Raipur, June 02: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday assured farmers that the state government stands firmly with them as concerns grow over a weak monsoon triggered by the El Niño effect. He urged the farming community to align their sowing schedules and agricultural operations with the formal rainfall forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Speaking to mediapersons at the helipad before departing for his tour of Janjgir-Champa and Sakti districts, Sai noted that the meteorological department had already anticipated a deficit rainfall trend for the current season. He stated that agricultural scientists and state officials are continuously issuing weather-based advisories to help cultivators minimise potential crop losses.

The Chief Minister stated that his visit to Sakti was primarily to attend the Bhoomi Pujan (groundbreaking ceremony) of the newly proposed BJP district office.

Referring to a high-level review meeting held at the Mantralaya on Wednesday, Sai highlighted that the state budget has introduced five major strategic missions, including an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mission. The administrative top brass discussed the integration of AI tools to enhance bureaucratic efficiency, improve data-driven governance, and streamline public service delivery networks across rural and urban sectors.

Commenting on the High Court’s recent stay on the tender procurement process for the Charan Paduka scheme, the Chief Minister confirmed that the state administration has taken formal cognisance of the judicial order. He pointed out that the welfare initiative, which distributes free footwear to tendu patta collectors, had been discontinued during the previous Congress regime but has now been revived by the current government with an assurance of annual continuity.

On the upcoming two-day Chintan Shivir (brainstorming conclave) scheduled to be held at IIM Raipur on 4 and 5 July, Sai stated that this would mark the third annual edition of the apex governance retreat. The conclave will serve as a review mechanism for departmental performance and lay down a roadmap for policy implementation.