IN an unannounced visit marked by minimal protocol and direct public engagement, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday reached Karigaon village in Sakti district as part of the third phase of the State Government’s Sushasan Tihar programme. Seated on a traditional cot under a Peepal tree, the Chief Minister convened a Chaupal where he interacted extensively with villagers, heard their grievances, and reviewed the implementation of key welfare schemes. Chief Minister Sai enquired about the on-ground status of flagship schemes including the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Krishak Unnati Yojana, Public Distribution System (PDS), and Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

 

He emphasised that the Ayushman Card is offering treatment benefits up to Rs 5 lakh, shielding rural families from financial distress in the event of serious illness. Responding to public complaints, the Chief Minister directed the local Patwari to hold weekly sittings in the village to address revenue-related matters. He also ordered immediate land measurement by the district administration in response to a dispute over land adjacent to a village pond. Several applications from villagers were received during the interaction. In a move aimed at strengthening local governance, Sai announced the construction of a new Gram Panchayat building. He also acceded to the villagers' request for beautification of the Noni Maiya Dai temple. “The entire government is now present in the villages during Sushasan Tihar. The Chief Secretary and other senior officials are accompanying me to ensure that the benefits of schemes under the guarantees of Prime Minister Narendra Modi reach every intended beneficiary,” Sai said.

 

The Chief Minister also reviewed the functioning of Anganwadi centres and the local school, taking note of facilities provided to children. Raising concern over the declining groundwater level in the area, he advised villagers to adopt water-efficient crops that offer higher yield with minimal water consumption. Following the Chaupal, Sai visited the under-construction house of PMAY (Gramin) beneficiary Sonai Bai. He inspected construction quality and inquired about her family’s experience with government schemes. Sonai Bai confirmed that she receives regular financial assistance under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, which has eased her household’s economic condition. Sai also took note of water supply under the Jal Jeevan Mission, observing that tap water has now reached individual households. “This marks a significant transformation in the delivery of basic facilities in rural areas,” he remarked. In response to demands for more housing under the PMAY scheme, the Chief Minister reiterated the State Government’s commitment to universal housing. He informed villagers that the survey for PMAY (Gramin) is ongoing till May 15, this year and appealed all eligible citizens—particularly those previously left out—to ensure their registration. “Every eligible person will be prioritised for housing.

 

This scheme is not merely about providing a roof over one’s head—it is a matter of dignity and safety,” he said. Stating that governance should be measured not just by files but by field outcomes, the Chief Minister added, “Good governance is a system of transparency, accountability and citizen participation. Through chaupals, the administration connects directly with people's lives. When we ask a beneficiary if they have received the benefit and inspect the quality of construction ourselves, only then do we know that schemes are reaching beyond files.” Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Singh, and Secretary P Dayanand accompanied the Chief Minister. The surprise visit drew large crowds of villagers, including Sarpanch Kanchan Madhukar, who expressed enthusiasm at the Chief Minister’s arrival and participated actively in the Chaupal.