Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and requested the establishment of an All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in the state.
The meeting, which was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, focused on various issues related to state development, public welfare programmes and regional priorities. One of the key topics discussed was the proposal to set up an AIIA in Chhattisgarh.
Highlighting the achievements of the existing All India Institutes of Ayurveda in New Delhi and Goa, Sai said these institutions have successfully combined traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern medical practices, emerging as centres of excellence in healthcare, education and research.
The Chief Minister emphasised that Chhattisgarh has immense potential to become a major hub for Ayurvedic research due to its extensive forest cover, rich biodiversity and abundance of medicinal plants. He also underscored the significance of the traditional healing practices preserved by the state’s tribal communities, calling them a valuable resource that remains largely untapped.
Sai stated that establishing an AIIA in Chhattisgarh would enhance access to advanced healthcare services while creating new opportunities for higher education, research and innovation. He added that the institute could serve as a major healthcare and academic centre for the entire central Indian region, attracting students, researchers and patients from neighbouring states.
Referring to the Union Budget announcement regarding the establishment of three new All India Institutes of Ayurveda across the country, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to allocate one of these institutions to Chhattisgarh. He said the project would not only generate employment opportunities but also strengthen specialised education and promote knowledge-based economic growth in the state.
During the meeting, Sai also briefed Amit Shah on the progress of infrastructure development and welfare initiatives being implemented in remote and security-sensitive areas, including the Bastar region. Shah appreciated the state’s efforts and assured continued support from the Centre for Chhattisgarh’s development and welfare programmes.
