Youth should not just be job seekers, become job creators: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai

Youth should not just be job seekers, become job creators: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai addressed the youth and startup entrepreneurs in a direct dialogue at the Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conclave-2026. He emphasized that the power of youth, innovation and startups will realize the commitment to develop Chhattisgarh. A provision of Rs 500 crore has been made for the Chief Minister Startup and Nipun Scheme. The new industrial policy promotes entrepreneurship, and so far investment proposals worth Rs 8.23 lakh crore have been received in the state. In the value addition of agriculture and forest wealth, there are immense opportunities for the youth, said the Chief Minister. He inspected the Subhas Chandra Bose Biotechnology Incubation Centre. Raypur/Chhattisgarh's youth power is the biggest capital of the state's future. Our effort is that the state's youth should not only look for employment, but become creators of new employment opportunities through their skills, innovation and entrepreneurship. Youth, innovators and startups will play a crucial role in building a developed Chhattisgarh. The state government is providing the necessary environment, infrastructure, technical support and incentives to convert youth ideas into successful enterprises. The chief minister said that today’s youth is not just waiting for opportunities but has the capacity to create new opportunities with their talent. The government’s duty is to provide the right platform, technical support, financial assistance and a favourable policy environment. The startup and innovation ecosystem is being strengthened. The Chief Minister Startup and Nipun Scheme has a provision of Rs 500 crore to turn youth ideas into businesses. Various central and state schemes including Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana encourage self‑employment and entrepreneurship. The new industrial policy‑2024 also includes several incentives for new entrepreneurs, women, SC/ST, OBC and differently‑abled groups, and special provisions for industries that generate local employment. Youth are urged to study the new industrial policy seriously and maximise the opportunities. New industrial parks are being developed, and a single‑window system simplifies procedures for young entrepreneurs and investors. After the new industrial policy, the state has received investment proposals amounting to about Rs 8.23 lakh crore, and many projects have already started on the ground. Investments are rising rapidly in energy, artificial intelligence, data centres, semiconductors, textiles and other emerging sectors. The state’s natural resources, energy potential, central location and improving connectivity strengthen its attractiveness for investment and entrepreneurship. The chief minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to build a developed India by 2047, and Chhattisgarh is moving towards becoming a developed state with a target of reaching an economy of Rs 75 lakh crore by 2047. This goal will be achieved through the participation of youth, farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, researchers and every citizen. New generations will need to lead in technology, research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Improved connectivity via roads, rail and air will benefit industry, trade, agriculture, tourism and employment. The chief minister shared experiences from his farmer family, explaining his understanding of agricultural challenges and opportunities. He highlighted that Chhattisgarh is an agrarian state and that modern technology and innovation can create vast entrepreneurship opportunities in agriculture, biotech, food processing, digital technology, AI, renewable energy and other emerging fields. He emphasized the need for value addition of agricultural and forest resources to benefit local people. Forest areas in Bastar produce tamarind, mahua, custard apple and medicinal plants, which can be processed, packaged and marketed by youth to generate local employment and boost the economy. He noted that Chhattisgarh is truly a rice bowl with unique fragrant varieties such as Jawaphool, Vishnughog, Hanumanbhog and Sheetalchini, and that the university is preserving thousands of rice varieties. He stressed the need to develop the entire value chain from processing to export to fetch better prices for farmers and create markets for agri‑startup ventures. During the conclave, youths asked the chief minister questions on startup funding, collateral for loans, scheme support, job creation, horticulture skill utilization, social media, influencer ecosystem and prospects of a proposed film city. He encouraged youth to seize opportunities and advance in entrepreneurship, noting the rapid change in the nature of work and business. The government is continuously working on new possibilities and necessary arrangements aligned with future needs. He urged youth not to fear failure but to experiment bravily, linking new ideas with hard work, skill and entrepreneurship. He inspected the Subhas Chandra Bose Biotechnology Incubation Centre at IGC University, reviewing advanced labs, equipment and facilities for startups. He said the centre will serve as a platform from idea to innovation to enterprise for students, researchers and startups. The centre will provide mentoring, hand‑holding, technology transfer, product development and institutional support, along with dissertation and internship opportunities. He also planted a sapling under the “One Tree for Mother” campaign, promoting community‑driven environmental protection. The three‑day Youth Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conclave showcased startups across agritech, food processing, biotech, rural entrepreneurship, digital technology, AI, deep‑tech, renewable energy and environment, providing a common platform for stakeholders to discuss linking ideas with technology, market and investment. The chief minister reiterated that Chhattisgarh’s youth have abundant talent and capacity, and all they need is opportunity and the right platform. The government stands with the aspirations of the youth, confident that they will use their talent, innovation and entrepreneurship not only to progress themselves but also to create jobs and opportunities for thousands of others, driving Chhattisgarh forward towards the vision of a developed state by 2047.