Raigarh Celebrates Deepawali with 30,000 New Homes Under PM Awas Yojana

Administrative Excellence Drives Success

The remarkable accomplishment came through the combined efforts of Chief Minister Vishnu Dey Saay's vision, Finance Minister OP Choudhary's special initiatives, and the dedicated leadership of District Collector Mayank Chaturvedi. Under Collector Chaturvedi's guidance, the district administration transformed the housing scheme into a "people's movement" rather than merely a government program.

The Panchayat and Rural Development Department teams conducted village-to-village monitoring, addressed beneficiary concerns promptly, and implemented micro-planning at every level. Where construction progress lagged, immediate review meetings were held to analyze causes and take corrective action against responsible officials. As a result, Raigarh became the first district in the state to complete all milestone targets of 5,000, 10,000, 15,000, 20,000, and 25,000 houses.

Economic Empowerment Through Housing

The PMAY scheme extended beyond providing shelter, revitalizing the rural economy in multiple ways. Women's self-help groups were engaged in manufacturing and supplying centering plates, earning additional income while achieving self-reliance. Youth were trained as masons and integrated into construction work, creating local employment opportunities and restoring dignity to manual labor. The scheme has become an inspiring story of rural prosperity and women's empowerment in Raigarh.

Special Focus on Tribal Communities

Under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission for the Birhor tribal community, Raigarh achieved significant progress by completing 150 out of 173 sanctioned houses—representing 82% of the target. These permanent homes have brought not only stability but also social integration and confidence to Birhor families. The remaining houses are in their final stages of completion.

Symbol of Dignity and Hope

Collector Mayank Chaturvedi emphasized that the scheme provided more than physical structures. "This scheme is not just giving houses but laying the foundation of stability, dignity, and self-confidence in people's lives. Now every festival in these homes will resonate with happiness, children's laughter, and the smile of satisfaction—this is the real success of this scheme," he stated.

For the 30,000-plus families celebrating their first Deepawali in their own homes, the festival lights symbolize not merely illumination but the glow of self-respect, stability, and new beginnings. The houses represent the convergence of beneficiaries' hard work, their hopes, and the government's sensitive approach to development.​