*Development Echoes in Naxal-Free Bastar: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai dedicates and lays foundation stone of Rs. 308 crore projects in Sukma*

Ashish kashyap Editor in chief Raipur, /In a significant milestone in Bastar’s transformation from conflict to confidence, the region witnessed a major boost to development as Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai dedicated and laid the foundation stone for more than Rs. 308 crore worth of projects in the Sukma district on April 13. A total of 228 development projects, including the foundation-laying of 159 projects and the inauguration of 69 completed works, were held.

Addressing a large gathering at the Mini Stadium in Sukma, the Chief Minister stated that the state government’s top priority is the holistic development of areas that remained backwards for nearly four decades due to Naxalism. He highlighted that under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, peace has been restored in Bastar, paving the way for “rapid and sustainable development.”

The Chief Minister emphasised that villages once marked by fear and violence are now witnessing the sound of school bells, reflecting a return to normalcy and growing faith in democracy. He noted that more than 3,000 Maoists have surrendered so far and are being rehabilitated through dedicated centres.

*Major Push Towards a Healthy Bastar*

During the programme, the Chief Minister also underwent a health check-up and praised the “Mukhyamantri Swasth Bastar Abhiyan,” which aims to ensure doorstep healthcare services. Under this initiative, 1,100 teams will conduct health screenings across seven districts.

Before the event, he visited various departmental stalls set up at the venue and interacted directly with citizens and beneficiaries. Assistance materials and certificates under multiple welfare schemes were distributed on the spot.

At the Health Department stall, certificates were awarded to seven TB-free gram panchayats, while officials informed that 28 panchayats in the district have already achieved TB-free status. The Chief Minister also interacted with TB patients and distributed food baskets to support their recovery.

Patients who had undergone cataract surgeries were personally given spectacles by the Chief Minister, along with medicines and eye drops. Sub-health centres in Murtunda, Penta, and Kankerlanka were awarded NQAS certification, reflecting improved quality in healthcare services.

At the Social Welfare Department stall, five beneficiaries who had lost limbs in IED blasts were provided with artificial legs. At the same time, four wheelchairs and three tricycles were distributed to persons with disabilities. Identity cards were also issued to six beneficiaries with special needs, connecting them to welfare schemes.

Interacting with women from self-help groups at the NRLM stall, the Chief Minister encouraged them to progress “from Lakhpati Didi to Crorepati Didi,” assuring continued government support for entrepreneurship and livelihood enhancement.

At the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana stall, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of house construction by interacting with beneficiaries. Under the Tribal Development Department, 15 forest rights certificates were distributed, ensuring “legal empowerment and security of tribal families.”

At the Forest Department stall, tendupatta collectors received assistance, including a symbolic cheque of Rs. 4.27 lakh to the Tongpal cooperative society, and the distribution of collection cards to beneficiaries.

To promote self-employment, two e-rickshaws were distributed to rehabilitated women self-help groups, while one beneficiary received an appointment letter.

*Niyad Nella Nar 2.0 and Key Announcements*

The Chief Minister stated that under the Niyad Nella Nar Yojana, development works have been carried out in over 500 villages through 45 schemes of 17 departments. In its next phase, “Niyad Nellanar 2.0,” the initiative will be expanded to 10 districts, further strengthening grassroots development.

On the occasion, he also made eight major announcements for the region, including the construction of roads, culverts, bus stands, and community halls, as well as the renovation of temples and the reinforcement of infrastructure and community assets.

Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, MP Shri Mahesh Kashyap, Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel, Health Secretary Shri Amit Kataria, Special Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Rajat Bansal, senior officials, public representatives, and a large number of residents were present.

*New beginning of a health revolution in Bastar: State-level Launch of ‘Atal Aarogya Lab’ in Sukma*

*Providing quality and accessible healthcare to every citizen is the government’s top priority – Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai*

Editor in cheif Raipur, /Taking forward the Indian philosophy of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramayah…”, Chhattisgarh has taken another historic step towards ensuring the well-being of all.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday inaugurated the state-level launch of the ‘Atal Aarogya Lab’ at the District Hospital in Sukma. This initiative will lay the foundation for a new revolution in the healthcare sector of the state, especially benefiting citizens in remote and forested regions by providing modern and accessible diagnostic facilities.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the state government is firmly committed to ensuring that quality, affordable, and timely healthcare services reach every citizen. He stated that through the Atal Aarogya Lab, free diagnostic facilities will now be available across 1,046 health institutions in the state—from district hospitals to primary health centres—benefiting lakhs of citizens directly. Through this advanced digital system, patients will be able to access 133 types of tests free of cost. Test reports will be delivered directly to patients via SMS and WhatsApp, reducing the need for repeated hospital visits and accelerating the treatment process. This system will not only save time but also make healthcare services more transparent and accessible.

“The state’s diagnostic infrastructure is being significantly strengthened. This will enable faster and more accurate detection of diseases, including blood-related tests, ensuring timely treatment and improving recovery rates,” said Shri Sai. He emphasized that expanding such modern facilities in remote regions like Bastar is a key priority of the state government, so that residents do not have to depend on big cities for better treatment. The Atal Aarogya Lab will serve as a strong foundation in this direction.

It is noteworthy that the District Hospital Sukma already offers facilities such as a blood bank, sonography, X-ray, ECG, emergency services, cesarean deliveries, NRC, and dialysis. With the addition of the Atal Aarogya Lab, healthcare services here will become even more robust and comprehensive.

On this occasion, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Bastar MP Shri Mahesh Kashyap, Women’s Commission Member Ms. Deepika Sori, Bastar Commissioner Shri Doman Singh, IG Shri Sundarraj P., along with other administrative officials and distinguished citizens, were present.