Chief Minister Raman Singh on Monday announced creation of nine new districts in Chhattisgarh with effect from 2012.

Making the announcement while addressing the Independence Day function here Singh said the new districts to be created are Sukma, Kondagaon, Gariaband, Balaudabazar, Balod, Bamtera, Mungeli, Surajpur and Balrampur, taking the total number of administrative districts in the State to 27.

The Raman Singh Government had in year 2007 declared Narayanpur and Bijapur as new districts. The State Government has so far created 11 districts in the last four years.

The creation of new districts would become a milestone in the history of the State as far as development is concerned, Singh said.

Listing out achievements of his Government, the Chief Minister said the revenue of Chhattisgarh has touched `14,141 crore which is more than the funds of `11,660 crore allotted by the Central Government.

Singh also said that his Government was the first in the country to disburse agricultural loans at the rate of three per cent per annum.

Referring to Naxal violence in Bastar district, the Chief Minister said the State Government gained courage to take over the Red ultras from the tribals.

He also listed out various measures to be implemented for active participation of tribals in the mainstream.