Raipur, Aug 24: Providing quality education to children of worker families and giving wings to their dreams is a top priority of the state government, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said on Sunday.

Speaking at the felicitation ceremony of the Atal Utkrisht Shiksha Yojana at Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur, Chief Minister Sai emphasized that workers form a strong foundation for development. He stated that the vision of a Developed Chhattisgarh and Developed India can only be realized when children of worker families receive quality education and progress in life.

During the event, Chief Minister Sai felicitated students who excelled in academics, sports, arts, and co-curricular activities. He also transferred more than ₹39.67 crore in financial assistance directly into the bank accounts of 1,45,841 workers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under various labour welfare schemes.

Expressing satisfaction over children from worker families confidently communicating in English, Chief Minister Sai noted that proper opportunities and quality education enable talent to overcome difficult circumstances.

Launched last year with 100 children, the Atal Utkrisht Shiksha Yojana has now expanded to support 200 students. Selected from across all 33 districts, these talented students receive free, high-quality residential education from Classes 6 to 12 at premier private institutions, including Rajkumar College, Delhi Public School, and Rungta Public School.

Chief Minister Sai highlighted that the scheme aims to ensure financial constraints do not impede the education of bright students. He added that workers drive key infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings, making their security, dignity, and prosperity an essential responsibility of the government.

Currently, 67 welfare schemes are being implemented through the three boards of the Labour Department, covering education, healthcare, maternity assistance, pension, skill development, employment, and housing.

Interacting with the students, Chief Minister Sai shared personal life experiences, encouraging them to remain disciplined and aim high in fields like medicine, engineering, science, administration, or entrepreneurship. He noted that premier institutions such as IIT, IIM, and AIIMS are now present in Chhattisgarh, alongside financial provisions for higher education loans and support for overseas studies.

The Chief Minister also pointed to expanding educational facilities in remote and formerly Naxal-affected areas, including Education Cities in Orchha and Jagargunda, aimed at providing children in Bastar with opportunities on par with major cities.

Addressing the gathering, Labour Minister Lakhan Lal Dewangan stated that over ₹774 crore has been transferred to workers through DBT under various welfare schemes over the past two and a half years. He announced new initiatives, including assistance for parcel-delivery workers to purchase vehicles and financial support for livestock herders.

Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma and Dr Rampratap Singh also addressed the gathering, encouraging students to make full use of the educational opportunities provided.

Sharing their experiences, Atish from Bijapur, currently studying at Delhi Public School in Rajnandgaon, expressed his ambition to become an IAS officer, while Ishika Dahre from Kabirdham, studying at Rungta Public School, highlighted significant improvements in her English communication skills.

Following the ceremony, Chief Minister Sai shared a meal with the students and interacted with them informally, answering their questions about his childhood, education, and life experiences.

The event was attended by MP Laxmi Verma, MLA Purandar Mishra, Chhattisgarh Labour Welfare Board Chairman Yogesh Dutt Mishra, Vice-Chairman Kishore Mahanand, Labour Department Secretary Himshikhar Gupta, departmental officials, workers, parents, and students.