SENSEX
NIFTY
GOLD
USD/INR

Weather

image 14    C

Top News

The New Indian Express News

Top / The New Indian Express

details

Raipur Diary | High-tech Nava Raipur; ifs and buts

Nava Raipur, the much-publicised new capital of Chhattisgarh, has been in the spotlight since it was declared the countrys first completely debt-free city. Planned and developed from the ground up by the Naya Raipur Development Authority since 2006, the city showcases broad avenues, neatly laid sectors and impressive infrastructure. However, the everyday experience of the city reveals a different, more grounded reality. People visiting government offices often struggle to find basic amenities. There are hardly any medical stores, drinking water outlets, first-aid facilities or vehicle repair garages. Ex-CMO officer under scam scanner Soumya Chaurasia, former deputy secretary in CMO during the previous Congress government, is facing mounting legal trouble. After securing interim bail from the Supreme Court in May in the coal levy scam, she is now being questioned by the ED in an alleged liquor scam. Investigating agencies have earlier linked her name to the multi-crore District Mineral Fund scam as well. Currently under ED custodial remand in Raipur, officials claim to have gathered evidence suggesting she received proceeds of crime worth Rs 115 crore. The states Economic Offences Wing has also filed a charge sheet, alleging misuse of official position during her tenure. Rakshak curriculum for child protection Chhattisgarh has launched the Rakshak curriculum, a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Child Rights and Protection. The programme has been introduced through MoUs signed between the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights and six state universities. Aimed at creating trained professionals, the course focuses on child welfare laws, government schemes, institutional processes and hands-on exposure with child protection units. With a strong mix of classroom learning and hands-on training, the programme aims to nurture sensitive, well-trained professionals who can actively protect childrens rights. Ejaz Kaiser Our correspondent in Chhattisgarh ejaz@newindianexpress.com

19 Dec 2025 7:34 am