Raipur, November 03: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday declared that Chhattisgarh is emerging from decades of fear and violence caused by Naxalism, entering a transformative era of peace, security, and economic prosperity.

Speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav 2026 and the Rajya Alankaran Award distribution in Nava Raipur, Shah highlighted that strategic government measures under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s administration are opening new development opportunities across the state. Chief Minister Sai presided over the event marking the 26th anniversary of the state’s foundation.

During the ceremony, Shah presented the prestigious Rajya Alankaran Awards to distinguished individuals and institutions for outstanding contributions across various fields, including literature, arts, culture, journalism, sports, agriculture, and tribal upliftment. He also released the 33rd instalment of the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, transferring ₹632.63 crore directly through Direct Benefit Transfer into the bank accounts of 67,40,410 eligible women across the state, including 6,908 beneficiaries in remote Niyad Nella Nar camp areas.

Paying homage to former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Shah noted that Vajpayee created Chhattisgarh in 2000 to fulfill regional aspirations, while Prime Minister Modi is transforming it into a modern, prosperous state. He commended the Central security forces and Chhattisgarh Police for their decisive action against Naxalism, noting that security stability is unlocking immense tourism potential at landmarks such as Chitrakote Waterfall, Tirathgarh Waterfall, Kanger Valley National Park, and Bastar Dussehra.

Shah praised the state government’s eco-friendly urban vision to transform Nava Raipur into a ‘Peepal City’ by planting 5,000,000 peepal saplings, with the initial phase launched at the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Park where 2,500 saplings have already been planted under the special responsibility assigned to Finance, Housing and Environment Minister O.P. Choudhary. Highlighting the state’s economic trajectory, the Union Minister noted that since its formation, Chhattisgarh’s annual budget has expanded 30-fold, per-capita income has risen 17-fold, and Gross State Domestic Product has grown nearly 25-fold alongside literacy rates climbing from 55 per cent to 80 per cent.

Presiding over the event, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to eliminate Naxalism by 31 March 2026, noting that Shah had visited the state over a dozen times in two years to encourage security forces and monitor ground realities. Sai emphasized that the restoration of peace in remote areas has accelerated infrastructure, education, and healthcare projects, ensuring Chhattisgarh plays a pivotal role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 alongside welfare delivery exceeding 70 per cent of Modi’s guarantees.