Raipur
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the ‘Sneh Ki Dor’ event at Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur ahead of Raksha Bandhan. Schoolgirls, differently-abled girls, and members of women’s self-help groups tied rakhis to personnel of central security forces, the army, and the police during the programme.
Madhuri Verma, wife of sub-inspector Yugal Kishore Verma who died in a Naxal encounter in 2017, tied a rakhi to the chief minister. Sai expressed his gratitude and reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting the families of martyred soldiers. He stated that the families of martyrs are part of his own family and the government stands with them in every joy and sorrow.
The chief minister noted that the gradual end of Naxalism in Chhattisgarh is the biggest gift of security and trust for women. Security forces have shown immense courage to free the state from Naxal terror. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the courage of security personnel for paving the way for peace and development in the Bastar region.
Around 800 personnel from the CISF, BSF, ITBP, CRPF, Army, and police participated in the event. Women and girls tied rakhis to them, expressing gratitude for their service. The security personnel took a pledge to protect women. The chief minister also administered an oath to the citizens to protect the unity and integrity of the country.
Sai announced that the state government will transfer ₹631 crore as the 31st instalment of the Mahtari Vandan Yojana to the bank accounts of nearly 68 lakh women ahead of the festival. Eligible women receive financial assistance of ₹1,000 per month under this scheme. He noted that over 30 lakh women are associated with 2.42 lakh self-help groups in the state, and 13.85 lakh women have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’.
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap spoke at the event, highlighting the contribution of central security forces and paramilitary forces in the fight against Naxalism.
During the programme, Sai launched five projects for Raipur district. ‘Harit Poshanam’ aims to provide fruit saplings and seeds to anganwadis and women’s groups to promote nutrition gardens. ‘Project Niramay’ will facilitate health and blood tests for 65,920 students across 215 high and higher secondary schools in Raipur district, providing free treatment if needed.
‘Tiranga Shakti Fest’ will feature monthly events in Raipur focusing on social harmony, culture, and youth leadership. ‘Raipur Unfiltered’ is a podcast series featuring prominent personalities and artists from Chhattisgarh. ‘Project Ahigundik’ is a special campaign to connect the Saura (snake charmer) community in the district with mainstream government schemes like Aadhaar, Ayushman cards, and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
Rajya Sabha MP Laxmi Verma, MLAs Sunil Soni and Purandar Mishra, Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board chairman Rampratap Singh, State Telghani Development Board chairman Jitendra Kumar Sahu, Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation chairman Lokesh Kawadiya, Mayor Meenal Choubey, Zila Panchayat chairman Naveen Agrawal, and Collector Gaurav Singh attended the event.
