HM Amit Shah Launches Har Gaon Roshan Initiative in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated Signify’s Har Gaon Roshan initiative in Raipur recently, marking the beginning of a major rural lighting programme designed to enhance safety, community development and energy efficiency across tribal and forest regions of the state. The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Government of Chhattisgarh and Bharat Cares, aims to bring modern LED streetlighting to villages across the Indravati Tiger Reserve region.

According to officials present at the launch, the programme will cover 70 villages, enabling safer movement after dark, improving local commerce and contributing to the broader development goals outlined by the central government. The initiative is aligned with the national vision of creating a Viksit Bharat and strengthening rural infrastructure through technology driven solutions.

Inaugurating the initiative, Home Minister Shah highlighted the need to expand basic infrastructure in rural and forested regions where communities remain dependent on limited or outdated lighting systems. He said the project would support both social and economic upliftment. Market observers noted that the initiative is among the largest community lighting projects rolled out under a CSR collaboration in the state.

Signify officials said the Har Gaon Roshan initiative reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable development and its global vision of Brighter Lives, Better World. The company, known internationally for its lighting innovations, will deploy energy efficient LED streetlights designed to reduce electricity consumption and provide long lasting illumination suitable for rural environments.

Nikhil Gupta, Head of Marketing, Strategy, Government Affairs and CSR at Signify for the Greater India region, said the programme demonstrates the transformative potential of light in community development. He said, “Light is more than just illumination. It is an enabler of safety, opportunity and social connection. Har Gaon Roshan in Chhattisgarh demonstrates how government, industry and community can unite to drive inclusive progress. At Signify, we are committed to using the power of light to support inclusive development and contribute meaningfully to India’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat, ensuring every village shines brighter. This partnership reflects the power of collective action in creating sustainable, long term impact.”

Representatives from Bharat Cares emphasised the community centric approach of the project. Founder Bhomik Shah said, “Chhattisgarh, with its rich natural resources and proud tribal heritage, stands at the cusp of meaningful change. Through our collaboration with Signify and the Government of Chhattisgarh under the Har Gaon Roshan initiative, we are enabling safer communities, supporting inclusive development and strengthening harmony between people and nature.”

Officials associated with the implementation noted that the initiative is structured around a community first model. District administrations and village representatives participated in identifying locations and needs to ensure that each installation delivers maximum impact. According to local authorities, the LED streetlights will improve night time visibility, reduce safety risks and allow residents to engage in educational, economic and cultural activities even after sunset.

Development specialists involved in the project said that access to lighting in remote regions has direct links with education outcomes, women’s safety and the ability of local markets to function for longer hours. They observed that the deployment of LED technology ensures energy savings and reduces maintenance needs, making the project sustainable over the long term.

Across multiple states, Signify has implemented similar lighting interventions, illuminating villages and semi urban regions through its CSR programmes. Company officials said these projects have consistently demonstrated measurable improvement in safety and community participation. They said the initiative in Chhattisgarh represents an expansion of their broader mission to transform rural environments through reliable and sustainable lighting solutions.

In addition to immediate safety benefits, the project is expected to support local governance efforts and contribute to the development priorities of the Chhattisgarh government. Officials from the state’s rural development department said improved lighting often leads to increased economic activity and better coordination of local services, especially in remote tribal areas.

Signify representatives explained that the initiative builds on years of technological development and experience in global lighting projects. The company has a presence in more than seventy countries and has consistently been ranked among the world’s leading corporations for sustainability. They stated that the Har Gaon Roshan initiative would continue to expand to more regions as part of their long term CSR strategy.

Shah concluded that improving basic infrastructure in rural India is essential for the nation’s development and said initiatives such as Har Gaon Roshan demonstrate how public private partnerships can strengthen grassroots progress.