Late Larang Sai’s life was dedicated to public service, the upliftment of tribal communities and the development of the Surguja region: Chief Minister Sai
Balrampur district receives development projects worth ₹202.65 crore; foundation stones laid for 1,863 works and 146 projects inaugurated
New building for the boys’ higher secondary school in Shankargarh; large community hall announced for Chando
Grand memorial gateway to be built near the statue site to preserve the memory of late Larang Sai
Balanced development of all regions of Chhattisgarh, including Surguja, is our government’s commitment: Chief Minister Sai
Raipur, October 2026 : Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today virtually unveiled the statue of former Union Minister late Larang Sai at a programme organised in the village of Chirai-Jaswantpur in Balrampur district. He participated in the programme from his residence office in the state capital, Raipur.
Paying his heartfelt tributes to the late leader, the Chief Minister recalled his invaluable contribution to public service, the upliftment of tribal communities and the development of the Surguja region.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced development projects worth ₹202 crore and ₹65 lakh for Balrampur district, covering 2,009 works. These include the foundation-laying ceremony for 1,863 works costing ₹156 crore and ₹68 lakh, and the inauguration of 146 completed works costing ₹45 crore and ₹97 lakh.
Chief Minister Sai, addressing the programme, said that late Larang Sai was a public leader devoted to serving the people who dedicated his entire life to the welfare of the poor, deprived sections, tribal communities and the development of the region. While serving as an MLA, MP and minister in undivided Madhya Pradesh, he discharged important responsibilities and always placed public interests above everything else. His contribution to the rights, dignity and development of tribal communities would never be forgotten. His statue would continue to inspire future generations to follow the path of social service, dedication and public welfare.
Recalling his close personal association with late Larang Sai, Chief Minister Sai said that from the time he was first elected as an MLA, he had the opportunity to remain in close contact with Kaka Larang Sai and learn from his experience. He said that when he lived in Delhi as a Member of Parliament, Kaka Ji would often visit his residence and sometimes stay there. He had told Kaka Ji that whenever he visited Delhi, a room at his residence would always be reserved for him.
The Chief Minister said that late Larang Sai also shared a very close relationship with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Atal Ji held him in special esteem. Kaka Ji was known for his simple nature, uncomplicated lifestyle and dedication to the people. His ideals in public life would always remain a source of inspiration for everyone.
Chief Minister Announces Three Important Development Initiatives
Taking into account the needs of local residents, Chief Minister Sai made three important announcements.
He announced the construction of a new building for the boys’ higher secondary school in Shankargarh to replace its dilapidated structure. A large community hall will also be constructed in Chando for social, cultural and public programmes.
The Chief Minister further announced the construction of a grand memorial gateway near the statue site to preserve the memory of late Larang Sai. He said the gateway would symbolise the late leader’s dedication to public service and his contribution to the development of the region.
Development Works to Give Fresh Momentum to Balrampur District
Chief Minister Sai said that the announcement of a large number of development projects for Balrampur district at one time was an important step towards the region’s progress. The foundation-laying of new projects would accelerate construction activities, while the completed works would provide better facilities to the public. The expansion of roads, infrastructure and other basic amenities would create new development opportunities in rural areas.
The Chief Minister said that his government was fully committed to the balanced and comprehensive development of all regions of the state, including Surguja and Bastar. The government’s resolve was to ensure that the benefits of development reached the last village and the last person, giving every citizen equal opportunities to progress.
Continuous Efforts for the Welfare of the Poor and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
Chief Minister Sai said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the dream of permanent houses for poor families was being realised rapidly. Around 1,600 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana were being constructed in the state every day.
He said that the Central Government had also approved an additional 15,000 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which had been sought for the rehabilitation of Naxalites who had surrendered in Bastar. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the approval.
The Chief Minister said that bringing positive changes to the lives of particularly vulnerable tribal communities was an important priority of his government. The state has a population of approximately 3.20 lakh people belonging to communities such as the Pahadi Korwa, Birhor, Kamar, Baiga and Abujhmadia. Around 32,000 houses have been sanctioned for these communities under the PM-JANMAN scheme. Continuous efforts are also being made to provide electricity, drinking water, ration cards and other basic facilities.
Paddy Procurement to Begin on November 15; 360 New Centres to Open for Farmers’ Convenience
Chief Minister Sai said that the state government was committed to ensuring prosperity for farmers and fair prices for their hard work. Paddy procurement in the state would begin on November 15. This year, too, the government would procure up to 21 quintals of paddy per acre from farmers at the rate of ₹3,100 per quintal.
He said that 360 new paddy procurement centres were being opened across the state for the convenience of farmers. This would reduce the distance farmers need to travel to sell their produce and provide relief from unnecessary overcrowding and long queues at procurement centres.
The Chief Minister said that the government was committed to ensuring that no farmer faced difficulties while selling paddy.
Government Committed to Increasing the Income of Families Living in Forest Areas
Chief Minister Sai said that the state government was continuously working to strengthen the livelihoods of families living in forest areas. Approximately 13 lakh families in the Bastar and Surguja divisions are associated with tendu leaf collection.
To increase their income, the remuneration for tendu leaf collection has been raised from ₹4,000 to ₹5,500 per standard sack. The Charan Paduka Yojana for tendu leaf collectors has also been restarted.
He said that more than 5.5 lakh landless agricultural labourer families in the state were being provided one-time financial assistance of ₹10,000 every year. The government’s effort was to economically empower poor people, farmers, labourers and families living in forest areas and bring them into the mainstream of development.
Good Governance to Make Life Easier for Citizens
Chief Minister Sai said that the state government was continuously working to make the administrative system transparent, accountable and citizen-centric. The e-Office system had been implemented in the state secretariat, and government services were being made more accessible through digital platforms.
He said that citizens could register their problems and complaints through the Chief Minister’s Helpline. The government was making efforts to ensure that every complaint was resolved within a stipulated timeframe and that citizens did not have to make repeated visits to government offices for minor tasks.
Good governance would be truly meaningful only when ordinary citizens could access government services easily and in a timely manner, he added.
Despite the rain, the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the large number of local residents who attended the programme. He also expressed regret that adverse weather conditions had prevented him from attending the event in person.
Development of the Region Will Be Accelerated to Fulfil Late Larang Sai’s Dreams: Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam
Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam said that late Larang Sai had dedicated his entire life to public service and the development of the region. His contribution was not limited to the Samri area; he had also played an important role in the development of the entire Surguja region.
He said that installing the statue was a commendable initiative that expressed respect for the late leader and introduced future generations to his ideals.
Netam said that development activities in the Surguja region were gaining fresh momentum under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. The development projects worth more than ₹202 crore announced for Balrampur district would help expand roads, bridges, culverts, ponds and other basic infrastructure.
He said that development works would also be prioritised in accordance with other needs of the region and the demands raised by public representatives. Fulfilling the dream of regional development envisioned by late Larang Sai was a collective responsibility, he added.
Personality and Contributions of Late Larang Sai Will Remain an Inspiration: Minister Laxmi Rajwade
Women and Child Development Minister and district in-charge Minister Laxmi Rajwade said that late Larang Sai was a prominent leader of the tribal community who was dedicated to public service. Associated with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, he made an important contribution to public life. His leadership abilities, simple personality and deep connection with ordinary people were his distinctive qualities.
Rajwade said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, the state government was continuously working for the welfare of women, farmers, poor families and tribal communities. Through the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, women in the state were receiving financial assistance of ₹1,000 every month, which was strengthening their confidence and economic self-reliance.
She said that the decision taken at the first Cabinet meeting after the formation of the government to approve 18 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana demonstrated the government’s commitment to the welfare of the poor.
She expressed confidence that under Chief Minister Sai’s leadership, development and public welfare initiatives would gain further momentum in Balrampur district and the entire Surguja region.
MLA Uddeshwari Paikra, District Cooperative Central Bank Chairman Ramkishun Singh, Babruwahan Maharaj, Om Prakash Jaiswal, other public representatives and a large number of local residents were present on the occasion.
