

CM inaugurates a 3-day training program for newly elected District Panchayat Presidents and Vice Presidents
Raipur, July 5, 2025:
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai attended the inauguration of a three-day foundational/orientation training program for newly elected District Panchayat Presidents and Vice Presidents at Thakur Pyarelal State Institute of Panchayat and Rural Development, Nimora, Raipur.
While addressing the event, the Chief Minister emphasized that Panchayati Raj Institutions are the backbone of rural development. “As newly elected presidents and vice presidents, you have a great opportunity and a huge responsibility. With strong willpower, even a single individual can transform an entire district,” he said.
Shri Sai stated that people who serve the public with a spirit of welfare are always supported and uplifted by society. Sharing his own journey in politics, he revealed, “I began my political career as a ‘Panch’ and never imagined entering politics. After my father’s death when I was just 10 years old, I had to shoulder the responsibilities of my entire family. My life has been full of struggles. I never even imagined becoming a Sarpanch, but with people’s blessings, I got the opportunity to serve as MLA, MP, and now as Chief Minister.”
He stressed that willpower is more important than resources when it comes to achieving something meaningful. “Even one person can make a significant impact if driven by the motive of public welfare,” he said, citing examples of Dr. Achyuta Samanta from Odisha and Nanaji Deshmukh.
Dr. Samanta, who grew up in extreme poverty, dedicated his life to public service and established a large educational institution in Bhubaneswar where around 25,000 tribal children receive free education. Similarly, Nanaji Deshmukh adopted 500 villages through the Deendayal Research Institute in Chitrakoot, and by 2006-07, 80 of these villages had become self-reliant.
CM Sai affirmed, “Chhattisgarh is a prosperous state in every sense. 44% of its land is forested, its soil is fertile, and the farmers are hardworking.” He pointed out that Naxalism was a major hindrance to the state’s development, but his government is actively working to eliminate it. “We have introduced an excellent rehabilitation policy for surrendered Naxals. Soon, the state will be free of Naxalism, and regions like Bastar will enjoy full access to roads, electricity, and water.”
Recalling a personal experience from the Bastar region, the CM shared that in the village of Muler, tribals had to walk 25 km (taking three days) to get ration supplies. “This reflects how underdeveloped the area was. We made Muler a separate panchayat and opened a ration shop there. When I visited, the happiness on the faces of the people was clearly visible.”
He urged the newly elected leaders to focus on village development, stating, “We cannot build a developed Chhattisgarh without developing our villages. Make full use of this training time. Never compromise on the quality of development works. Regular field visits and inspections bring discipline to administration and accelerate progress.”
Deputy CM Vijay Sharma, addressing the event, advised the elected leaders to prepare themselves thoroughly for their roles. He emphasized understanding the legal framework of Panchayati Raj and encouraged thinking beyond just infrastructure development. “Initiatives like dairy production can lead to rural prosperity. Economic empowerment in villages steers youth away from addictions and towards productivity.”
He added that during the training, participants should also reflect on the functioning of Gram Panchayats and gain a thorough understanding of Panchayati Raj systems to better serve the public. “Today marks the beginning of training for all 1.7 lakh personnel involved in Panchayati Raj institutions.”
During the event, the Chief Minister also released the PESA: Panchayat Provisions and Chhattisgarh Panchayat Guidelines, Panchman Magazine, and reading materials for district panchayat presidents, vice presidents, and members. Additionally, he planted a Maulshree tree on the institute premises.
Also present were:
Mrs. Niharika Barik Singh, Principal Secretary, Panchayat and Rural Development Department
Mr. Bheem Singh, Secretary
Mrs. Priyanka Rishi Mahobia, Director
Mr. P.C. Mishra, Director of the Thakur Pyarelal State Institute of Panchayat and Rural Development.
publiccg Chhattisgarh NEWS