25 Years of Chhattisgarh: Tracing the State’s Journey of Growth and Development

 

On November 1, 2000, Chhattisgarh emerged as Bharat’s 26th state, carved out of Madhya Pradesh with a vision to empower its tribal heartland and tap its rich natural resources. Twenty-five years later, the state stands as a testament to transformation, evolving from a region rich in resources but lacking infrastructure to one of Bharat’s most promising emerging economies.

 

As the state celebrates its silver jubilee, Chhattisgarh is pushing ahead under Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s leadership, aligning itself with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed Bharat by 2047. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led administration has set a bold agenda focused on good governance, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. Over the past 10 months, the government has introduced systemic reforms, enhanced transparency, and adopted advanced technology to curb corruption and optimise resource management.

 

Marking 25 years of statehood, the government aims to improve service delivery, restore public trust, and uphold accountability. Tackling long-standing challenges such as Naxalism and corruption, it has launched programmes targeting tribal communities, women, and other marginalised sections of society. Sai’s leadership reflects a strong commitment to development and aligns with the Prime Minister’s broader national vision.

 

 

 

 

Chhattisgarh is embracing Bharat’s target of achieving zero carbon emissions by 2070. The state’s new Industry Policy prioritises environmentally sound practices, including the promotion of Artificial Intelligence and “Green Steel” technology. “Our policy focuses on sectors connected to Information Technology and Climate Change, with generous subsidies for AI-driven industries,” Chief Minister Sai stated. In addition, the government is boosting solar energy projects, leveraging local mineral wealth, and developing Naya Raipur as an emerging IT hub.

 

 

The state’s growth is driven by a strategy of inclusive governance. Welfare programmes and digital reforms are at the core of its development plan. Schemes like the Mahatari Vandan Yojana offer financial aid to women, while policy changes have increased reservations for marginalised communities in local governance bodies. These policies reflect Sai’s commitment to uplift every sector of society, from small-scale forest workers to industrial entrepreneurs.

 

 

Chhattisgarh has made significant strides in infrastructure, especially in transport and connectivity. Beginning with the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana under former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, rural road systems have expanded to connect remote areas with urban clusters. Newly developed airports in Jagdalpur and Ambikapur are further strengthening regional accessibility, giving a much-needed boost to trade and tourism.

 

 

 

 

The fight against Naxalism remains a critical priority. Since January 2024, more than 1,700 Naxals have surrendered or been arrested. The government has established 34 new security camps in vulnerable areas, with another 30 planned in the Bastar region. These measures aim to bring peace, security, and development to areas previously under insurgent influence.

 

 

In its earlier tenure, the BJP laid the foundation of several progressive reforms, including a robust Public Distribution System (PDS). Today, the government has strengthened services through digital governance tools like the Sugam app for online property registration and an e-office system to streamline administrative functioning.

 

 

Skill Development: First state to grant a legal right to skill training for youth

 

Universal Health Insurance: First state to offer free health coverage to all citizens

 

Uninterrupted Power Supply: Continuous electricity since 2008 for homes, farms, and industries

 

 

In line with its housing pledge, the state has approved over 18 lakh homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Water accessibility projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission aim to bring clean tap water to more than 10 lakh households. Meanwhile, the newly announced MSME Ministry and Ease of Doing Business Cell are geared towards supporting local entrepreneurs, in collaboration with institutions like the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade and the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship Development.

 

As Chhattisgarh moves forward with its ambitious development blueprint, the state is building a strong foundation for inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and good governance. Guided by Chief Minister Sai’s vision, Chhattisgarh is charting a path towards becoming a model state for the nation, embodying the spirit of progress that Prime Minister Modi has envisioned for Bharat.