Development Works to Be Approved in Line with Local Needs and Public Aspirations: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai conducted a detailed review of the works being undertaken for the holistic development of Other Backward Class (OBC) regions and issued clear instructions to complete all approved development works within the stipulated time frame.

The first meeting of the Chhattisgarh State Rural and Other Backward Class Area Development Authority was held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister at the Public Works Department conference hall at the district headquarters in Durg. During the meeting, a comprehensive review was conducted of major development works approved under the Authority, works under construction from Authority funds, approvals of ongoing projects, allocated budgets, and newly sanctioned works. Suggestions presented by public representatives were discussed in detail.

The primary objective of the meeting was to assess the progress of schemes being implemented for the social, economic, and educational upliftment of the backward class communities in the state, and to formulate future development strategies so that the benefits of development effectively reach the actual beneficiaries.

While reviewing various construction works and public welfare schemes under the Authority, the Chief Minister clearly directed that timely and full utilization of the sanctioned budget must be ensured. He emphasized that the benefits of development works should directly reach the general public and that continuous monitoring at all levels is essential for this purpose.

Addressing all district collectors, the Chief Minister instructed them to ensure efficient implementation of all approved development works, services, and programs in their respective districts. He specifically directed that all sanctioned construction works in OBC-dominated areas be completed on priority and without delay.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister carried out a district-wise review of construction and development works approved under the Authority from the financial year 2020–21 to 2024–25. He took stock of the progress status and issued necessary directions. Development works that have not yet started or are still in progress were identified, and instructions were given to complete them within a two-month time frame. The Chief Minister interacted directly with district collectors to obtain updated status reports and stressed strict adherence to timelines.

It is noteworthy that the main objective of the Chhattisgarh State Rural and Other Backward Class Area Development Authority is to ensure active participation of local public representatives in the rural development process. The Authority provides for consultation with regional leadership, formulation of short-term plans, expansion of basic infrastructure, and swift approval of small-scale construction works in accordance with public expectations.

A total of 35 विधानसभा constituencies are covered under the Authority. Special focus is being placed on the development of basic civic amenities, promotion of social and cultural activities, expansion of educational facilities, and strengthening of health services in these areas. Significant emphasis is also being laid on education and hostel development, along with improving the quality of education for students belonging to Other Backward Classes.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Revenue Minister Shri Tank Ram Verma, Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Lakshmi Rajwade, Scheduled Caste Development Minister Shri Guru Khushwant Saheb, School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav, MP Shri Brijmohan Agrawal, Vice Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Rural and Other Backward Class Area Development Authority Shri Lalit Chandrakar, along with other MLAs and public representatives, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary Shri Basavaraju S., secretaries of various government departments, IGs, Commissioners, Collectors, and other senior officials.