Jagdalpur, May 5, 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai today stated that there is no dearth of talent and potential in the Bastar region; what is needed is simply the right platform, guidance, and opportunities.
Addressing the valedictory ceremony of “Innovation Mahakumbh 1.0,” held at the Shaheed Mahendra Karma University campus here in Jagdalpur, Sai remarked that this event provides the youth with a robust platform for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Referring to the roadmap prepared for the holistic development of Bastar, the Chief Minister noted that special emphasis has been placed on employment, education, startups, and infrastructure within this plan.
Furthermore, he announced that the “Niyad Nella Nar Scheme” would be expanded and implemented across 10 districts under the new avatar, “Niyad Nella Nar 2.0.”
The Chief Minister stated that the “Innovation and Startup Promotion Policy 2025-30” has been implemented with the specific objective of transforming Chhattisgarh into an innovation hub. Under this policy, the youth are being provided assistance at every stage—from the conceptualization of an idea to the expansion of their business ventures.
He observed that facilities such as financial assistance are providing a significant boost to the startup ecosystem.
The Chief Minister further added that the youth would play a pivotal role in realizing the vision of a “Developed India by 2047.” He emphasized that the path to a “Developed Chhattisgarh” runs through a “Developed Bastar.”
Sai highlighted that Bastar possesses immense potential in sectors such as tribal art, minor forest produce, organic farming, tourism, and handicrafts—areas that can be elevated to new heights by integrating them with technology, branding, and e-commerce.
He also noted that the growth of tourism in Bastar would drive up the demand for homestays, local guides, handicrafts, and forest produce, thereby strengthening the rural economy.
The Chief Minister expressed his firm confidence that the youth of Bastar would make a significant contribution—through the spirit of entrepreneurship—towards building a “Developed Bastar,” a “Developed Chhattisgarh,” and a “Developed India.”
During the programme, the winning participants—representing the best innovative ideas and startups—were honored with incentive grants, certificates, and mementos.
On this occasion, Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap urged the youth to move forward by embracing entrepreneurship and self-employment, thereby enabling them to ensure the happiness and prosperity of their families.
Higher Education Minister Tankram Verma remarked that the ‘Innovation Mahakumbh’ has provided the youth with a vital platform, enabling them to not only advance their innovative ideas but also become self-reliant. Inspiring the youth, he encouraged them to establish their own businesses or self-employment ventures, thereby becoming job creators rather than job seekers, and serving as sources of inspiration for other young people.
Also addressing the gathering on this occasion, Bastar MP Mahesh Kashyap and Jagdalpur MLA Kiran Dev called upon the youth to play an active role in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Developed India’ (Viksit Bharat) by adopting entrepreneurship and self-employment through innovation.
At the commencement of the programme, Vice-Chancellor of Shaheed Mahendra Karma University Bastar Manoj Srivastava provided a detailed overview of the objectives behind organizing the Innovation Mahakumbh, the history of the university’s establishment, and the institution’s various academic activities and innovative initiatives.
Among those present on this occasion were Chitrakote MLA Vinayak Goyal, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Beverages Corporation Srinivas Maddi, Chairman of the Scheduled Tribes Commission Roopsingh Mandavi, District Panchayat President Vedvati Kashyap, and Jagdalpur Mayor Sanjay Pandey, along with other public representatives and dignitaries.
