Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale, addressed the media during his official visit to Chhattisgarh, highlighting that the Union Budget 2026-27 is providing a strong financial impetus to the state's all-round development under the vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas'. The Union Minister noted that a tax devolution of ₹50,427 crore has been proposed for Chhattisgarh in the Union Budget, alongside a grant provision of ₹15,000 crore for FY 2025-26 to bolster the state's financial capability and infrastructure works.  Presenting the progress of central flagship schemes in the state, Shri Athawale stated that central social security and welfare programs are creating a transformative impact on rural, poor, and tribal communities across Chhattisgarh. 

Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, more than 1.88 crore bank accounts have been opened in the state, securing financial inclusion with deposits amounting to over ₹9,324 crore. Furthermore, over 39.75 lakh gas connections have been allotted in Chhattisgarh under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, providing clean cooking fuel to rural households.  Highlighting infrastructure and health developments, the Minister underlined that approval for 5 new medical colleges has been granted to expand medical education and healthcare infrastructure in the state. 

Additionally, an Indian Oil bottling plant constructed at a cost of over ₹130 crore in Korba is driving logistics, local employment, and energy security in the region. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), over 1.77 lakh houses have been constructed with an allocation of ₹4,699 crore, while under the Ujala Scheme, 1.08 crore LED bulbs have been distributed across the state.  

The Union Minister re-affirmed the Central Government's focus on the welfare of marginalized communities, adding that funding has been provided for 5 De-addiction Centres and 3 Old Age Homes in the region to support social defense initiatives. Earlier in the day, Shri Athawale chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the Chhattisgarh government and the Raipur Municipal Corporation to assess the implementation of social welfare programs and review the progress of SC/ST backlog recruitment. 
 

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