Chhattisgarh CM engages in an inspiring dialogue with IIM Raipur Good Governance Fellows : Shares life lessons, governance insights, and answers students’ thought-provoking questions
“Responsibility fulfilled with honesty and sincerity always leads to positive results,” said Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai while addressing the ‘Mukhyamantri Sushasan Samvad’ (Chief Minister Good Governance Dialogue) held at the newly constructed auditorium on the fifth floor of Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan.
The event was organised as part of the Chief Minister Good Governance Fellowship, with participating fellows currently pursuing their academic programme at IIM Raipur. During the session, the Chief Minister shared valuable insights from his personal and political journey and responded candidly to the fellows’ questions.
Highlighting the state’s pioneering efforts, CM Sai noted, “Chhattisgarh is the first state in the country to have established a dedicated Department of Good Governance and Convergence.” He further elaborated on administrative reforms, stating that the e-office system has been implemented across the state, enabling full digitisation of files.
“This ensures transparency and allows easy tracking of files, effectively closing all possible avenues of corruption,” he added.
He emphasised that true good governance lies in ensuring that government schemes reach the people at the grassroots level. “Schemes must be conceived with deep thought because they involve the hard-earned money of citizens. When implemented effectively on the ground, only then do they truly benefit the people,” the CM stated.
CM responds to fellows’ questions with honesty and inspiration
During the interactive session, CM Sai responded to numerous thoughtful questions posed by the fellows.
Harshvardhan, a fellow from Arang, asked about the key lesson from the CM’s journey from being a Panch of Bagiya village to becoming the Chief Minister of the state.
Recalling his humble beginnings and early struggles, the CM said, “I lost my father at a very young age, and the responsibility of my family fell on my shoulders. I never imagined I would even become a Panch. But whatever responsibility came my way, I fulfilled it with full sincerity.”
He added, “When work is done with honesty and dedication, the results are always positive. I never strayed from the path of duty. Serving people has always been my life’s mission. The people have blessed me with the opportunity to serve as Panch, Sarpanch, MLA, MP, Union Minister, and now Chief Minister.”
Another fellow, Manu Pandey from Bilaspur, asked about Chhattisgarh’s role in realising the dream of a developed India by 2047.
CM Sai responded, “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has envisioned a developed India by 2047. In 2014, India was the world’s 10th largest economy. Today, it stands at number four. Chhattisgarh too has taken definitive steps in this direction by preparing a Vision Document.”
He informed that the state’s current GSDP stands at ₹5 lakh crore, and the goal is to increase it to ₹75 lakh crore by 2047.
“This is not just an aspiration but a solid, actionable plan that we are committed to achieving,” he asserted.
He highlighted Chhattisgarh’s natural and human capital, saying, “Our state is rich in minerals like iron, tin, lithium, bauxite, gold, and diamonds. 44% of our land is forest-covered, with hundreds of forest produce varieties. The fertile soil and hardworking people are Chhattisgarh’s true strength.”
Encouraging the youth, he added, “With your resolve and talent, we will definitely build a developed Chhattisgarh.”
Fellowship aims to build a future-ready cadre of responsible administrators
At the event, Secretary of the Good Governance and Convergence Department, Shri Rahul Bhagat, delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation outlining the vision of the Chief Minister Good Governance Fellowship.
He said the fellowship is aimed at equipping Chhattisgarh’s talented youth with high-quality education and hands-on experience in the field of governance, to create a skilled and responsible administrative generation.
As part of this initiative, the Chhattisgarh Government, in collaboration with IIM Raipur, is offering a postgraduate programme in Public Policy and Governance. Fellows will also receive field exposure and practical training across various departments.
Shri Bhagat explained that the fellows will contribute to data-driven policy formulation, process streamlining, resource optimisation, strengthening e-governance, and ground-level impact analysis of government schemes—ensuring citizen-centric policymaking.
CM unveils fellowship prospectus and presents Anjor Vision Document
On this occasion, CM Shri Vishnu Deo Sai formally launched the Chief Minister Good Governance Fellowship Prospectus and presented copies of the Chhattisgarh Anjor Vision Document to the participating fellows.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, Shri Manoj Pingua, also addressed the students and shared key insights.
The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Secretary of the General Administration Department, Shri Avinash Champawat, Special Secretary of the Good Governance and Convergence Department, Shri Rajat Bansal, Joint Secretary Shri Mayank Agrawal, professors from IIM Raipur, and other notable guests.
