Chhattisgarh’s Nalanda Complexes: A Hub for Education and Competitive Exam Preparation

In a significant initiative, the Chhattisgarh government is constructing 34 new Nalanda complexes across the state to support students pursuing higher education and preparing for competitive examinations. These facilities are not limited to major urban centers like Raipur, Bilaspur, Durg, Bhilai, and Raigarh; they are also being established in remote and underserved areas such as Sukma, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Surajpur, Baikunthpur, Chirimiri, Kunkuri, Jashpur, Balrampur, and Pendra. The Department of Urban Administration and Development has approved substantial funding for these projects, with 33 complexes receiving financial backing over the past two years. A notable project is the 700-seater Central Library currently under development in Raigarh, which is being funded through CSR initiatives. The Raigarh Municipal Corporation and the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) have collaborated on this endeavor, with a budget of ₹42.56 crore, making it the largest Nalanda complex in the state. The complexes will offer both online and offline study resources to students. The department has allocated ₹237.57 crore for the construction of 33 Nalanda complexes over the last two fiscal years. Furthermore, in the current fiscal year (2025-26), ₹125.88 crore has been approved for 18 complexes in 17 urban bodies. During the previous fiscal year (2024-25), ₹111.70 crore was sanctioned for 15 complexes across various cities. Construction tenders have been completed for 11 of these complexes, and work orders have been issued to the respective construction agencies, with construction activities set to begin shortly. The government has also released 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 has been granted ₹2.85 crore for the initial phase of construction. To create an environment that supports competitive exam preparation and higher education, the government plans to build 500-seater libraries in ten urban bodies and 250-seater libraries in 22 cities. Cities such as Durg, Rajnandgaon, Ambikapur, Jagdalpur, Bilaspur, and Bhilai Municipal Corporations, along with Jashpur, Lormi, and Gariyaband municipalities, will have 500-seater Nalanda complexes. Additionally, central libraries and reading zones with a capacity of 250 seats will be established in locations including 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, Raipur boasts three operational central libraries and reading zones, including a 1000-seater Nalanda Complex, an 800-seater Takshashila Central Library, and a 500-seater Central Library. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has commended the success of the Raipur Nalanda complex, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting the aspirations of the youth. These complexes will serve as more than just infrastructure; they will provide a foundation for a brighter future for the youth, providing them with essential resources to pursue their dreams.