Viksit Chhattisgarh @2047: How Education, Innovation & Youth Power are Scripting India’s New Development Story

Chhattisgarh’s GER Jumps from 19.6% to 27.5%, Targets 50% by 2035; NEP-2020 Drives Mission-Mode Reforms in Higher Education

GYAN at the Core: Chhattisgarh Bets Big on Youth, Quality Education and Innovation to Build Viksit State by 2047

Centre of Excellence in Every District, NAAC Push, 16 New Institutions: Chhattisgarh’s Higher Education Mission in Top Gear

Viksit Chhattisgarh @2047: Education, Innovation and Power of Youth Shaping a New Story of India’s Development

The development of a prosperous and well-equipped State depends not merely on physical resources, but equally on the intellectual capabilities and skills of its youth. Guided by this vision, Chhattisgarh’s development model has ‘GYAN’ positioned at its core, representing the poor, youth, farmers and women. With youth recognised as a key force for economic and social progress, a comprehensive and outcome-oriented transformation of higher education is underway in Chhattisgarh. Education is now being expanded beyond formal degrees to focus on quality, employability and professional skills aligned with the evolving demands of modern industries.

*Higher Education in Mission Mode: Achievements and Aspirations*

Under the effective implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP-2020), the Department of Higher Education is working in a focused ‘mission mode’. Sustained efforts under the ‘Higher Education Mission Scheme’ have contributed to a significant rise in the State’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER), from 19.6 per cent in 2021-22 to 27.5 per cent currently. The State has set an ambitious target of increasing the GER to 50 per cent by 2035.

Keeping the holistic and inclusive development of students at the forefront, a well-equipped ‘Centre of Excellence’ college is being established in every district of the State. At the same time, a framework for the ‘State Research and Innovation Scheme’ has been prepared to foster a stronger culture of research and innovation.

The effort to make education more deeply rooted in India’s knowledge traditions is also receiving attention. Alongside modern scientific knowledge, the Indian Knowledge System is being given greater prominence in the curricula of various disciplines.

*Quality, Infrastructure and New Employment Opportunities*

To strengthen quality and transparency in higher education, special emphasis is being placed on National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation. Of the 254 eligible government colleges, 200 have successfully completed the assessment process. Similarly, five of the nine eligible universities have completed their assessment.

Academic infrastructure is also being expanded rapidly to meet future requirements. During 2025-26, eight new government colleges, five new private colleges and three new private universities are being established.

To address the shortage of faculty and strengthen academic institutions, the process of direct recruitment to posts of professors, assistant professors, librarians and sports officers has also been initiated.

These coordinated initiatives in higher education are strengthening the State’s human capital, expanding opportunities for students and laying a robust foundation for a developed and prosperous Chhattisgarh by 2047.