Raipur, June 29: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday announced a three-month extension of the Mukhyamantri Bijli Bill Samadhan Yojana to allow consumers to clear long-pending electricity dues under a complete surcharge waiver scheme.

The Chief Minister made the key administrative announcement at the Saint Kabir Mahotsav organized to mark Kabir Jayanti at the Sadguru Kabir Ashram in Sonpairi, Raipur, which he attended alongside Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot. Both dignitaries sought blessings from Guru Asang Dev and prayed for the state’s peace and prosperity before participating in a ceremonial plantation drive on the ashram premises.

Addressing the large gathering of Kabirpanthi followers, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot stated that Saint Kabir’s timeless message of truth, social harmony, and human service continues to guide the nation. He remarked that Kabir inspired humanity to rise above deep-seated caste discrimination and ritualism, adding that the teachings remain highly relevant in navigating modern social and moral challenges. The Governor also commended the Sonpairi ashram’s institutional contributions to organic farming, cow protection, and rural education.

Chief Minister Vishnudeo Sai described Chhattisgarh as a deeply sacred land for Saint Kabir’s followers. Reflecting on his own childhood spent closely interacting with the Kabirpanthi community, the Chief Minister noted that Kabir’s simple yet fearless philosophy deeply shaped his own life and governance approach. He emphasized that the mystic saint dedicated his entire existence to eradicating untouchability and social evils while fostering a deep sense of brotherhood across communities.

Speaking on societal transformation, spiritual leader Guru Asang Dev expressed worry over a declining global culture of mutual love and constructive dialogue. He urged citizens to adopt philanthropy, environmental protection, and village development as core pillars of life, noting that peace and developmental infrastructure have now reached formerly Naxal-affected zones of Chhattisgarh. He added that the ongoing construction of houses for lakhs of low-income families marks the dawn of a new developmental era for the state.

Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh also addressed the congregation, urging the public to internalize Saint Kabir’s emphasis on restrained speech, ethical conduct, and systemic social reform. He added that the mass tree plantation drive organized during the festival represents a vital ecological responsibility toward future generations.