The Chhattisgarh government is undertaking a significant project to enhance educational infrastructure, with the construction of 34 new Nalanda complexes planned across the state. This initiative is designed to support students pursuing higher education and those preparing for competitive examinations. The project’s reach extends beyond major cities like Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Bhilai, and Raigarh, encompassing remote areas such as Sukma, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Surajpur, Baikunthpur, Chirimiri, Kunkuri, Jashpur, Balrampur, and Pendra, ensuring broader access to educational resources. The Department of Urban Administration and Development has allocated substantial funding for these projects, with 33 Nalanda complexes receiving financial support over the past two years. A notable example is the ongoing construction of a 700-seater Central Library in Raigarh, which is being funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The Raigarh Municipal Corporation and the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) are collaborating on this ₹42.56 crore project, which will become the largest Nalanda complex in the state. These new complexes will offer both online and offline study facilities, catering to diverse learning preferences. In the past two years, the department has sanctioned ₹237.57 crore for the construction of 33 Nalanda complexes. Furthermore, in the current fiscal year, 2025-26, ₹125.88 crore has been approved for 18 complexes across 17 urban bodies. During the preceding fiscal year (2024-25), a sum of ₹111.70 crore was approved for 15 Nalanda complexes across various cities. Tenders have been finalized for 11 of these projects, and the work orders have been issued to the respective construction agencies, with construction expected to commence shortly. The government has also disbursed the initial installment of ₹19.14 crore for the construction of Nalanda complexes in 11 urban bodies. Municipal corporations in Durg, Rajnandgaon, and Ambikapur each received ₹2.85 crore as the first installment, while Balodabazar, Balod, Bemetara, Kawardha, Kanker, and Janjgir municipalities, along with Kunkuri Nagar Panchayat, each received ₹1.10 crore. Jashpur municipality received the first installment of ₹2.85 crore. The government plans to establish 500-seater libraries in ten urban bodies and 250-seater libraries in 22 cities. Municipal Corporations in Durg, Rajnandgaon, Ambikapur, Jagdalpur, Bilaspur, and Bhilai, along with municipalities in Jashpur, Lormi, and Gariyaband will have 500-seater Nalanda complexes. Central libraries and reading zones with a capacity of 250 seats will be constructed 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. Raipur currently houses three central libraries and reading zones, including the 1000-seater Nalanda Complex, the 800-seater Takshashila Central Library, and a 500-seater Central Library. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted the successful operation of the Nalanda complex in Raipur, emphasizing the government’s dedication to supporting the aspirations of young people. The construction of these complexes underscores the government’s commitment to providing quality education and resources for competitive exam preparation to youth throughout Chhattisgarh. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao affirmed the government’s commitment to providing all the resources necessary for the success of the youth. These well-equipped libraries are envisioned to foster a conducive environment for students pursuing higher education and preparing for competitive exams, along with access to high-quality study materials.
