New Educational Hubs: Chhattisgarh Government’s Initiative for Youth Development

The Chhattisgarh government is actively expanding educational infrastructure by constructing 34 new Nalanda complexes throughout the state. This initiative aims to support students pursuing higher education and those preparing for competitive examinations. The projects are not confined to major cities such as Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Bhilai, and Raigarh. Instead, they also include remote and underserved areas, ensuring wider access to educational resources for youth in places like Sukma, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Surajpur, Baikunthpur, Chirimiri, Kunkuri, Jashpur, Balrampur, and Pendra. The Department of Urban Administration and Development has provided financial backing for 33 new Nalanda complexes over the past two years. A significant project is underway in Raigarh, where a 700-seater Central Library is being built through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The Raigarh Municipal Corporation and NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) have partnered on this ₹42.56 crore project, which is set to become the largest Nalanda complex in the state. The complexes will offer comprehensive facilities for students, including access to online and offline study materials. In the last two years, the department has allocated ₹237.57 crore for the construction of 33 Nalanda complexes. Furthermore, for the fiscal year 2025-26, ₹125.88 crore has been approved for 18 complexes located in 17 urban bodies. During the previous fiscal year (2024-25), ₹111.70 crore was sanctioned for 15 Nalanda complexes across different cities. Tenders have been completed for 11 of these complexes, with construction agencies receiving work orders and set to begin construction soon. The government has also released the first installment of ₹19.14 crore for the construction of Nalanda complexes in 11 urban bodies. Municipal corporations in Durg, Rajnandgaon, and Ambikapur have each received ₹2.85 crore as the first installment, while Balodabazar, Balod, Bemetara, Kawardha, Kanker, and Janjgir municipalities, as well as Kunkuri Nagar Panchayat, each received ₹1.10 crore. Jashpur municipality has received the first installment of ₹2.85 crore for the construction of its complex. To create a conducive environment for higher education and competitive exam preparation, 500-seater libraries will be established in ten urban bodies, alongside 250-seater libraries in 22 other cities. Municipal Corporations in Durg, Rajnandgaon, Ambikapur, Jagdalpur, Bilaspur, and Bhilai, as well as municipalities in Jashpur, Lormi, and Gariyaband, will have 500-seater Nalanda complexes. In addition, central libraries and reading zones with a capacity of 250 seats will be built in locations like Dhamtari, Chirimiri, Kawardha, Janjgir-Naila, Balod, Balodabazar, Bemetara, Kanker, Narayanpur, Balrampur, Mungeli, Khairagarh, Shakti, Pendra, Sarangarh, Surajpur, Baikunthpur, Dantewada, Sukma, Kunkuri, Basna, and Ambikagarh-Chowki. Currently, the capital city, Raipur, features three operational central libraries and reading zones. These include the 1000-seater Nalanda Complex, the 800-seater Takshashila Central Library, and a 500-seater Central Library. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has highlighted the success of the Nalanda complex in Raipur, emphasizing the government’s commitment to support the dreams of the youth. The construction of these Nalanda complexes reflects the government’s commitment to providing accessible education and resources for competitive exam preparation to youth across Chhattisgarh. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao emphasized that the government is committed to providing all the necessary facilities to help young people succeed. These well-equipped libraries will offer a conducive environment for students pursuing higher education and preparing for competitive exams, as well as providing access to quality study materials. The Nalanda complexes are envisioned as key resources for supporting the youth of the state in achieving their goals.