New Delhi, August 21: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai presented the state’s economic development story, investment opportunities, and vision for growth at the two-day ‘World Leaders Forum’ held in New Delhi on Friday.
The event saw the participation of prominent figures from India and abroad, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gore, and former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Chhattisgarh’s economy is no longer limited to minerals and traditional industries. The state is now advancing in agriculture, industry, and services.
In the fiscal year 2025-26, the state’s economy reached approximately ₹6.31 lakh crore, with a growth rate of 11.57%. Per capita income has risen to ₹1,79,244. The Chief Minister noted that the budget for 2026-27 prioritizes capital expenditure, infrastructure, and social welfare, amounting to ₹1.72 lakh crore.
He mentioned that over the past two years, reforms such as the new industrial development policy (2024-30) and the ‘One-Click Single Window System 2.0’ have simplified more than 450 processes.
The impact on investment is evident, with the new industrial policy attracting investment proposals exceeding ₹8 lakh crore. Opportunities have expanded into new sectors like semiconductors, electronics, AI, data centers, pharmaceuticals, textiles, logistics, green energy, and food processing.
CM Sai emphasized the need for Chhattisgarh’s youth to transition from job seekers to entrepreneurs, making youth-led enterprises the backbone of the state’s economic vision.
The government aims to establish 5,000 startups by 2030 and is providing seed funding of up to ₹10 lakh to new entrepreneurs to promote self-reliance and job creation.
Additionally, the state plans to train 600,000 students and 150,000 government employees in AI, along with developing over 50 AI-based government services. The goal is to leverage technology not just for digital transformation but to make education, employment, and public services more accessible and effective for citizens. This vision is further strengthened by an AI data center park being developed in Naya Raipur with an investment of nearly ₹1,000 crore.
The government announced plans to support 100 AI data labs, establish five ‘Centers of Excellence,’ and promote over 300 AI startups under a ₹500 crore AI mission.
The Chief Minister identified Bastar as a crucial part of Chhattisgarh’s future economy. He noted that improved security has allowed for renewed focus on development, employment, and investment in the region. A livelihood improvement scheme worth ₹4,824 crore is being prepared to increase the income of nearly 1 million families. Furthermore, 421 closed schools have been reopened, and digital health profiles have been created for over 3.4 million people.
The Jagdalpur-Rawghat rail project, valued at ₹3,513 crore, is expected to enhance connectivity for Bastar’s industries and markets, further boosting the area’s economic development.
Tourism and local products are also being emphasized in Bastar’s economy. Plans are underway to connect sites like Chitrakoot, Tirathgarh, Kanger Valley, and Sirpur with the global tourism circuit, showcasing Bastar’s tribal culture.
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