Students of Shivpur Eklavya Residential School in Surguja walked to the collector’s office to complain about months-long electricity failure, teaching issues and poor hostel conditions. The principal has now been removed and the warden issued a notice.

The principal of Shivpur Eklavya Residential School in Surguja district has been removed after girl students walked several kilometres to meet the collector and raise complaints about basic facilities at the institution.The students had alleged that the school and hostel had been without electricity for nearly three months, along with problems related to teaching and cleanliness in the mess.Following an inquiry ordered by the district administration, Principal Om Narayan Srivastava was removed from the post and attached to the office of the Assistant Commissioner. The hostel warden has also been issued a show-cause notice for alleged negligence.

Students walked to collector’s office

According to officials, around 45 girl students from the residential school decided to approach the collector after repeated complaints allegedly failed to resolve their problems.The students started walking towards Ambikapur, around 30 km away from the school. Teachers accompanied them as a safety measure.When Tribal Assistant Commissioner Lalit Shukla reached Bailkota to speak with the students, they reportedly refused to discuss their issues with him and insisted on meeting the collector directly.After the students had walked around 16 km, arrangements were made to take them to Ambikapur by bus.

Students raised three major complaints

After meeting Collector Ajit Vasant, the students highlighted three key issues:

• Electricity supply in the school and hostel had remained disrupted for around three months

• Problems with teaching, particularly in subjects including mathematics and chemistry

• Poor cleanliness arrangements in the mess

The students also alleged that their earlier complaints to the school principal did not result in corrective action.

Three-member committee submitted inquiry report

The collector had formed a three-member inquiry committee headed by Joint Collector Sharda Agrawal to examine the allegations.The committee spoke with students and staff members and submitted its report to the district administration.Based on the findings, the administration removed the principal from his post. Teacher Pratiksha Tripathi (PGT English) has been given additional responsibility as school principal

.Another teacher, Arvind Ashok Tigga , has been sent back to his original posting at Eklavya School Mainpat.The hostel warden Ayushi Soni has received a show-cause notice over alleged negligence in government duties.The salaries of employees working at Eklavya School Shivpur will now be released only after approval from the collector and district-level committee.

CM orders action against negligence

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed displeasure over the incident and spoke to the collector.The Chief Minister said that students having to walk to raise their concerns was not acceptable and directed officials to identify responsibility and take action against those found negligent.Tribal Welfare Minister Ramvichar Netam has also sought an inquiry report from officials and said that students’ problems would be addressed.The administration has assured that necessary steps will be taken to improve facilities at the school.

A sudden malaria outbreak in Chhattisgarh's Kanker district has claimed the lives of two school students within two days, while 11 children studying in government-run hostels have tested positive for the mosquito-borne disease, prompting health authorities to launch an emergency response.

The district administration and the Health Department have intensified surveillance in affected areas, with medical teams conducting door-to-door screening and setting up health camps in hostels and nearby villages.

Health Department Confirms Outbreak

Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr. R.C. Thakur said the district has witnessed an unexpected spike in malaria cases over the past few days.

According to the health department, rapid testing, treatment and preventive measures are being carried out in the affected hostels. Authorities have also directed officials to closely monitor all government residential schools and hostels across the district.

Two Students Lose Their Lives

One of the victims was nine-year-old Kareena Vishwakarma from Domaharra village. She and her two sisters were admitted to the district hospital after developing high fever. Kareena died during treatment on July 25, while her sisters continue to receive medical care.

In a separate incident, nine-year-old Subhash Kumeti, a student residing at the Mardapoti hostel, also succumbed to malaria.

Officials said several students at the hostel had complained of fever and headaches. Medical screening confirmed malaria infection in four students. Subhash's condition deteriorated after he was taken home by his family, and despite being brought back to the district hospital, he died during treatment on Sunday.

Eleven Hostel Students Test Positive

Health officials said 11 students from the Iradah and Mardapoti government hostels have tested positive for malaria.

Medical teams have established camps inside the hostels, where infected students are receiving treatment while other residents are being screened to prevent further spread.

No Cases Detected Days Earlier

Assistant Commissioner of the Tribal Welfare Department Jaya Manu said all government hostels had undergone routine health screening on July 22, and no malaria cases were detected at that time.

However, infections began surfacing rapidly after July 24, indicating what officials described as a sudden outbreak.

Containment Measures Intensified

The Health Department has begun extensive surveillance in the affected villages and hostels. Teams are conducting fever screening, blood tests and distributing anti-malarial medicines.

Authorities are also carrying out mosquito-control measures, including awareness campaigns, inspections of waterlogging sites and preventive interventions in vulnerable areas.

Officials Urge Preventive Measures

Health officials have advised residents to use mosquito nets, wear full-sleeved clothing, apply mosquito repellents and ensure that stagnant water does not accumulate around homes.

People experiencing persistent fever, chills, headaches or body aches have been urged to seek immediate medical attention, as early diagnosis and treatment significantly improve recovery from malaria.

In the dense forests and tough terrain of Bastar, one woman’s quiet determination has left a mark on hundreds of tribal villages. Dr. Budhri Tati, a social worker from Dantewada, was conferred the Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu for her extraordinary service to society.

For 35 years, Budhri Tati has walked on foot across more than 545 villages in the Naxal-affected region. She focused on women’s empowerment, education, health, and environmental awareness, often putting her own life at risk. Despite facing life-threatening attacks and opposition, she never turned back.

At the award ceremony, she stood out in traditional tribal attire of Bastar, choosing it over modern clothes. This simple gesture spoke volumes about her deep connection with her roots and the people she serves. Locals fondly call her ‘Bua’ or ‘Badi Didi’.

Her journey began at the age of 15. Inspired by Lakhmu Baba of the Gurmagunda Ashram in 1984-85, she decided to dedicate her life to social work. After training with the Rashtriya Seva Samiti in Nagpur, she returned to Bastar and started working in remote areas where women rarely stepped out of their homes.

She took on illiteracy, superstitions, and harmful social practices head-on. Over the decades, Budhri Tati helped more than 500 women become self-reliant by training them in sewing, embroidery, and other livelihood skills. Her belief is simple — when women become financially strong, the entire society grows stronger.

Along with women’s empowerment, she ran campaigns on cleanliness, nutrition, maternal and child health, and de-addiction. Many villagers gave up liquor after her persistent efforts. She also set up an old-age home in Hiranar for the destitute elderly and took responsibility for educating and caring for orphaned tribal children. Her niece Antwi Vek assists her in this work.

The path was never easy. In one incident in the Abujhmar region, angry villagers chased her with sharp weapons. She narrowly escaped, but such attacks did not break her resolve. “If I had feared that day, many women in that village would still be living in darkness,” she later reflected on her experiences.

Budhri Tati chose not to marry, considering society as her family. Today, in Bastar’s villages, every child is like her own, every woman part of her extended family, and every elder worthy of respect.

This Padma Shri is her 23rd honour, including three national-level awards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted her warmly at the ceremony.

Her recognition comes at a time when stories of quiet, grassroots changemakers from conflict zones are gaining attention. Just days ago, another doctor couple from the same Dantewada-Abujhmar region — Dr. Ramchandra and Dr. Sunita Godbole, known as ‘Doctor Bhaiya-Bhabhi’ — also received the Padma Shri for providing free treatment to over one lakh patients.

Officials and locals say Budhri Tati’s work has brought visible change in some of the most backward pockets of Chhattisgarh. Yet she remains grounded, continuing her mission even after the national honour.

The award has sparked pride across the state, especially among tribal communities and women’s groups. Many see her as an inspiration for the next generation of social workers who want to work in difficult areas.

As Budhri Tati returns to Bastar after receiving the honour, her focus remains unchanged — reaching more villages, helping more women, and building a better future for the region’s children. Her story is a reminder that real change often walks on dusty forest trails, one step at a time.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Odisha on Saturday for a significant visit to President Draupadi Murmu’s in-laws’ village in Paharpur, Mayurbhanj district, where he is set to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹47,600 crore. The visit coincides with President Murmu’s 67th birthday, adding a personal touch to the high-profile engagements in Rairangpur and surrounding areas.

The Prime Minister’s trip underscores the Centre’s focus on accelerating infrastructure and welfare initiatives in the state, with several key energy, road, irrigation and health projects in the spotlight.

Special Visit to Paharpur and Rairangpur

Modi landed in the morning and proceeded to Paharpur, the ancestral village of President Murmu’s in-laws. He is scheduled to offer prayers at local religious sites following Santhali and Ho Jahera traditions. President Murmu, who reached Rairangpur by road on Friday after bad weather disrupted her helicopter journey from West Bengal, is accompanying the Prime Minister for the day’s events.

At 1 pm, both leaders will jointly attend a ceremony in Rairangpur to mark two years of the Odisha government’s initiatives. Modi is also expected to address a public gathering, likely highlighting the transformative impact of the projects being rolled out.

Power and Energy Push

Among the major highlights is the inauguration of the 600 MW Upper Indravati Pumped Storage Project and the Stage-II expansion of the IB Thermal Power Station, adding two units of 660 MW each. The foundation stone for the Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited project at Lakhanpur in Jharsuguda will also be laid, promising industrial growth and employment opportunities in the region.

These energy sector initiatives are expected to strengthen Odisha’s power infrastructure and support long-term economic development.

Infrastructure and Connectivity Boost

Several road and rail projects form a key part of the package. These include the Kathajodi River Bridge linking Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, widening of the Dhalpur-Harbhanga road in Boudh, and four-laning of the Nuapada-Ghatipara section of NH-353. Two multi-tracking railway projects costing over ₹732 crore, including the Hindol Road-Meramandali stretch, will be dedicated to the nation.

Additionally, the Nayagarh Town Bypass on NH-57 and other connectivity projects aim to improve mobility and trade across districts.

Water, Health and Education Initiatives

Focus on rural and tribal welfare is evident with projects like the Kusumdihi Mega Lift Irrigation Project, the underground pipeline of the Kusumi Smart Irrigation Project, and the Integrated Rural Pipe Water Supply for mining-affected villages. A 300-bed hospital in Boudh, 24 Atal Bus Stands, and nine Automated Testing Stations will also be inaugurated.

In Rairangpur, the foundation stone for IGNOU’s regional centre and an indoor badminton complex will be laid, alongside a Sports Complex and Tribal Research Centre. A 300-tonne municipal solid waste-based compressed biogas plant in Bhubaneswar adds to the green development push.

President Murmu’s Emotional Connect

The visit holds special significance for President Murmu, who was born in Uparbeda village and moved to Paharpur after her marriage in 1980. She began her political journey as an MLA from Rairangpur and served as a minister in the BJP-BJD government. The first tribal woman to become Governor of Jharkhand before assuming the highest constitutional office in 2022, Murmu’s roots in the region remain strong. Earlier on Friday, she inaugurated a medical camp by AIIMS Bhubaneswar and other local projects.

Development Momentum in Odisha

The ₹47,600 crore worth of projects span multiple sectors including energy, industry, roads, drinking water, health, education, tourism and irrigation. Officials said these initiatives will create jobs, improve living standards in tribal and rural areas, and boost overall state growth.

As Modi addresses the public, expectations are high for announcements that could further strengthen Centre-State collaboration. The day’s events blend governance with cultural respect, reflecting the government’s outreach to tribal communities and eastern states.

With President Murmu celebrating her birthday amid these milestones, the visit is being seen as a moment of both progress and personal warmth for the leadership.

Bastar is poised for a major economic transformation as Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presented an ambitious development roadmap during the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog. Addressing the gathering chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister highlighted efforts to turn Bastar into a model region for prosperity, employment, education, tourism, and modern industry.

Presenting his vision at the meeting attended by Union ministers, chief ministers, lieutenant governors, and senior policymakers, Sai said the state government is working to transform Bastar from a region once affected by Left-wing extremism into a hub of inclusive growth and investment.

The strategy focuses on increasing rural incomes, strengthening infrastructure, improving social services, and creating new economic opportunities for tribal communities across the region.

Focus on Income Growth

A key objective of the government's plan is to double the income of tribal households within the next three years. According to the Chief Minister, the target is to raise average monthly family incomes from below ₹15,000 to approximately ₹30,000.

The strategy combines agriculture, animal husbandry, forest-based livelihoods, small-scale industries, and welfare programmes. A major component is the promotion of a "White Revolution" through dairy development.

Under the initiative, tribal families are being provided with milch cows and buffaloes to establish sustainable sources of income. The programme is also expected to generate employment in milk collection, transportation, processing, and local marketing, particularly benefiting women and young people.

Irrigation and Agriculture Expansion

The state government is implementing two major irrigation projects worth more than ₹2,000 crore to improve water availability in the Indravati river region.

These projects aim to provide year-round irrigation across approximately 32,000 hectares, enabling farmers to diversify beyond traditional paddy cultivation. Officials expect increased production of vegetables, fruits, and cash crops, improving agricultural productivity and farm incomes.

The government believes improved irrigation infrastructure will play a significant role in strengthening Bastar's rural economy.

Tourism as a Growth Engine

Tourism has been identified as one of the primary drivers of future employment in Bastar. The government plans to develop Chitrakot and Sirpur into world-class tourism destinations.

Projects include the expansion of water sports, adventure tourism, jungle safaris, and eco-tourism facilities. In Sirpur, authorities are planning a global meditation centre, museum, and riverfront development to attract domestic and international visitors.

Officials estimate that growth in tourism will generate employment opportunities across hospitality, transportation, guiding services, handicrafts, retail businesses, and local entrepreneurship.

Healthcare and Service Delivery

To strengthen healthcare services, the state is creating approximately 3.6 million digital health profiles. These records are intended to improve patient care, facilitate information sharing among medical professionals, and enhance healthcare access in rural areas.

The government is also converting around 200 security camps in Bastar into integrated service centres known as "Seva Dera." These facilities will provide villagers with access to 371 central and state government schemes, including ration distribution, pensions, healthcare, education, and banking services.

Education and Technology Push

The development strategy includes major investments in education and digital infrastructure. The government has announced ₹100 crore for Education Cities in Abujhmad and Jagargunda.

The state has also expanded educational infrastructure through 341 PM SHRI schools and 5,857 smart classrooms. Bilingual textbooks in 16 local languages are being introduced to improve learning outcomes among tribal students.

Meanwhile, Chhattisgarh is positioning itself as an emerging destination for technology-driven industries. The Chief Minister highlighted ongoing investments in artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, and digital innovation.

Investment and Export Growth

According to Sai, Chhattisgarh has implemented 435 governance and business reforms while strengthening its single-window clearance system to attract investors.

Two semiconductor manufacturing units are currently under construction in the state. New investments in sectors such as sports equipment, electronics, bio-ethanol, garments, and textiles are also generating employment opportunities.

The state's One District-One Product (ODOP) initiative has helped local products access wider markets. Exports under the programme reached ₹761.76 crore by February 2026 during the current financial year, with aromatic rice emerging as a major contributor.

The Goverment of Chhattisgarh is set to launch a large-scale tribal outreach campaign across remote regions of the state from May 18 to May 25 with the objective of ensuring direct delivery of government schemes and welfare services to tribal communities. Under the campaign titled “Jan Bhagidari – Sabse Door, Sabse Pehle,” government officials will travel to thousands of villages to address public grievances, organise service camps and provide immediate assistance related to health, ration, pensions and other welfare schemes.

Officials said the initiative is being coordinated by the Tribal Development Department and will cover nearly 8,235 villages across Chhattisgarh. These include 1,544 villages identified under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) and 6,691 villages under the Dharati Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. The campaign will be conducted in almost all districts of the state except Raipur.

According to government officials, the programme has been designed to improve administrative outreach in geographically remote tribal areas where access to government services remains limited. Senior officers from different departments have been directed to visit villages personally, interact with local residents and ensure eligible beneficiaries receive the benefits of central and state welfare schemes without unnecessary delays.

One of the key focus areas of the campaign will be healthcare services in tribal regions. Health camps will be organised in villages where medical teams will conduct free check-ups and screening for diseases such as sickle cell anaemia and tuberculosis, which have been identified as major health concerns in tribal communities. Officials said treatment support and awareness programmes will also be conducted during the camps to improve healthcare accessibility in remote areas.

Apart from healthcare, the campaign will also focus on ensuring access to essential welfare schemes linked to ration distribution, pensions, nutrition, drinking water and education. Authorities said eligible beneficiaries will be identified on the spot and assistance related to pension approvals, ration cards and social security schemes will be provided wherever possible. The government aims to reduce delays in welfare delivery by resolving smaller administrative issues directly at the village level.

As part of the initiative, “Aadi Seva Kendras” will be established in villages and outreach locations to function as grievance redressal centres. Through these centres, villagers will be able to submit complaints and seek help related to government schemes without visiting district offices or government departments repeatedly. Officials stated that the objective is to make governance more accessible for tribal communities living in isolated areas.

The state government has instructed officers to conduct public interaction sessions and village chaupal meetings during the campaign period. Senior administrative officials are expected to directly listen to public grievances, monitor local problems and coordinate with departments for quick resolution of issues. Government sources said the initiative has been planned to strengthen trust between tribal communities and the administration by increasing physical presence of officials in remote locations.

Authorities have also introduced a digital monitoring system for the campaign. Officials participating in the outreach programme will be required to upload daily reports, photographs, videos and beneficiary feedback on the “Aadi Prasaran” portal. The digital tracking mechanism is expected to help monitor field activities and assess implementation progress across districts on a real-time basis.

Government officials stated that several social and community-based organisations will also participate in the campaign. Instructions have been issued to involve public representatives, women self-help groups, NSS volunteers, NCC cadets and local social organisations in awareness activities and outreach programmes. Officials believe community participation will improve the effectiveness of welfare delivery and help identify local challenges more efficiently.

The campaign is also being linked with programmes such as “Sushasan Tihar” and “Janjatiya Garima Utsav” to increase awareness about tribal welfare schemes and government initiatives. Administrative officials said the broader objective is to improve governance access in tribal regions while ensuring that central and state-sponsored schemes reach intended beneficiaries at the grassroots level.

Tribal-dominated regions of Chhattisgarh have historically faced challenges related to infrastructure, healthcare accessibility and administrative connectivity. Officials believe the latest outreach drive could help bridge the gap between government departments and residents of remote villages by bringing welfare services directly to their doorstep.

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Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar arrived in Jagdalpur on Tuesday via a private jet, marking the beginning of his scheduled visit to Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district. Accompanied by his family, Tendulkar is set to travel to Chhindnar village, where he will interact with tribal children and young sports enthusiasts.

The visit has drawn significant attention, with schoolchildren assembling at the venue as early as 9 am despite soaring temperatures.

Children Await Interaction

Officials confirmed that hundreds of students from nearby villages were brought to attend the programme. However, concerns emerged regarding transport arrangements, with some teachers alleging overcrowding in buses.

A teacher claimed that more than 100 children were accommodated in a single bus, raising questions about safety and logistics amid the ongoing heatwave conditions.

Programme Schedule Changes

Originally, Tendulkar’s itinerary included three major engagements, including a visit to Geedam auditorium and the inauguration of a cricket ground at Paneda. Sources indicated that these events have now been cancelled, though no official reason has been cited.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai was also expected to join the programme, but his visit was called off due to unspecified reasons.

Official Response Pending

Dantewada District Education Officer Pramod Thakur acknowledged that schoolchildren were mobilised for the event. When asked about arrangements in extreme heat conditions, he stated he was occupied in a virtual meeting and would respond later. No detailed clarification has yet been issued by the district administration regarding the transportation concerns.

Focus on Grassroots Sports

At Chhindnar, Tendulkar is expected to directly engage with children, observe local talent, and offer guidance on sports development. Demonstrations of games such as kho-kho, kabaddi, and volleyball are planned as part of the event.

According to officials, the former cricketer may also step onto the field to play cricket with the children, adding a participatory dimension to the visit.

Foundation’s Local Work

Tendulkar’s foundation has been actively involved in promoting sports infrastructure in Dantewada. Around 15 playgrounds have already been developed, while sports activities are underway in nearly 25 schools, including residential institutions and portable classrooms.

Multi-use grounds have been created in villages such as Chhindnar, Kasoli, and Bangapal, enabling children to access facilities for multiple sports within limited space.

Training and Development

Beyond infrastructure, the initiative includes capacity building for educators. Over 15 teachers from the district have received professional training in Mumbai, equipping them to coach students in cricket and other sports.

Officials said children are now receiving structured training, a first for many in the region, which has historically lacked organised sports exposure.

Changing Local Narrative

Dantewada, once known for insurgency-related challenges, is witnessing gradual transformation through education and sports initiatives. Authorities believe visits by national icons such as Tendulkar help amplify these efforts and bring wider recognition.

The programme, organised jointly by the district administration and a partner foundation, aims to inspire young athletes and strengthen grassroots engagement in sports.

What Lies Ahead

As per officials, the visit is expected to boost confidence among local children and encourage participation in organised sports. Authorities are also hopeful that continued investment in infrastructure and training will help identify talent from remote areas.

The Raigarh Tribal Girls Hostel controversy has triggered widespread outrage after a viral video showed minor students allegedly being made to paint walls and clean hazardous areas inside their hostel premises. The incident, reported from Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh district, has prompted the administration to order a formal inquiry.

The matter pertains to a pre-matric Adiwasi Kanya Chhatrawas located in Kodasiya village of Lailunga block. Nearly 40–45 girls from Classes 6 to 10 reside in the hostel. The viral footage shows students mixing paint, climbing onto ledges, and cleaning accumulated dirt from roof projections.

What the Viral Video Shows

The now-viral Chhattisgarh Hostel Viral Video shows:

 Girls painting hostel walls

 Students standing on elevated edges (chhajja) to remove dirt

 Buckets of paint being mixed by students

 No visible staff supervision during the work

Photos circulating online further reveal girls cleaning roof extensions before painting, raising concerns over safety and child rights violations.

The video reportedly surfaced after one of the hostel students recorded the activity and shared it on social media.

Administration Orders Inquiry

Taking cognizance of the Raigarh Tribal Girls Hostel issue, the Tribal Development Department has initiated an investigation. A three-member inquiry committee has been constituted by the Collector’s Office (Tribal Development Branch).

The committee includes:

 Dharmendra Singh Bais

 Dhaneshwari Sidar

 Umesh Patel

The team is scheduled to visit the hostel on February 28, 2026, to conduct an on-ground assessment and submit a detailed report. Officials have assured that further action will be taken based on the findings.

Warden’s Clarification

Hostel warden Purnima Chauhan has denied direct involvement. She stated that laborers were hired for painting work and that only minor cleaning of the kitchen area remained. According to her statement, during her absence, a peon allegedly asked the students to complete the pending work.

However, the explanation has raised further questions about supervision, accountability, and the safety of minor girls residing in the government-run facility.

Why This Matters Now

The Raigarh Tribal Girls Hostel controversy comes amid increasing scrutiny over student welfare in residential government institutions. Recently, a similar incident was reported in Mahasamund district, where students were seen sweeping and clearing grass on the first day of school.

Experts say such incidents reflect systemic issues in hostel management. Education rights activists emphasize that:

 Students cannot be assigned maintenance or hazardous tasks.

 Government funds are allocated annually for hostel upkeep (reportedly ₹25,000 per year in this case).

 Safety protocols must be strictly followed in residential facilities.

Child welfare advocates argue that beyond administrative action, structural reforms and regular inspections are essential.

Expert Perspective

Education policy observers note that residential hostels for tribal students are crucial for bridging educational gaps in rural areas. However, mismanagement can undermine trust in welfare schemes.

“Hostels are meant to provide safe learning environments. Assigning physical maintenance work to minors raises serious ethical and legal concerns,” a Raigarh-based education analyst said.

What Happens Next?

The outcome of the inquiry will determine whether disciplinary action is taken against staff members. The Tribal Development Department has stated that appropriate measures will follow as per established norms.

For now, the Raigarh Tribal Girls Hostel case has sparked debate over accountability in government-run educational institutions — and reinforced the need for stronger monitoring mechanisms.

As investigations continue, stakeholders await clarity on whether this was a lapse in supervision or a deeper administrative failure.