Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the state is powering India's growth story through Prime Minister's Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) platform, with 99 major infrastructure projects worth over Rs 6,11,040 crore under active monitoring. Addressing a press conference at New Circuit House in Raipur on Thursday evening, the Chief Minister said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, both India and Chhattisgarh are advancing steadily toward good governance. India has now become the world's fourth-largest economy, he added. The PRAGATI digital platform plays a crucial role in achieving the Prime Minister's vision of a developed India. It exemplifies the alignment between the government's words and actions, setting a strong example of good governance. The portal is not just a tool for reviewing major national infrastructure projects but also embodies New India's new work culture.

 

It promotes the principle of "Minimum Government-Maximum Governance," the Chief Minister stated. Indian democracy is globally admired as an ideal system due to excellent coordination between the Centre and states. The PRAGATI platform serves as an effective bridge between Central and state governments, ensuring better implementation of schemes and projects. Beyond monitoring, it fosters accountability, enhances transparency, and drives positive changes in work culture. In the past, many projects had foundation stones laid without timelines, leading to years-long delays due to administrative bottlenecks and poor coordination. PRAGATI addresses these issues through regular review meetings chaired by the Prime Minister with state Chief Secretaries and Central Government Secretaries. Over 50 high-level meetings have expedited more than 3,300 projects worth Rs 85 lakh crore. The platform has also improved implementation of 61 schemes, including One Nation-One Ration Card, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, PM Svanidhi, and Swachh Bharat Mission.

 

It has strengthened grievance redressal in 36 sectors, such as banking, insurance, RERA, Jan Dhan Yojana, and Matru Vandana. Chhattisgarh leads in the PRAGATI ecosystem, hosting projects in power, roads, railways, steel, coal, and more. Of these, 50 projects worth Rs 2,20,942 crore have been commissioned, while 49 valued at Rs 3,90,098 crore are progressing steadily. The state administration has resolved 183 of 200 issues on the PRAGATI portal—a 91.5% resolution rate well above national averages—through swift land acquisition, forest clearances, and inter-agency coordination. Resolutions include 24 in power, 23 in roads and highways, 14 in railways, 7 in coal, and 9 in steel. Long-pending projects like the Bhilai Steel Plant modernization and Lara Super Thermal Power Project have gained momentum, boosting industrial growth and creating jobs for local youth.

 

Issues in the Raipur-Kodebod four-lane road project, such as land utilization and material supply, were also resolved via PRAGATI. Chief Minister Sai affirmed that his government is committed to completing development projects transparently and on time. The state has introduced several innovations to promote good governance, he added. Department of Industries and Commerce Secretary Rajat Kumar and Public Relations Department Commissioner Dr Ravi Mittal were present at the press conference. Viral video from Raipur Central... prohibited device managed to pass through security checks. Jail manuals mandate physical frisking and monitoring of visitors before entry into the meeting area. The presence of a recording device inside the restricted zone raises two possibilities, either a lapse in frisking or weak enforcement of established protocols.

 

The situation has further drawn attention as it is being claimed that jail authorities became aware of the video only after it went viral. This has led to questions about internal monitoring mechanisms and whether surveillance systems inside sensitive areas are being effectively utilised. Raipur Central Jail has previously faced allegations relating to misuse of facilities and preferential treatment of inmates. The latest episode has intensified demands for a comprehensive review of visitor management systems, staff accountability and surveillance coverage within the prison. Raipur Central Jail officials told the media persons that they would verify the authenticity of the video, identify how the mobile phone entered the meeting area and determine responsibility for the lapse. Disciplinary action is likely if violations of jail rules are established, they added.