- Chief Minister Welcomes New Students at State-Level Shala Pravesh Utsav
Raipur, July 20, 2026/
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai attended the State-Level Shala Pravesh Utsav 2026–27 at Swami Atmanand Government English Medium Utkrist Vidyalaya, Jamgaon (M), in Patan development block of Durg district on July 20. Addressing the gathering, he said education is not merely about securing good marks in examinations but about nurturing moral values, scientific thinking, social responsibility and a spirit of nation-building. He described quality education as the strongest foundation for a cultured society, a strong nation, and a developed Chhattisgarh, adding that the state government is committed to ensuring that no child is deprived of opportunities due to a lack of resources by providing quality education, modern infrastructure, technological resources, and equal opportunities.
The Chief Minister announced four major education and sports infrastructure projects for Durg district. These include a modern composite office building for the offices of the Joint Director of Education, District Education Officer and Block Education Officer; a fully equipped auditorium in Durg city; a football ground with an athletics track; and separate 100-seat hostels for boys and girls preparing for competitive examinations such as NEET and JEE. He said these initiatives would provide a stronger environment for nurturing talent in education and sports.
Highlighting the state’s education reforms, Shri Sai said the government is modernising the education system and making it more inclusive through smart classrooms, timely distribution of free textbooks and uniforms, additional nutritious meals, regular parent-teacher meetings, Nyota Bhoj, and other initiatives rooted in Indian culture. He said the rationalisation initiative has ensured that no school in the state is without teachers. At the same time, education hubs are being developed in remote areas such as Jagargunda in Bastar to provide students with facilities comparable to those in major cities. He also noted that Chhattisgarh now has 15 medical colleges, 24 Nalanda campuses and a 200-seat hostel facility for students studying in Delhi.
Chief Minister Shri Sai warmly welcomed children enrolling in school for the first time by applying a ceremonial tilak and offering sweets. He distributed free textbooks, school uniforms, and school bags to selected students in Classes I, VI, and IX, and bicycles to Class IX girls to encourage them to continue their education.
Congratulating students who excelled in the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Examination 2025–26, the Chief Minister said talent is not limited by geography or circumstances but requires the right opportunities and proper guidance. He later honoured state toppers Kumari Payal Rajni, who secured first place, Naitik Aamte, who secured seventh place, and Kumari Shraddha Indoriya, who secured tenth place, and wished them success in their future endeavours.
The Chief Minister also visited the school’s astronomy laboratory and appreciated the space science and astronomy models prepared by students. He said scientific thinking and innovation would define India’s future, and that the state government is continuously promoting interest in science and technology among students.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav planted jackfruit, Sindoori and Maulshri saplings under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign to promote environmental conservation. The Chief Minister also joined schoolchildren for the Nyota Bhoj and interacted with them about their studies, interests and future aspirations.
Addressing the programme, School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav said the state government is giving the highest priority to quality education and is expanding computer education in schools in a phased manner. He said more than 8,000 new toilets for girls are being constructed, while special campaigns to improve language and mathematical skills, and initiatives that connect students with Indian culture and the lives of great personalities, are strengthening the education system. He added that the government’s goal is to ensure that all students receive their textbooks and uniforms on the very first day of the academic session, on par with private schools.
Durg Rural MLA Shri Lalit Chandrakar, Saja MLA Shri Ishwar Sahu, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Khadi and Village Industries Board Shri Rakesh Pandey, Chairman of the Oilseed Development Board Shri Jitendra Sahu, School Education Secretary Dr Kamalpreet Singh, Durg Divisional Commissioner Shri Satyanarayan Rathore, Inspector General of Police Shri Abhishek Shandilya, Samagra Shiksha Commissioner Smt Kiran Kaushal, Collector Shri Abhijeet Singh, public representatives, officials, parents and a large number of students were present on the occasion.
