Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that empowering Panchayati Raj institutions is central to building a strong foundation for a developed India. Addressing a gathering on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day at the Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur, he emphasized the importance of grassroots governance in driving rural development.
Referring to the leadership of Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister noted that villages across the country are witnessing a new phase of development. He stressed that active participation of Panchayat representatives is crucial to ensure that government schemes reach even the last person in the queue.
Sharing his personal journey, Sai said his political career began at the Panchayat level, where he served as a Panch and Sarpanch. He added that such grassroots experience plays a vital role in shaping leadership and policy decisions.
Highlighting ongoing initiatives, he said schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana are providing permanent housing to rural families, while the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana has significantly improved connectivity in villages. He also mentioned the role of digital service centers in delivering banking, pension, insurance, and utility services in rural areas.
The Chief Minister urged Panchayat representatives to ensure regular monitoring of development works so that projects are completed on time and with quality. He also spoke about the goals of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, which aims to provide clean drinking water to every household, calling for active participation from local bodies.
Sai further highlighted the upcoming Sushasan Tihar, an initiative aimed at resolving public grievances through camps, and appealed to representatives to actively participate in identifying and addressing local issues. He also mentioned a state scheme to ease pending electricity bill payments by waiving surcharges and offering additional relief.
Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that benefits of welfare schemes reach the last mile, in line with the vision of inclusive development.
During the event, the Chief Minister also reviewed various development projects showcased through exhibition stalls. He appreciated initiatives such as health camps, women’s skill training programs, and innovative projects aimed at improving livelihoods and healthcare access.
The conference saw participation from elected representatives across Panchayati Raj institutions, along with public representatives and officials, highlighting the government’s focus on strengthening rural governance and accelerating development at the grassroots level.
