Raipur

Bharatmala corridor scam Six more held in fresh crackdown

In a major breakthrough in the Bharatmala corridor land acquisition scam, the State Economic Offences Investigation and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SEOIACB) on Wednesday arrested six individuals, including retired and serving government officials, for their involvement in a multi-crore compensation fraud that has rocked the Vishakhapatnam-Raipur Economic Corridor project. Those arrested include retired (Amin) Gopal Ram Verma and serving (Amin) Narendra Kumar Nayak from the Water Resources Department, ..

C’garh’s DME yet to release NEET-UG qualifier merit list

As the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) kicks off its counselling sessions for MBBS, BDS, and other medical course admissions, Chhattisgarh’s Directorate of Medical Education (DME) is yet to release its NEET-UG qualifier merit list. This delay comes despite the MCC’s announcement of All India Quota (AIQ) counselling from July 21 and State Quota counselling from July 30. While states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh have already published their NEET-UG merit lists, and others ..

NIT Raipur holds ‘Work-Life Balance, Mental Health’ seminar

NATIONAL Institute of Technology (NIT) Raipur’s Department of Humanities and Social Sciences is organizing a two-day seminar on ‘Work-Life Balance and Mental Health’ from Thursday. Main objective of the seminar is to spread awareness among employees about mental health, dealing with stress and related issues, techniques to cope with depression, and ways to live a happy and prosperous life. Director of NIT Raipur Dr N V Ramana Rao was the specially present in the inauguration ceremony. HoD DHSS Dr ..

Koriya first in State to achieve 100% CIF distribution under NRLM

IN a significant milestone under the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Koriya district of Chhattisgarh has emerged as the first in the state to achieve 100% distribution of the Community Investment Fund (CIF) under the Bihan scheme, well ahead of schedule. As per the official figures, a total of Rs 2.55 crore has been disbursed to 425 self-help groups (SHGs) across the district, benefiting around 2,550 rural women engaged primarily in agriculture and allied activities. Each SHG received Rs ..

Centre, Chhattisgarh clear Mahagenco’sGare Pelma-II coal project for production

THE Government of India (GoI) and the Chhattisgarh Government have jointly cleared the way for commencement of coal production at the Gare Pelma Sector-II coal mine in Raigarh district, with Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MAHAGENCO) designated as the project operator. This decision forms part of the Centre’s national strategy to strengthen energy security while advancing Chhattisgarh’s regional development goals. All statutory clearances required for large-scale coal mining, including ..

ED-RPZO conducts raids in C’garh,Delhi, Goa in liquor scam probe

IN A major escalation of its ongoing probe into the Rs 3,200 crore Chhattisgarh liquor scam, the Enforcement Directorate’s Raipur Zonal Office (ED-RPZO) on Tuesday morning launched simultaneous search and seizure operations across three states -Chhattisgarh, New Delhi, and Goa. The action marks a fresh chapter in the federal agency’s sustained investigation into one of the largest excise scams unearthed in the country. The operations, which commenced at 6.30 am on July 15, were executed at five separate ..

Court grants SEOIACB 7-day fresh remand of Tuteja, Dhebar

The State Economic Offences Investigation and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SEOIACB) on Monday secured a fresh 7-day police remand of senior bureaucrat Anil Tuteja and businessman Anwar Dhebar in the multi-crore custom milling scam, marking a crucial phase in widening crackdown on food procurement corruption. Both accused were produced before the special court in Raipur after completion of their earlier five-day remand. SEOIACB submitted a fresh application seeking additional custodial interrogation, arguing ..

I-T cracks down on PSU SECL-linked bogus refunds, fraudulent deductions

In a sweeping follow-up to Chhattisgarh’s high-profile tax refund scandal, the Income Tax Department’s Investigation Wing on Monday launched a major multi-location operations targeting premises and individuals linked to South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a PSU subsidiary of Coal India, in Katghora block of Korba and Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur (MCB) – the two coal-surplus districts of state – signalling a broadening of the department’s crackdown on suspected tax fraud, illicit transactions, ..

Burglars target CM’s OSD Mishra’s locked house

In a brazen burglary incident, the locked residence of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Ravi Mishra, was targeted by unidentified thieves in Bishrampur’s Officer Colony. According to police sources, the burglars made away with silver idols of Lakshmi and Ganesh, eleven silver coins, and around Rs 40,000 in cash after forcibly entering the house. The incident occurred at Mishra’s double-storey house located behind the GM Bungalow in Bishrampur. Though Ravi ..

Serenity of Jwaleshwar Mahadev Dham in Shravan

JWALESHWAR Mahadev Dham, located in the Pendraroad district and bordering Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, is a very important place for devotees of Lord Shiva. It’s not just a place of worship but also rich in old stories, beautiful nature, and history. Hidden in the peaceful Maikal mountains, this temple is believed to be where ‘Shiva appeared from flames.’ It’s one of the rare places where Lord Shiva is said to have appeared on his own (Swayambhu) in the form of a Shiva Linga. People from all over ..

Relief for Small Traders VAT dues up to Rs 25,000 pending for over 10 years to be waived off

In a major move to encourage ease of doing business for small traders in Chhattisgarh, the State Government is set to waive off pending VAT dues of up to Rs 25,000 in cases that are more than 10 years old. Simultaneously, multiple amendments to GST provisions will also be introduced under the broader agenda of improving the business climate. In the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at Mantralaya, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar yesterday, the drafts of the Chhattisgarh Goods and Services ..

BJP’s meeting held to chalk out strategies for Monsoon Session

The legislative party meeting of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was held held under chairmanship of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at new Chief Minister’s House Nava Raipur Atal Nagar on Sunday evening. Strategies were chalked out for the Monsoon Session of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly, which will begin on Monday. Deputy Chief Ministers Arun Sao, Vijay Sharma, BJP State President Kiran Singh Deo, Cabinet ministers and MLAs attended the meeting. It was decided in the meeting to give befitting ..

Miss Universe Chhattisgarh Dr Anjali Pawar meets Chief Minister Sai

Miss Universe Chhattisgarh 2025, Dr. Anjali Pawar, paid a courtesy visit to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai at his official residence in the state capital. The Chief Minister extended his heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Pawar for this significant achievement. During the meeting, Sai encouraged Dr Anjali Pawar to contribute towards promoting tourism in Chhattisgarh. He particularly emphasised the need to boost tourism in regions rich in natural beauty such as Bastar and Surguja, along with the state’s ..

New body of RCBP installed

Rotary Club of Bhilai Pinnacle (RCBP) celebrated its 7th Charter Anniversary with a grand and heartfelt Installation Ceremony held at Hotel Center Park. On this occasion, the leadership baton was passed to Dr Purwa Rojinder, who took the oath as the new President and shared her vision for the club’s future journey of service. In her address, President Dr Rojinder said that her team is dream team and together, they will take the club to new heights of pride and purpose. She highlighted the strength ..

SP Mahasamund issued contempt notice by HC for defying reinstatement order

  Staff Reporter :  Raipur/Bilaspur : In a stern legal development, the High Court of Chhattisgarh at Bilaspur has issued a contempt notice to Superintendent of Police, Mahasamund, Ashutosh Singh for alleged non-compliance with a court..

Commissioner issues warning to BSP over poor drain cleaning in Township

  Staff Reporter : BHILAI :Bhilai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Rajiv Kumar Pandey has issued a warning notice to the Chief General Manager of the Town Services Department of Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) for not cleaning drains in the town..

23 Naxals with bounty of Rs 1.18 cr surrender

   Our Correspondent : SUKMA :  A total of 23 Naxalites, including a top cadre carrying a collective bounty of Rs 1.18 crore, surrendered before the police on Saturday. Among them are eight hardcore Naxalites active in the PL..

MLA Guru Khushwant Singh’s convoy comes under attack in Bemetara

  Staff Reporter : Raipur/Bemetara : A major security breach was reported on Saturday evening, when the vehicle of Arang MLA and Vice Chairman of the Scheduled Caste Development Authority, Guru Khushwant Singh, came under sudden attack..

Govt clears CBI probe into Rs 570 cr coal levy scam

  By Mukesh S Singh : Raipur :  In a major development, the Chhattisgarh Government formally handed over the investigation of Rs 570 crore illegal coal levy scam to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The decision was final..

Congress objects to power tariff hike

  Staff Reporter :  Bhilai : spokesperson for the District Congress Committee Bhilai Javed Khan has strongly condemned the Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited’s decision to increase domestic electricity tariffs...

Minor hikes for domestic, non-domestic, agri consumers, significant reforms for Industry

   Staff Reporter : RAIPUR : The Chhattisgarh State Electricity Regulatory Commission (CSERC) on Friday announced revised electricity tariffs for the financial year 2025-26, effective from July 1, 2025. The new tariff order reflec..

22 Excise officers suspended Liquor scam

The Chhattisgarh Government has suspended 22 serving Excise officers following revelations made in the fourth supplementary chargesheet filed by the State Economic Offences Investigation and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SEOIACB) in the Rs 3200 crore liquor scam, marking the most sweeping administrative action yet in the case. The suspension orders were issued by the Commercial Tax (Excise) Department shortly after SEOIACB submitted the 2300-page supplementary chargesheet on July 7 before the Special Court ..

Raipur’s govt hospitals receive suspect gloves

July 10 In a concerning development that has reignited scrutiny over medical supply standards in Chhattisgarh’s public health system, the Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation Limited (CGMSC) has issued back-to-back circulars ordering an immediate hold on the usage and distribution of two separate batches of surgical rubber gloves marked as sterile and ISI-certified. These gloves, procured from M/s Anondita Healthcare, were widely circulated across major government-run hospitals in Raipur and ..

Folder on ‘Sadbhavna Yatra’ released

The folder focused on ‘Sadbhavna Yatra’ was released by chief guest Prof. DN Sharma and Bhilai chapter in-charge of INTACH, educationist Dr Hansa Shukla at Agasadia campus, Amdi Nagar Bhilai. The folder was edited by litterateur Dr Pardeshi Ram Verma. This folder was prepared with the help of Kamlesh Chandrakar, Munilal Nishad, Badri Prasad Parkar, Ashok Akash, Abdul Kalam and Muhammad Zakir Hussain. Dr Pardeshi Ram Verma said that we find examples of Hindu Muslim unity in social life in the villages ..

Bastar Admn launches special ‘Monsoon Trek’ programme

As the monsoon engulfs Chhattisgarh, Bastar district transforms into a breathtaking spectacle of natural beauty. To showcase this enchanting landscape and boost tourism, the district administration has launched a special ‘Monsoon Trek’ programme, inviting adventurers and nature lovers to explore its verdant forests, majestic waterfalls, and captivating mountains. The district administration, in collaboration with ‘Unexplored Bastar’, is organising trekking events at various picturesque locations throughout ..

Custom milling, tendu bonus scams Tuteja, Dhebar, Puranik arrested

The State Economic Offences Investigation and Anti-Corruption Bureau (SEOIACB) on Tuesday arrested three more accused, in its due course of ongoing investigation into two of Chhattisgarh’s most consequential multi-crore corruption cases – custom milling and tendu patta bonus embezzlement. Anil Tuteja, a senior bureaucrat, and Anwar Dhebar, a key figure previously linked to liquor-related corruption, were formally arrested through a production warrant from their existing judicial custody and presented ..

Wedding Asia returns to Raipur A celebration of wedding luxury from 11th

Business Reporter  RAIPUR  Wedding Asia, India’s leading luxury wedding exhibition returns to Raipur with a two-day showcase of elegance, innovation and high fashion in bridal couture and jewellery at Courtyard by Marriott from..

Indian cities eye municipal bonds as key to urban development: Dr Payal

As India’s urban centres grapple with mounting population pressure, strained infrastructure, and dwindling public finances, the conversation around municipal bonds is gaining renewed momentum. These debt instruments, issued by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), are being hailed as a potential game-changer for urban development by tapping into the vast resources of financial markets. However, a critical question remains: are Indian cities truly prepared for this financial leap? According to Dr Payal Dubey, ..

Bilaspur scholars unveil India’s 1st quantum-secured defence device

Satellite-grade prototype unveiled amid rising cyber warfare threats Patent filed for battlefield-ready quantum encryption system NCC honours LCIT team for innovation in national security..

National Consumer Helpline facilitates Rs 7.14 crore refunds in two months

The National Consumer Helpline (NCH), an initiative of the Department of Consumer Affairs, has facilitated refunds amounting to Rs 7.14 crore in the past two months by addressing over 15,400 consumer grievances across 30 sectors — including a notable case from Korba district, Chhattisgarh. The Korba consumer had placed a prepaid online order worth Rs 1,214 in May 2025 but did not receive the product, nor any satisfactory response from the company. After NCH’s intervention, the company refunded the ..

AIIMS docs save boy after pushpin gets stuck in lung

A team of doctors at AIIMS Raipur has successfully removed a sharp pushpin from the lung of a 13-year-old boy, preventing a very serious situation. The patient had come to the AIIMS emergency department on June 30. For over two weeks, he had been coughing up blood, had a fever, and chest pain. When doctors asked him what happened, he remembered accidentally inhaling a pushpin while playing and coughing. An X-ray showed a metal object, a pushpin, stuck deep inside his left lung, and there were also ..

Dr Ajay Sahai honoured with Healthcare Icon of Year Award

Dr Ajay Sahai, hailing from Raipur city, was honoured with the ‘Healthcare Icon of the Year’ award by Bollywood actress Amisha Patel in a grand ceremony held in Jaipur on the occasion of National Doctor’s Day. It is known that Dr Sahai has organised hundreds of free health camps and awareness campaigns for remote rural areas, tribals and sensitive Naxal-affected areas and weaker sections of the society for the last four decades. He has tried his best to make the society healthy, clean and prosperous ..

Singing superstar Nitin Dubey, Sharmila Biswas’ new song Mongra Ke Gajra released

Renowned singer, musician and actor Nitin Dube released a new song “Mongra Ke Gajra”. This song was released worldwide on YouTube channel Nitin Dubey Official and all audio streaming platforms and as soon as it was released, this song is going viral on YouTube and social media. “Mongra Ke Gajra” has come on trending on Instagram and all music lovers are making reels on this song. As soon as it was released on YouTube, this song has become the first choice of the audience. Nitin Dubey and Sharmila ..

SRIMSR clearance bribery scam CBI FIR reveals dummy faculty, biometric fraud

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally named all key players in its FIR filed in the pan-India medical inspection bribery racket, revealing chilling details of how Rawatpura Sarkar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SRIMSR), Nava Raipur, and several other institutions allegedly benefited from a deeply entrenched nexus between regulatory officials, middlemen, and inspection assessors...

1975 Emergency is black day in Indian history: CM

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai vehemently denounced the 1975 Emergency as a ‘black day’ in Indian history, saying that the unutterable suffering inflicted during that period. Speaking at a mock parliament programme organised by the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) at Agrasen Dham in Raipur, commemorating 50 years since the imposition of Emergency, Sai asserted that it was a politically motivated decision by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. “June 25, 1975, was a black day for our country,” Sai ..

Tribal woman gives birth by roadside under sky after river crossing on foot

A tribal woman from Satalutoli village in Manora tehsil of Jashpur district was forced to deliver her baby on the roadside after being carried across a flooded river by two Asha workers. Notably, Jashpur is home district of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, where this incident unfolded, unveiled a grim snapshot of rural neglect in healthcare system of the state. On Tuesday morning at 8 am, Mitanins Bifni Bai and Relo Bai set out with the pregnant Manjita Bai to reach the nearest health facility...

Rai, Sahu to represent India at Powerlifting C’ship in Japan

In a proud moment for Chhattisgarh, Nami Rai Parikh from Raipur and Krishna Sahu of Bhilai Steel Plant have been selected to represent India at the Asia-Africa-Pacific International Powerlifting Championship, to be held in Himeji, Japan from July 5 to 14. While Nami will participate as an athlete, Krishna Sahu will serve as the coach of the Indian powerlifting team...

C’garh’s crumbling hostel crisis engulfs 10 Govt medical colleges Over 624 students across

Durg, Korba, Bilaspur, Kanker, Rajnandgaon, Raigarh, and Mahasamund without hostel n By Mukesh S Singh Raipur, July 2 A critical shortage of hostel accommodation is plaguing Government medical colleges across Chhattisgarh, putting hundreds of aspiring doctors at academic, financial, and mental risk. As per information there is a widespread failure to provide basic housing facilities in all 10 state-run medical colleges, despite a rapid increase in medical student admissions. At Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru ..

‘Doctors’ unwavering commitment has laid foundation of a healthier C’garh’

“Be it the daunting challenge of delivering healthcare to remote tribal regions or the unprecedented crisis posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors in Chhattisgarh have fulfilled their duties with exemplary dedication. Undeterred by risk to their own lives, they have upheld their calling as a sacred duty”, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said on National Doctors Day. Speaking at a special event organised by the Department of Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education, Government of Chhattisgarh ..

Former Governor Shekhar Dutt passes away

Former Chhattisgarh Governor Shekhar Dutt passed away in New Delhi on Wednesday at the age of 79. Governor Ramen Deka expressed deep sorrow over his demise, highlighting Dutt’s efficiency as an administrator and his dedication as a soldier and patriot. Deka praised Dutt’s unwavering commitment to his responsibilities, from his military service to his administrative roles, and emphasized his unforgettable contributions to Chhattisgarh’s development. Shekhar Dutt, a retired Indian civil servant, was ..

Sahu couple launches ‘Main Hun Gullak’ in Dhamtari Schools

Tumanchand Sahu and his wife, Ranjita Sahu, a teacher from Dhamtari district, have launched a unique initiative called “Main Hoon Gullak (Mor Naav Bodli)” to instill values of discipline, savings, and dedication in children. They presented clay piggy banks to all students of Government Secondary and Primary School Luge, where teachers and students enthusiastically participated by contributing money. The core aim of “Main Hoon Gullak” is to foster a habit of saving and to impart the importance of sacrifice ..

Chhattisgarh’s flagship health scheme stalls Over Rs 800 cr hospital claims pending

In aN administrative collapse, Chhattisgarh’s ambitious Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Ayushman Swasthya Yojana (SVNSASY) – an allied scheme under the Ayushman Bharat umbrella – has come to a near standstill with over Rs 800 crore in hospital claims pending since February 2025. Official documents accessed by ‘The Hitavada’ reveal that no claim has been processed for nearly five months, leaving over 1,600 hospitals and nearly 81 lakh enrolled families in limbo. The paralysis stems from the expiry of the ..

Athawale terms decision on caste census ‘historic’

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India Ramdas Athawale has termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA Government’s decision of conducting caste census in the country as ‘historic’. Addressing media persons at the state guest house Pahuna in Raipur Athawale said that the Narendra Modi-led Government has decided to conduct a caste census, a decision he termed “historic.” He asserted that this move was not made under pressure from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi ..

CG’s Thota wins Gold in 1,500 mt race at Indian Open Athletics Meet

THOTA Sankeertana, promising athletics star of Chhattisgarh has once again made the state proud by clinching gold medal in the women’s 1500-meter race at the Indian Open Athletics Meet 2025 held at Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru. Clocking an impressive time of 4:27.14 minutes, Sankeertana outpaced her competitors to secure top podium position. Her triumph is being hailed as a proud moment not only for Charoda (Bhilai) but for the entire sports fraternity of Chhattisgarh. The recruitment rules mandated ..

Four short films released, highlights star Apurav Degan

Filmy Candy and Unity Production LLP just launched four powerful short films, each with a vital social message. Think films on instant loan dangers, over-papering kids, judging on looks, and deep emotional bonds. To make sure everyone can watch, Hungama OTT has an amazing offer: Rs 1 for a month of unlimited subscription, exclusively for Raipur. This move aims to highlight local star Apurav Degan and bring impactful stories to every home. Short films- ‘Instant Loan’, ‘Family Boy’, “A Cup of Coffee’ ..

Cabinet to extend benefits of Krishak Unnati Yojana

The Chhattisgarh Cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday, took several significant decisions aimed at boosting the state’s agricultural sector and promoting long-term economic development. Among the key approvals was the expansion of the Krishak Unnati Yojana to include more crops and the establishment of new funds for fiscal stability. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, addressing media persons at Mantralaya, informed that the most significant agricultural decision involves ..

Lakhma chargesheeted in liquor scam; Rs 64 cr gains unearthed

In a significant development in Chhattisgarh’s high-profile Rs 2200 liquor scam, the State Economic Offences Investigation and Anti Corruption Bureau (SEOIACB) on Monday filed a voluminous chargesheet against former Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma. The 1200-page prosecution document was submitted before the Hon’ble Special Court (PC Act) in Raipur, marking the fourth such chargesheet in the case registered under Crime No. 04/2024. Lakhma, who held the Excise portfolio between 2019 and 2023 in the previous ..

Doctors, blood disorder patients happy about e-Rakt Kosh scheme

Most oncologists, pathologists, families of patients who are diagnosed with blood cancer, thalassemia and sickle cell anemia across Chhattisgarh are happy with the new initiative, e-Rakt kosh, of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Under this initiative, e-Rakt Kosh, the union ministry of health and family welfare is developing national online platform for blood bank management and blood availability information of all blood groups and special mention of rare as well as negative blood ..

National Doctors’ Day UDF releases explosive national report on eve of Doctors’ Day

 Dr Lakshya Mittal By Mukesh S Singh  New Delhi/Raipur  On the eve of National Doctors’ Day, the United Doctors Front (UDF) rather marking the occasion as symbolic gesture released an explosive national report and launched a nati..

Curtain to raise CG to get new Chief Secretary today amidst succession buzz

The suspense surrounding Chhattisgarh’s next Chief Secretary will all likely end on Monday as current Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain officially superannuates. Jain will be accorded a farewell in the cabinet meeting scheduled at Mantralaya, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar on Monday, where his successor may also be welcomed. Five Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers are reportedly in contention for the top administrative post Renu Gonela Pillay, Subrat Sahoo, Amit Agrawal, Richa Sharma, and Manoj Kumar ..