Collective efforts realizing the vision of “Gadhbo Nava Chhattisgarh”
Raipur (the states. news) Budget Session of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly commenced today with the speech of Governor Ms Anusuiya Uikey. She said- “I welcome you all in the first session of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly in year 2021. I am happy that all of you are making collective efforts to realize the vision of ‘Gadhbo Nava Chhattisgarh’. COVID-19 pandemic had suddenly pushed the entire world into the darkness of uncertainty last year. I thank all of you for your cooperation in tackling this historic crisis faced by humanity. I am grateful for your help in providing relief to the people of the state. The New Year has begun with the hope and determination of overcoming this crisis and its effects. I wish you all the best for successfully fulfilling the dual responsibilities of meeting new goals while completing the development works affected by the pandemic.
In her address to the budget session today, Governor Ms. Uikey said that the past year was full of challenges such as food and livelihood of daily wager families, providing continuous nutritious diet to the malnutrition affected families, safe return and rehabilitation of migrant laborers, prevention of COVID-19 infection and treatment of infected people, maintaining public morale, maintaining natural pace of economic activities, and the challenge of motivating people to overcome fear and to take precautionary measures. I am happy that my government has performed well on all these fronts and the state has made new achievements in various sectors even during the pandemic.
Food grains supply to More than 67 lakh ration card holder families
Governor said that my government has worked with prudence in the state to overcome this difficult period. More than 67 lakh ration card holders families recieved foodgrains, sugar, salt, kerosene, jaggery as per their eligibility in Kondagaon district Bastar division. Distribution of fortified rice while adhering to the safety measures was ensured. Nearly 57 lakh Antyodaya, priority, Annapurna, single destitute and disabled card holders were provided free rice and chickpeas for 8 months as per their eligibility. Migrant workers and other citizens returned to their homes safely. To ensure food security in every village, two quintals of rice was made available in each of the 11 thousand panchayats of the state. These efforts yielded positive results.
Implementation of Mukhyamantri Suposhan Yojana continued even during the COVID crisis
Ms. Uikey said that my government launched Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan on 2 October 2019 to eradicate malnutrition in the state. And to ensure Implementation of this important scheme during the COVID crisis, 3 lakh 62 thousand beneficiaries of the scheme and more than 24 lakh beneficiaries of nearly 51 thousand aanganbadi centers were provided ready-to-eat nutritious food items at their doorstep. Ready-to-eat dry ration was delivered to the homes of more than 29 lakh beneficiary school students under Midday Meal Programme. Besides, the supply of hot-cooked food and other health facilities in aanganbadi centers were resumed from September 7, 2020 with proper precautionary measures.
Empowering Mothers
Governor said that as a result of my government’s sheer commitment, 99 thousand children have been cured of malnutrition and 20 thousand women have been cured of anemia in one year. Schemes such as Mahtari Jatan Yojana, Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao Yojana, Saksham Yojana, Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana, Swavalamban Yojana, Nava Bihan Yojana, Self-Aadhar Home Scheme, Ujjwala Griha Yojana, Swayamsevika Yojana, Chhattisgarh Mahila Kosh Yojana, Mahila Shakti Kendra Yojana etc. have been implemented smoothly, which has empowered the mothers and made them independent.
Chhattisgarh became the first state in the country to procure paddy from more than 95 percent of the farmers
Governor Ms Uikey said in her speech that my government has once again kept its promise to the farmers, by procuring paddy at support price despite the challenges. This year 21 lakh 52 thousand 980 farmers were registered, out of which 20 lakh 53 thousand 483 farmers sold their paddy. In this way, Chhattisgarh has become the first state in the country to procure paddy from 95.40 percent farmers in the state. This year, there has been a new record in every aspect of paddy procurement such as total registered acreage, total paddy purchase area, the total amount of paddy acquired, crossing 92 lakh metric tons, which is nothing short of a miracle. With these achievements, a new phase of agricultural production and prosperity has begun in the lives of farmers and also for the entire state.
New steps being taken in the interest of farmers
Ms. Uikey said that as a result of state government’s steps in the interest of farmers, interest-free agricultural loans worth Rs 4 thousand 755 crore have been disbursed, which is a new record in itself. Kisan Credit Cards have been issued to about 16 lakh farmers. Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative Societies have been reorganized to register 725 new societies, now the total number of societies has increased from 1 thousand 333 to 2 thousand 58. Innovative step of my government to established sugarcane-based ethanol plant as well as a paddy-based ethanol plant in Chhattisgarh has been acknowledged and appreciated at national-level. State Government wated to ensure that despite the bumper yield of paddy in the state, farmers should get proper value of their crop, hence, they decided to utilize paddy for other profitable ventures. Food parks and forest produce processing centers are being set up in each development block to ensure value addition to different crops in different regions of the state.
Governor said that under Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana, my government has provided direct financial aid to the farmers taking 14 crops including paddy, sugarcane and maize. In the first year, an amount of Rs 4500 crore has been deposited in the farmers’ account in three installments, while the remaining installment of about Rs 1200 crore will also be paid in this financial year.
Chhattisgarh ranks first in the country in procurement of small forest produce
Governor said that apart from agriculture, forest resources also generate livelihood for a large population of the state. Therefore, my government has increased the number of minor forest produce procured at minimum support price from 7 to 52. Even in this difficult period, Chhattisgarh has secured the first rank in the country by procuring 72.5 percent of the total minor forest produce. Shaheed Mahendra Karma Tendupatta Collector Social Security Scheme is being implemented. Tendupatta collection remuneration has been increased from Rs 2500 to Rs 4000 per standard bag, while the continuation of bonus payment has brought a huge relief to lakhs of families.
Chhattisgarh appreciated at national-level for proper utilization of CAMPA fund
Ms. Uikey said that my government is dedicated towards conservation of forests and expansion of greenery in the state. Last year, 2 crore 23 lakh saplings were planted, including Ram Vangaman Path, plantation alongside of rivers. More than 16 thousand hectares of damaged bamboo forests were revived. Chhattisgarh has been lauded at the national level for proper utilization CAMPA fund.
Chhattisgarh has been awarded 11 distinct awards by Central Government for better implementation of Panchayat and Rural Development schemes
Governor said that my government has made several innovations by addressing the immediate needs of people with Panchayat and Rural Development schemes, for which Government of India has awarded Chhattisgarh with 11 distinct awards. Under the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, 100% of the human days target approved under labour budget was achieved in year 2019-20, and in year 2020-21, 81 percent of the target has been met, which again marks the steps towards a new record. In the last 10 months under MNREGA, the workers have been paid Rs 2 thousand 590 crore as wages so far. This year, 100 days of employment has been provided to 2 lakh 17 thousand 291 families till date.
He said that with the convergence of MNREGA with various schemes, various works of Anganbadi centers, gauthans, vermi compost unit (tank), pasture, paddy collection platforms in paddy procurement centers, development of Narva etc. are being done.
Ms. Uikey said that under Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission ‘Bihaan’, 20 lakh women with financially weak background have been included in the self-help groups. This has not only changed their lives, but has also transformed their villages by converting traditional employment into new opportunities. As many as 3 thousand 500 women have become home access banks as BC Sakhi in various districts, this is also boosting morale and creative potential of rural women, which is a pleasant sign.
Chhattisgarh holds top rank in implementation of various national schemes and programs
Governor said that my government has implemented various national schemes and programs diligently, resultantly Chhattisgarh holds top rank in the country for implementation of ‘Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban Mission’ and second rank for implementation of ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural)’ and ‘Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural ) ‘. As 86 gram panchayats of the state have achieved ODF status, Chhattisgarh has secured second rank in the country in this criterion as well. In the ‘Cleanliness Survey 2020’, the state has received the first prize for being the cleanest state. 14 urban bodies of Chhattisgarh have also received awards in various categories at the national level. The credit for this success goes to Swachhta Didi, Commandoes and other activists working at the ground-level.
Governor said that my government has done meaningful work in the direction of providing better housing facility to the poor and for making the cities slum-free, under ‘Mor Zameen-More Makaan’ and ‘Mor Makaan-Mor Chinhaari’ schemes, for which Government of India has conferred award on Chhattisgarh.
He said that the progress of ‘Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana’ in last two years has been remarkable. Sanction of 5 thousand 600 km of roads and 26 bridges for construction in the next three years has proves the efficiency of my government. In addition, initiatives such as ‘Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana and Vikas Yojana’, ‘Mukhyamantri Gram Gaurav Path Yojana’ are also playing important role in development of better infrastructure in villages.
Network of roads and bridges being developed
Governor said that my government started ‘Jawahar Setu Yojana’ with a new idea so that the network of roads and bridges could be completed. Around 200 construction works like these were started, out of which 29 works were completed. More than 2 thousand roads are being constructed under the ‘Mukhyamantri Sugam Sadak Yojana to connect important government buildings and public places with all-weather roads. Various schemes and programmes such as ADB, Central Road Fund, L.W.E. Chhattisgarh Road Development Corporation etc have the common goal i.e. development of a network of better roads in the state at the earliest.
Expanding connectivity through aviation services as well
Ms. Uikey said that my government is not only making great efforts to connect the state with the major roadways of the country, but is also working consistently for the expansion of connectivity through aviation services. After Bastar, the state will benefit greatly from the commencement of inter-state aviation service from Bilaspur.
Formation of one district, two subdivisions and 24 new tehsils to take administrative services closer to the public
Governor said that my government has reorganized the large administrative units to bring the administrative services closer to the public. In the same sequence, a new district Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, two development blocks- Takhatpur and Bade Bacheli, and 24 new tehsils have been constituted. The tehsils of divisional headquarters are being developed as model tehsils. Common people are being provided various facilities for easy settlement of revenue related matters. Innovations such as allocation and management of government land up to 7500 square feet, landowners rights, simplification of diversion cases, digitization of delicate and altered records, e-enrollment, mobile apps, e-funding, digital signature, have significantly improved the public services.
She said that to strengthen rural economy, my government has ensured proper involvement of Handicraft Development Board, Chhattisgarh Khadi Gramodyog Board, Chhattisgarh Mati-Kala Board and other silk-handicraft-weaving etc related organizations, which has polished the traditional art-craft skillls and has helps the artisans to earn better profits.
Children had access to education even during the COVID crisis
Governor said that my government emphasized on such innovations in education sector during COVID crisis, that children had uninterrupted access to education facilities. Under ‘Padhai Tunhar Dwar’ and ‘Padhai Tunhar Para’ programmes, more than 25 lakh children were provided education through online classes, mohalla classes, ‘Bultu Ke Bol’, etc. NITI Aayog and Honourable Prime Minister had lauded these initiatives. Meanwhile, the decision to start Swami Atmanand English Medium Schools in every district has been taken. In the first year, 52 government schools are being upgraded with new facilities and 31 thousand children have taken admission so far.
Various efforts being made to enhance higher education facilities
Governor said that in order to make higher education facilities accessible to as many youth as possible, my government has increased more than 4 thousand seats in various colleges in a year. Establishment of a dozen of higher education institutions apart from Bilaspur University and Shaheed Nand Kumar Patel University in Raigarh, would provide great opportunities of education and employment to the youth in the fields of agriculture, horticulture, food technology, dairy technology, fisheries, forestry. The establishment of Mahatma Gandhi Horticulture and Forestry University in Durg district will help make Chhattisgarh a major center of research in this area.
Governor said that with the introduction of new courses in engineering colleges, 2% seat reservation for Scheduled Tribes, especially weaker tribes like Abujhmadia, Kamar, Pahari, Korwa, Birhor, Baiga, Bhujia and Pandas has also been done. Under ‘Chief Minister Polytechnic Quality Development Scheme’, employment-oriented education is being promoted.
She said that my government has made special efforts to expand medical education facilities in the state. New government medical colleges are being established in Kanker, Mahasamund and Korba districts, with 100-100 seats. The state government has also decided to acquire Chandulal Chandrakar Smriti Medical College in Durg district.
Dedicated Covid Hospital developed in all districts
Governor said that ‘Dedicated Covid Hospitals’ were developed in all the districts during COVID crisis, so that people could avail treatment facilities in their home districts. My government has set up a ‘Center of Excellence State Tele Medicine Hub’ and a state-of-the-art center for serious heart ailments at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital Raipur. Apart from this, several steps have been taken to ensure health facilities from the district headquarters to the slums and hamlets through schemes like Hamar Hospital, Humar Lab, Deerghayu Yojana, Chemotherapy Facility, Free Dialysis Facility, Vigyan Mitan, Chief Minister Urban Slum Health Scheme, Dai-Didi Clinic etc. In this way, my government has paved the way for the doorstep delivery of health services.
Ms. Uikey said that to develop the natural beauty, culture, tradition and public faith sites of the state as tourist destinations, ‘Ram Van Gaman Tourism Circuit’ is being developed, under which 75 locations have been marked for infrastructure development, Devguri development, and development of Sirpur as Buddhist tourist destination. Places like Satrenga, Sordha Dadar etc. are being developed as special tourist centers, which are creating new opportunities for local development and employment.
Various welfare decisions taken to sensitize policemen
Governor said that the police force in Chhattisgarh goes through multifaceted challenges, so while my government focused on sensitizing the policemen to the general public, it also took many welfare decisions to address the needs of security forces. Response allowance, increase in snack and meal rates, pulsing campaign, condolence program, compassionate appointment, ex-gracia amount for dependents of martyred soldiers increased from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, grace grant to dependent families of martyrs, etc. Other crimes including Naxal activities have come down in the state.
Governor said that my government has unwavering faith in the great democratic traditions and the glorious Constitution of our country. Issuance of a new guideline for the utilization of DMF is a striking example of my government’s commitment towards optimal utilization of state resources in the right direction. The share received from royalty of major and minor minerals is being utilized for malnutrition eradication, health, education, agriculture, employment and beneficial activities.Governor said “I urge all the public representatives to actively participate in the developmental public welfare policies, schemes, programs, campaigns of the state government and help the people of their constituencies to get benefit of these government schemes.”
