The Government is Moving Forward with the Goal of Comprehensive Development of Tribal Areas: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai

Historic role of tribal communities in preserving ancient culture and traditions

Announcement of construction of ‘Tribal Pride Path’ and installation of statues of great tribal leaders

Chief Minister Shri Sai participates in Gaura Puja and Baiga Pujari Conference

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai today participated in the Gaura Puja Festival and Baiga Pujari Conference held at Maharshi Valmiki Ashram, ITI Rampur, in Korba district. Extending his greetings on the occasion of Gaura-Gauri worship and the Baiga Pujari Conference, he said that tribal society has a glorious history, a distinct culture, and rich traditions. The Baiga and Pujari communities continue to play a vital role in preserving these traditions even today.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai announced that the road from ITI Chowk to Balco Road would be named ‘Tribal Pride Path’, and statues of eminent tribal leaders would be installed at the starting point of this route.

Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee created the state of Chhattisgarh with the objective of bringing the tribal community, which constitutes the largest population here, into the mainstream of development. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has further enhanced the dignity and recognition of tribal society by declaring November 15, the birth anniversary of martyr Birsa Munda, as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (Tribal Pride Day) and launching the Dharti Aaba Utkarsh Yojana. In addition, through the PM Janman Yojana, efforts are being made to bring Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups into the development framework.

The Chief Minister said it is a matter of pride that today the highest constitutional office of the country is held by a daughter of the tribal community, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu, and that the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh himself is also a son of the tribal community coming from a simple farming family.

Chief Minister Shri Sai informed that a provision of Rs. 80,000 crore has been allocated for the Dharti Aaba Gram Utkarsh Yojana and Rs. 24,000 crore for the PM Janman Yojana, benefiting 6,691 villages in Chhattisgarh. He said special efforts are being made for the upliftment of PVTG communities such as Pahari Korwa and Birhor. Infrastructure such as roads, healthcare, education, and other basic facilities is rapidly expanding in tribal regions. To further accelerate development in tribal and backward areas, a dedicated authority has been constituted in the state.

Referring to his personal life, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that after completing his education, he himself worked as a volunteer in the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram. He added that tribal society has traditionally worshipped Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the form of Gaura-Gauri since ancient times.

He stated that a large Digital Tribal Museum has been established in Nava Raipur to preserve the legacy of tribal heroes, document their contributions, and educate the younger generation. The museum features illustrated narratives of the lives of great tribal personalities.

Chief Minister Shri Sai further said that to promote the preservation of tribal culture and traditions, Baiga, Guniya, and Sirha are being provided an annual honorarium of Rs. 5,000. Additionally, Sarna sites will be conserved, which will not only protect cultural heritage but also contribute significantly toward economic empowerment.

Addressing the conference, Industry Minister Shri Lakhanlal Devangan said that just as Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is advancing with the vision of a Developed India, rapid progress is also being made towards a Developed Chhattisgarh under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai. He added that the district has many ancient sites of deities, which are being developed under the Chief Minister’s guidance to create new tourism identities.

Katghora MLA Shri Premchand Patel, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram office bearers Shri Pantarama Bhagat and Shri Birbal Singh also addressed the gathering. On this occasion, Mayor Smt. Sanju Devi Rajput, former Minister Shri Nanki Ram Kanwar, representatives of Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, public representatives, and a large number of distinguished citizens were present.