, along with other members, approved this work as a priority at the District Mineral Foundation Trust's Governing Council meeting held on April 24. This initiative will free thousands of residents of hundreds of villages in the district, especially hill Korwa families, from their dependence on traditional wells and distant water sources, providing them with access to clean drinking water near their homes.

All civic bodies have been asked to check hand pumps, bore wells and other water supply systems once a week and carry out necessary repairs.

Instructions were also given to immediately repair any leakage or damage in the pipeline, and to relocate pipelines and house-service connections passing through drains.

He asked to open drinking water stalls at important public places and also ensure drinking water arrangements for livestock.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao had given instructions in the review meeting to ensure continuous and proper drinking water supply during summer.

Raipur. 8 May 2026. The Urban Administration and Development Department has given instructions to all bodies to resolve the drinking water crisis. The department has issued a circular to the commissioners of all municipal corporations and chief municipal officers of municipalities and town councils in the state, giving detailed guidelines in this regard. The department has asked all bodies to check hand pumps, borewells and other water supply systems once a week and carry out necessary repairs. It has also given instructions to immediately repair leakages or breakages in pipelines and to relocate pipelines and house-service connections passing through drains.

Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Administration and Development Minister Shri Arun Sao recently directed the municipal bodies during a review meeting to ensure continuous and adequate drinking water supply during the summer. In compliance, the Directorate has issued instructions to all municipal bodies to address the drinking water crisis and ensure the supply of clean and safe drinking water. The department has also directed the identification of wards and settlements where the water level drops during the summer and to ensure water supply through appropriate means.

The Urban Administration Department has said in a circular issued to all bodies that to resolve the summer drinking water crisis, the Commissioner in Municipal Corporations and the Chief Municipal Officer in Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats will be the nodal officers. To resolve the drinking water crisis, they will personally review the resolution of complaints daily. The complaints received for the maintenance and repair of water supply schemes will be recorded in the register and their resolution will be ensured within the time limit. The department has instructed all bodies to ensure the supply of pure drinking water to the people during the summer season by strictly following the instructions issued by the Directorate.

The department has asked the bodies to ensure that bleaching powder solution and sodium hypochlorite are added in the required quantity to disinfect the water of hand pumps. Instructions have also been given to regularly test the amount of chlorine in the water supply and to ensure re-chlorination in the overhead tank as per requirement. Instructions have also been given to ensure cleaning and disinfection of the silt of water purification plants, high level reservoirs and sump wells installed in the bodies. The department has asked to open drinking water stalls at bus stands, markets and other important places and to provide manpower along with water arrangements there. For this, voluntary cooperation can also be taken from social organizations and NGOs.

The Urban Administration Department has asked for early completion of water supply schemes approved under the 15th Finance Commission and other heads. The bodies have been directed to complete such water augmentation schemes and works of Amrit Mission which are in the stage of completion, within 15 days and start drinking water supply. Besides, the bodies have also been directed to immediately start the operation of the completed schemes and ensure that the benefits of drinking water supply schemes reach the citizens. The bodies have also been directed to ensure drinking water arrangements for livestock. For this, necessary arrangements have been asked to be ensured by coordinating with the Water Resources Department and the Public Health Engineering Department for filling water in the ponds for disposal.

Under the Chief Minister's Kanya Vivah Yojana, mass marriage of 150 couples took place in Raigarh district.

Finance Minister Shri O.P. Chaudhary blesses newly married couples

Assistance of Rs 50,000 to each couple, Rs 35,000 transferred directly to their accounts through DBT.

Announcement of additional incentive of Rs. 5,000 each to 45 newlywed brides from the voluntary grant fund.

Raipur, May 8, 2026/ Finance Minister and Raigarh MLA Shri O.P. Choudhary on Friday attended the mass marriage ceremony organized under the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana at Patelpali Krishi Upaj Mandi in Raigarh and blessed the newly married couples and wished them a happy married life. In this mass marriage program organized in various development blocks of the district, a total of 150 newlyweds started their new life by taking seven rounds with Vedic chanting and traditional rituals. The spirit of social harmony, simplicity, culture and family harmony was seen in the event.

As part of mass marriage programs organized in the district, 45 couples were married in Raigarh, 15 in Kharsia development block, 30 in Banjari Dham Kharsia, 30 in Lalunga development block, and 30 in Dharamjaigarh. The Women and Child Development Department made attractive and well-organized preparations at all the venues. The wedding pavilions were decorated with traditional decorations, and proper arrangements were made for the necessary amenities for the bride and groom and their families.

Addressing the event, Finance Minister Shri O.P. Chaudhary said that the Chief Minister's Kanya Vivah Yojana is not just a scheme to facilitate marriages, but an important campaign that promotes social equality, simplicity, and social responsibility. He added that events like mass marriages send an effective message against social evils like the dowry system and become a vehicle for positive change in society.

He said that the state government is working sensitively to ensure the marriages of daughters from poor and needy families are solemnized with dignity. It is the government's priority that no family faces difficulties in marrying off their daughter due to financial constraints.

Referring to the government's transparent system, Mr. Chaudhary said that under the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Yojana, each couple is provided with a financial assistance of Rs. 50,000, of which Rs. 35,000 is transferred directly to the beneficiary's bank account through DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer), so that there is no role for middlemen and eligible beneficiaries can get the full benefit of the scheme. He informed that the remaining amount is spent on the bride and groom's attire, essential items and wedding arrangements. This initiative of the state government is an important step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of the schemes.

On this occasion, Finance Minister Mr. Chaudhary also mentioned the state government's ambitious "Rani Durgavati Yojana." He stated that this scheme is being launched with the goal of ensuring a secure and empowered future for daughters. Under this scheme, upon registration after the birth of a daughter, the government will provide a financial assistance of 1.5 lakh rupees upon reaching the age of 18. He stated that this scheme will prove to be a milestone in the education, self-reliance, and empowerment of daughters.

During the program, Finance Minister Mr. Chaudhary also announced an additional incentive of Rs. 5,000 each from the voluntary grant fund to 45 newlyweds. He said that after the necessary procedures are completed, this amount will be transferred directly to the beneficiaries' bank accounts.

Praising the Gayatri Parivar, which participated in the event, he said that the Gayatri Parivar is doing inspiring work in the field of culture, education, moral values ​​and social reform in the society. Praising the efforts of the officers and employees of the Women and Child Development Department, he said that this event was successfully completed due to the coordinated efforts of all. Raigarh Mayor Shri Jeevardhan Chauhan along with a large number of public representatives, officers, employees and citizens were present in the program.