Naxal-free Chhattisgarh continues to move forward on the path of progress - Chief Minister Shri Sahay

Naxal-free Chhattisgarh continues to move forward on the path of progress - Chief Minister Shri Sahay Chief Minister Shri Sahay participated in the ITV Network and India News Youth Forum program Chief Minister honored distinguished individuals for outstanding contributions in various fields Raypur / Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sahay this evening attended the ITV Network and India News Youth Forum program held at a private hotel in Mahoba market, capital Raypur. Addressing the program, Chief Minister Shri Sahay said that after the eradication of Naxalism, Chhattisgarh is now moving continuously on the path of coordinated progress. The government is committed to goal‑oriented development from Surguja to Bastar across the state. On this occasion, the Chief Minister honored distinguished individuals for outstanding contributions in various fields. In the Youth Forum, Chief Minister Shri Sahay said that Naxalism was a major obstacle to Chhattisgarh's development. After the formation of our government, a meeting on Naxalism chaired by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah revealed that the majority of the remaining Naxal problem in the country was in Chhattisgarh. Consequently, under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the determination of Home Minister Amit Shah, a deadline was set and our security forces displayed indomitable courage, making Chhattisgarh Naxal‑free. Chief Minister Shri Sahay said that Chhattisgarh has immense potential for tourism development. Bastar's Chitrakot Waterfall, known as the Niagara of India, and Dhudmaras village, listed by the UN World Tourism Organization among the world's best tourism villages, attract visitors for bamboo rafting and homestays. The new industrial policy also includes tourism to promote it in the state. Chief Minister Shri Sahay stated that Chhattisgarh has the strictest anti‑conversion law in the country, and those attempting to induce religious conversion are now facing stringent action. After studying laws of other states, a Freedom of Religion Bill was introduced in Chhattisgarh. He affirmed the government's full commitment to safeguarding the future of youth, with strict action taken against corruption in PSC and transparent recruitment processes, reassuring both candidates and their parents. The Chief Minister emphasized continuous dialogue with youth, welcoming all suggestions, as youth are the nation's future and their inputs are vital for policy making. He noted that Chhattisgarh is a tribal‑dominant state; former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee established the Ministry of Tribal Welfare for tribal development, and the Dharti Aba Tribal Village Utkarshe campaign includes 6,000 villages. The state has five particularly backward tribes, whose upliftment is a priority. Regarding education, the Chief Minister said that education is the mantra of development; without it, progress is impossible. Schools operate at every level across Chhattisgarh, with colleges in every block. After Bastar became Naxal‑free, an Education City is being built, with budget provisions. The state is also working on the Education Mission and aims to establish a Tribal University to benefit tribal children. In health, the Chief Minister reported continuous development: 15 medical colleges operate in the state, five new colleges have received approval with a total of 250 seats, and classes will start this year. A super‑specialty hospital in Bastar now treats brain tumors. Under the Swasth Bastar campaign, 3.4 million people have undergone health check‑ups and 40,000 have received treatment, with schemes like Munne and Niyad Nellanar benefiting residents. Under the new industrial policy, the state has signed MoUs worth 8 lakh crore, leading to visible impacts on the ground, with semiconductor plants, AI data centers, and textile projects underway. Incentives are provided for entrepreneurs creating jobs for 1,000 youth, and a monsoon employment fair will be organized to offer job opportunities across sectors. The event was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Shri Kartikeya Sharma, ITV Network and India News officials, and distinguished citizens.