Proposal Seeks Special Provision for 10-km Cluster Under PMGSY-IV; Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Gives Positive Assurance

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai Urges Centre to Adopt Arunachal Model for Road Connectivity in Bastar

Newdelhi/ Raipur , July 31, 2026/ Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai met Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan on July 31 and urged the Central Government to introduce a special provision under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV) to strengthen road connectivity in the remote and inaccessible areas of Bastar division.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that many villages in Bastar are located in dense forests, hilly terrain, and geographically challenging areas. Under the existing provisions of PMGSY, only habitations located within a 500-metre radius are considered a single cluster. As a result, many small and remote villages in Bastar remain outside the ambit of road connectivity. He requested that, considering the special provision applicable in Arunachal Pradesh, habitations located within a 10-kilometre radius in Bastar should also be treated as a single cluster so that a larger number of villages can be connected by all-weather roads.

He said that Bastar is now emerging from the era of Naxalism and moving rapidly on the path of development. At such a time, improved road connectivity will become the most effective means of linking people with education, healthcare, agriculture, employment, and government welfare schemes. He said that roads are not merely a mode of transportation but the foundation of development, security, and prosperity. Keeping in view Bastar’s unique geographical conditions, he urged that the proposal be approved on a priority basis.

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured the Chief Minister that it would be considered positively. He said that the Central Government is committed to the development of remote and tribal regions such as Bastar and would take the necessary steps on the State Government’s proposal.

During the discussion, Home Minister Shri Vijay Sharma briefed the Union Minister on the progress of rural development, expansion of basic infrastructure, and various development initiatives being implemented by the State Government, particularly in Bastar.

Union Minister appreciated the Chhattisgarh Government’s efforts in the field of rural development. He said that works such as the construction of Muktidhams and toilets under the VB G RAM G Yojana were being implemented effectively. Praising the state’s performance under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, he noted that the construction of nearly 1,500 houses every day is a remarkable achievement. He expressed confidence that the coordinated efforts of the Central and State Governments would further accelerate development across Bastar and the rest of Chhattisgarh.

Secretary, Union Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, and Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shri Subodh Singh were also present at the meeting.