Chhattisgarh News: A grand state level Tribal Pride Day celebration was organized on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda on 15 November in Dharamjaygarh of Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh. Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, many public representatives and a large number of people from the tribal community participated in this program organized at the historical Dussehra ground. Rajya Sabha MP Nitin Naveen addressed the program through virtual medium. On this occasion, many important announcements were made in respect of the tribal society, peace and development in Bastar and in the interest of farmers.
Remembered the sacrifice of tribal heroes
Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai said that the life of Lord Birsa Munda inspires courage, struggle and self-respect. He united the tribal society against the injustice of the British rule and sacrificed his life for the country at the age of only 25. The Chief Minister said that preserving the culture, traditions and identity of the tribal society is the priority of the government. He also remembered the contribution of Veer Narayan Singh, Veer Gundadhur and other tribal freedom fighters.
Development facilities reaching 6,691 villages
The Chief Minister said that under the Dharti Aaba Tribal Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, facilities like roads, electricity, drinking water, education and health are being expanded in 6,691 villages of the state. Work is being done especially on the development of vulnerable tribal groups through PM-Janman Yojana. He said that about 1,600 Prime Minister's houses are being built every day in the state. Under Mahtari Vandan Yojana, about 68 lakh women are being given one thousand rupees every month. So far, approximately Rs 21,350 crore has been released in 33 installments. At the same time, the rate of tendu leaf collection has been increased to Rs 5,500 per standard bag.
Promotion of education and sports instead of violence in Bastar
Rajya Sabha MP Nitin Naveen said that Bastar's identity is now being formed not by violence, but by education, sports, culture and development. He said that playgrounds are now being prepared in areas where the sound of guns was heard earlier. Chief Minister Sai also said that development is being brought to remote areas through programs like Niyad Nellanar and Bastar Munne. Under the Chief Minister Swasth Bastar Abhiyan, health checkup of about 35 lakh people has been done. Education cities are being developed in Jagargunda and Orchha. More than 1.5 lakh people took part in the 2024 Bastar Olympics. Apart from this, 408 students of Eklavya Vidyalayas achieved success in NEET and about 346 students achieved success in JEE Mains.
Honoring tribal personalities and artists
In the programme, the Chief Minister honored Padmashree awardees Budhri Tati, Jageshwar Yadav and Pandi Ram Mandavi. Prizes were given to the winning teams of tribal dance competitions. Honor money was also distributed to the officials associated with the boat-driver system and bonus to tendu leaf collectors. The Chief Minister visited various stalls set up at the venue and took information about tribal art, culture and traditional products.
Full assistance to eligible farmers selling less paddy
Making a big announcement for the farmers, the Chief Minister said that eligible farmers selling less than 21 quintals of paddy per acre will also be given full input assistance amount under Krishak Unnati Yojana. Eligible farmers will get Rs 13,839 per acre. This will provide relief to small, marginal and tribal farmers in low production areas.
The Chief Minister said that paddy procurement has started from November 15 for the Kharif marketing year 2026-27. 360 new procurement centers have been opened for the convenience of farmers. Now there are a total of 3,100 paddy procurement centers in the state. With this, farmers will not have to go far to sell their produce and crowding at the centers will be reduced. Many ministers, MPs and public representatives including Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao and Vijay Sharma were present in the program.