From the intense struggle for freedom, came the nectar of Justice and Democracy: Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel
Development model of Chhattisgarh showed a new direction to the country as well
A New Era of Prosperity across Nava Chhattisgarh, Rs one lakh 60 thousand crore deposited in people's bank accounts in past five years
'Suraaji Gaon Yojana' of Chhattisgarh has been appreciated across the country for its effectiveness in development of villages and agriculture, in saving the environment and in creating livelihood opportunities
Effectual initiative to preserve and promote the culture of tribal society in Chhattisgarh
Our 'Awas Nyay Yojana' will prove to be an important milestone in the journey of establishing 'NYAY'
Under Chhattisgarh Sahitya Akademi Samman, Awards will be given in three categories
Government jobs banned for those accused of molestation and rape etc.
Sericulture and Bee-keeping given the status of Agriculture
Subsidized electricity to poultry farmers
Online coaching for medical and engineering examinations to be provided in block headquarters
AI and machine learning will also be included in the school curriculum
Post-graduate classes to be held in at least one college in every district
Free transport facility for government college students
Chhattisgarhi language and local dialects of tribal areas included in primary school curriculum
20 percent increase in the honorarium of Swachhata didi and community organizer
Monthly pension of Rs 1500 to construction workers till life
Hike in salary of contractual training officers and guest lecturers of ITI
An increase of Rs 500 per month in the honorarium of part-time cleaners and cooks of schools
Raipur, TNINS
On the glorious occasion of the 76th anniversary of India's independence, Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel hoisted the national flag at the police parade ground of capital city Raipur today. In his address to the public, Mr. Baghel extended greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on Independence Day. On this occasion, Chief Minister announced that 'Chhattisgarh Sahitya Akademi Samman' will be bestowed in three categories. The literature written in Chhattisgarhi and other dialects like Gondi, Halbi, Surgujia have been classified under under the first category, Hindi poetry under the second category and Hindi prose has been included under the third category. Awardees in the aforementioned categories will be awarded Rs five lakh cash and the letters of appreciation. Moreover, Chief Minister has also announced that those accused of molestation, rape etc. will be banned from the government jobs. Mr. Baghel has announced that the participants who have secured first place in the Chhattisgarhia Olympic state-level competitions of long jump, 100 meter race and wrestling in the age group of 18 to 40 years will be declared as 'Excellent Sportsperson", this provision will be applicable from this session. Silkworm rearing and bee keeping have been given the status of agriculture. 'Poultry Farming Promotion Scheme' was commenced to promote poultry farming. Under this scheme, poultry farmers will be provided electricity at a subsidized rate. For the preparation of engineering and medical competitive examinations, the students of class 11th and 12th in government schools of all the development block headquarters of the state will be provided the facility of online coaching with renowned institutions of the country. At least one college in every district shall have the facility of post-graduate classes. In the same sequence, Government has granted the status of 'post graduate colleges' to Lochan Prasad Pandey College, Sarangarh, Dr. Bhanwar Singh Porte College, Pendra, Krantikumar Bharti College, Sakti, LCS College, Ambagarh Chowki. Necessary new subjects and post-graduate structure will be made available here at the earliest.
Subjects of latest technology such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Internet of Things will be included in the curriculum of school from the next academic session. Free bus transport facility will be made available to the students of government colleges for commuting from home to college. From the next session, Chhattisgarhi language and local dialect of tribal areas will be included as a subject in the syllabus from class I to class V. Mr. Baghel has also announced 20 percent increase in the honorarium of Shahri Swachchhta Didi and community organisers. Under Mukhyamantri Nirman Shramik Pension Sahayata Yojana, the construction workers, who have completed 60 years and have been registered for 10 years, will be provided a monthly pension of Rs 1500 every month for life. Announcement has been made to increase the lump sum salary of contractual training officers working in ITIs from Rs 25,780 to Rs 32,740, and the limit of maximum payment per month to guest lecturers has been increased from Rs 13,000 to Rs 15,000. Moreover, a hike of Rs 500 per month in the honorarium of part-time sweepers and mid-day meal cooks who contribute to education facilities in Chhattisgarh has been announced.
In his Independence Day message to the people, Chief Minister said that from the intense struggle for freedom, came the nectar of justice and democracy in India. In fact, it was the fight to free humanity from various kinds of atrocities and injustice, which inspired the whole world.
Chief Minister further said that a new era of prosperity has ushered in Chhattisgarh, as a result of our consolidated efforts to fulfill the resolution we had taken to build a 'Nava Chhattisgarh'. From the forest areas to the towns, villages and cities, every part of the state has undergone a positive transformation. Taking into consideration the interest and welfare of various sections of the society, we have provided more than 1 lakh 60 thousand crore rupees in the bank accounts of the people under various schemes. Our 'Chhattisgarh model' of development has brought new rays of hope for the people of the state and has also been successful in giving a new direction to the country. Together we will fulfill the goal of 'Gadbo Nava Chhattisgarh'.
Courteous Tribute to the Martyrs
Chief Minister Mr. Baghel said that lakhs of people had laid down their lives in the freedom struggle. I pay humble tribute to all these martyrs, especially honouring the gems like Amar Shaheed Gaind Singh, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, who have underlined the name of Chhattisgarh in the saga of India's freedom movement. The martyrdom of thousands of great personas such as Mangal Pandey, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ramprasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, Rani Laxmibai, Rani Avantibai Lodhi will continue to inspire us to make the supreme sacrifice for the country. We are fortunate that many great leaders who led the freedom struggle also continued to lead the development of the 'Independent India'. I aim to inspire the new generation with the glorious legacy of sacrifice and contribution of our forefathers. Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Lal-Bal-Pal, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad were the great figures who led the country towards a better future, said Mr. Baghel in his Independence Day message.
"I also salute Veer Gundadhur, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla, Thakur Pyarelal Singh, Babu Chhote Lal Srivastava, Dr. Khubchand Baghel, Pt. Sunderlal Sharma, Dr. E. Raghavendra Rao, Krantikumar, Barrister Chhedilal, Lochan Prasad Pandey, Yatiyatan Lal, Dr. Radhabai, Pt. Vamanrao Lakhe, Mahant Lakshminarayan Das, Anantram Barchiha, Maulana Abdul Rauf Khan, Hanuman Singh, Rohinibai Parganiha, Kektibai Baghel, Mrs. Belabai, Indru Kenwat, Uday Ram Verma, Khilavan Baghel, Ghasia Mandal for their contribution and sacrifice for the state of Chhattisgarh and India", said Mr. Baghel.
Chief Minister further said that the it was the unity and integrity of the people led to India achieving it independence. Despite the diversities of caste-religion-community-culture etc. in the country, Indians have remained united, lived together and faced the challenges together. The unity and integrity of India remained strong because of our solidarity with all religions. The glorious constitution of independent India states that India is a union of states, that is why the Government of India has been called the Government of the Union. This means that even if any one state is in trouble, then it is not a personal problem of that state but a matter of concern for the entire country. Today, from this platform, I express the participation of Chhattisgarh in the concerns of all the distressed states, said Chief Minister.
Chief Minister said that the rights and freedom bestowed upon us by the Constitution of India is for every Indian, and our freedom makes sense only when every person gets to enjoy their rights. The country can be made strong only by empowering every state and every citizen of the country. This is the reason why we have resolved to provide justice to every person and every section in Chhattisgarh.
"NYAY" schemes connecting hearts
Chief Minister said that our 'NYAY' schemes are having a direct impact on various sections of the society, bringing them together, connecting their hearts. We have taken major decisions to make life easier for farmers, villagers, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, other backward classes, minority groups, women, youth, children, etc.
Paddy Procurement, Now 20 quintals per acre
Chief Minister said that not only the farmers but the entire state and the country is aware that we have kept all the promises we made to the farmers. As soon as the government was formed, we waived off the short-term agricultural loans of about Rs 9,000 crore, procured paddy for Rs 2500 per quintal, we increased the quantity of paddy procured on support price from about 56 lakh metric tons to 107 lakh metric tons. The effective implementation of our decisions enhanced the confidence of people on our government. The number of farmers selling paddy has increased from 12 lakh 60 thousand to about 25 lakh. The number of paddy procurement centers has been increased from 1 thousand 989 to 2 thousand 617. We are firm on our promise that in the upcoming Kharif season, 20 quintals of paddy per acre will be procured from the farmers of Chhattisgarh at support price. To provide interest-free loans to the farmers, the number of Primary Agricultural Credit Committees has been increased from 1 thousand 333 to 2 thousand 58. The amount of agriculture loan has been increased from Rs 3 thousand 546 crore to Rs 7 thousand crore. An amount of Rs 342 crore was waived off the outstanding irrigation tax of the farmers.
Input subsidy of Rs 20 thousand crore provided to the farmers
Through 'Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana', farmers were provided an amount of more than 20 thousand crore rupees as input subsidy for cultivation of paddy as well as other food grains, millets, horticulture crops, tree plantation etc. Rs 208 crore was given as sugarcane incentive amount. Our government is procuring Kodo, Kutki and Ragi at support price.
Procurement of millet for the first time on support price
Chief Minister said that for the first time in the state, we have procured about 94 thousand quintals of millet crops. The promise of purchasing pulses on support price has also been fulfilled. This will boost the production of lentils and pulses in the state. Our government has taken several steps to promote various kinds of farming methos and a wide array of crops. Lac rearing and fishery have been given the status of agriculture. Tea plantation is being done over 102 acres in Jashpur district and coffee plantation in 80 acres of land in Bastar district. Chhattisgarh Tea-Coffee Board has been constituted for this purpose. Under the 'Poshanbadi' scheme, 4 lakh badis have been developed. 'Betel Research Centre' has been established in Chhuikhadan.
Providing better facilities to the farmers
To provide better facilities to the farmers, as many as 587 Krishak Sadan and Kisan Kutir have been established in the state, fruit-vegetable market has been established in Dhamdha, community seed bank has been set up in Jagdalpur, Kanker and Dhamtari, high-level phytosanitary laboratory has been set up in Indira Gandhi Agricultural University to promote export of agricultural products. Moreover, 6 new agriculture colleges, 11 horticulture colleges, one forestry college and one food technology college i.e. a total of 19 new colleges and Mahatma Gandhi Horticulture and Forestry University have been established in the state.
Expansion of irrigation facilities
Chief Minister said that we have kept our promise by implementing the Water Resources Development Policy 2022. Due to better irrigation management, an additional Kharif irrigation facility has been made available in 2 lakh 50 thousand hectares of area in the year 2022-23, as compared the year 2018. In the last 4 years, 1 thousand 36 works of irrigation projects have been approved, and more than Rs 4 thousand 451 crore has been sanctioned for the same. Irrigation capacity has been expanded in 2 lakh 36 thousand 338 hectare area. Keeping the promise of conservation of rivers, 'Arpa Basin Development Authority' and 'Indravati Basin Development Authority' have been constituted. Ddam rehabilitation and improvement plan is also being implemented.
Gauthans are boosting the rural economy
Chief Minister said that our 'Suraaji Gaon Yojana' has been appreciated across the country and abroad for its effectiveness in development of villages and agriculture, in improving the environment and in creating livelihood opportunities. Thousands of Narva have been treated under this scheme, which has resulted in rapid increase o the ground water level. More than 1 lakh acres of land has been preserved in the state for Gauthans. More than 7 thousand pastures were approved. Various economic activities have been started in more than 10 thousand gauthans, out of which about 6 thousand gauthans have become self-supporting.
With the implementation of Ghuruva chapter of Suraaji Gaon Yojana and the Godhan NYAY Yojana, a new era of economic revolution has ushered in rural areas of the state. In Chhattisgarh, chemical fertilizers are being gradually replaced with the organic manure and pesticides made of the cow dung and urine (Gaumutra) procured from farmers and cattle rearers. The economic activities of Gauthans have also generated income of more than Rs 500 crore for the people involved, especially those associated with women self-help groups. Similarly, about 5 lakh private enclosures (Bari) and about 6 thousand community enclosures (Bari) have been developed under the Bari programme.
We have promoted animal husbandry through 'Godhan Nyay Yojana', and have also made comprehensive arrangements for catte healthcare. 45 new veterinary dispensaries have been established and 20 veterinary dispensaries have been upgraded. 163 mobile veterinary units, state-level call centers and societies have been established in 28 districts save cattle from violence.
300 new RIPA established
We have pioneered the revolution of rural industries through 'Mahatma Gandhi Rural Industrial Park' (RIPA). 300 RIPAs have been set up in various districts of the state, wherein more than 1 thousand 300 industries are operating and about 11 thousand people have got direct employment. On the lines of RIPA, 'Mahatma Gandhi Urban Industrial Park' is also being constructed in the urban bodies.
Selection of land for food park
We have also kept the promise of developing food parks for preservation and processing of agricultural products. Land has been earmarked in 112 development blocks and 63 cold storages have been set up for horticulture crops. Moreover, 'Integrated Pack House with gamma radiation facility' is being established in Patan development block.
Financial aid of Rs 590 crore paid to landless agricultural labourers
Chief Minister said that under 'Rajiv Gandhi Bhoomiheen Krishi Mazdoor NYAY Yojana', we are providing financial aid of Rs 7 thousand per year to the landless agricultural laborers, shepherds, carpenters, blacksmiths, cobblers, barbers, washermen, priests living in Gram Panchayats and Nagar Panchayats, families under Pauni-pasari system, forest produce collectors, Baiga, Gunia, Manjhi, Priest, Haat of scheduled areas, Pahariya and Baja Muhariya etc. So far an amount of Rs 590 crore has been released.
Under 'Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme', we have achieved beyond the given target and labour budget. This year as well, we have created 110 percent more employment against the labour budget of 1 thousand 200 lakh man days.
Employment to more than 32 lakh women
More than 32 lakh women are being provided employment through Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission, BC Sakhi, Community Based Sustainable Agriculture Scheme. At the same time, more than 2 lakh women have got employment opportunities through Gauthan, organic farming and DDU-GKY schemes.
'Aawas NYAY Yojana'
Chief Minister further said that no family should remain homeless in the villages of Chhattisgarh. And to ensure the same, we have commenced Aawas NYAY Yojana to ensure NYAY by providing housing facility to each and every family in rural areas. Construction of 8 lakh 63 thousand 445 houses under the 'Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana' has been completed in the state, and for the construction of the remaining 2 lakh 12 thousand 701 houses, we have made a provision of Rs 3 thousand 228 crore in the latest budget of the state. We have also taken care of the eligible families after the 2011 census. If our request is not taken into consideration by the Government of India, we have promised to implement our plan for the state by conducting a socio-economic survey at the state level. In the same sequence, we have commenced 'Awas Nyay Yojana' and also made the first budget provision for it.
Various facilities available for the registered workers
We have taken many revolutionary measures to provide a better life to the workers. Retirement age has been extended from 58 to 60 years under the Factories Act. Under Chhattisgarh Labour Welfare Board, Chhattisgarh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board and Chhattisgarh Unorganized Workers State Social Security Board, 38 lakh 32 thousand workers have been registered. Registered workers are being provided benefits of numerous schemes related to insurance, health, medical, education, skill upgradation, family needs etc.
Strengthening the roots of democracy, we have increased the honorarium, facilities and financial rights of the elected officials of three-tier Panchayat Raj institutions and urban bodies.
*Highest collection of minor forest produce in the country
Chief Minister said that it is our priority to create new opportunities for livelihood, to improve the standard of living, to create new dimensions of progress and prosperity in the state, including tribal areas and forest areas. Till the year 2018, Tendupatta collection and procurement of only 7 minor forest produce was done in a very inflexible and disorganized manner, because of which the forest dependent people were being deprived of their rights. Our government has increased the remuneration for collection of tendupatta from Rs. 2 thousand 500 to Rs. 4 thousand per standard bag. An amount of nearly Rs 500 crore is being provided to the collectors as bonus this year for the business of tendupatta done in the years 2021 and 2022. We have also made arrangements to procure 67 other minor forest produce at support price, and so far minor forest produce worth Rs 388 crore has been collected. We have also taken several measures for value addition, processing, marketing of these forest produce. 'C-Marts' have been opened, where 1 thousand 512 types of forest produce based products are being sold.
We had promised to review and distribute the claims of canceled forest rights letters on a large scale. Today, I am satisfied to say that 1 crore 4 lakh 21 thousand acres of land has been distributed in the state through 5 lakh 18 thousand 617 individual, community and forest resources category forest rights letters. For the first time in the country, we have also provided forest rights letters in urban areas and habitat rights letters to special vulnerable tribal groups.
Rapidly developing infrastructure in scheduled areas
'Chief Minister's Silk Mission' has been started to boost the production of Kosa fruits in Bastar division. By empowering the Chhattisgarh State Handloom Development and Marketing Cooperative Union Limited, Chhattisgarh Handicrafts Development Board, Chhattisgarh Khadi and Gramodyog Board, Chhattisgarh Matikala Board, the means of livelihood of lakhs of people in tribal and other rural areas have been strengthened. About 51 thousand beneficiaries engaged in the work of making silk in the state are also being benefitted through these efforts. .
All the basic infrastructures such as roads, bridges, culverts, schools, colleges, hospitals, electricity, water, means of employment have been developed in scheduled areas, which has enhanced the trust of people in the administration. The law and order and security conditions has significantly improved. We have also made sensitive efforts to preserve the indigenous culture of the tribal communities with respect. An amount of Rs 5 lakh has been approved for the conservation, renovation and construction of each Devguri and Ghotul. 'Mukhyamantri Adivasi Parab Samman Nidhi Yojana' has also been commenced, under which an amount of Rs 10,000 is being provided to each gram panchayat.
Along with food security, nutritional security also gained momentum
Chief Minister said that universal PDS was one of our major promises to keep. I am happy to say that we have achieved 100 per cent coverage as per the 2011 census by taking PDS to 2 crore 66 lakh people of the state. In addition to food security, nutritional security has also been given impetus. Fortified rice containing iron and supplementary folic acid is being distributed to Antyodaya, priority, single destitute, disabled ration card holders, mid-day meal scheme and supplementary nutritional food scheme beneficiaries in all the districts. Monthly entitlement rice is being given free of cost to 64 lakh needy ration card holders for the entire period of the year 2023. The 'One Nation-One Ration Card Scheme' is also being implemented in all ration shops.
Suposhan Abhiyan: 1.35 lakh children freed from malnutrition and two lakh women cured of anemia
Chief Minister said that we had assessed 4 years ago that 4 lakh 33 thousand children in the state are malnourished. To eradicate malnutrition in the state, we have started 'Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan'. Today, I am happy to say that effective implementation of Mukhyamantri Suposhan Abhiyan has resulted in significant decrease in the number of malnourished children in the state. Nearly 3.5 lakh children have been freed from severe malnutrition and 2.5 lakh women have been cured of anaemia. In this way, our resolve to make the new generation of Nava Chhattisgarh healthy and well-nourished is being fulfilled. I found that the honorarium given to field workers engaged in the care of daughters and newborns is very less, so we have doubled the honorarium of Anganbadi assistants, Anganbadi workers, and mini Anganbadi workers. Measures like development of 10,000 Anganbadi centers as 'Model Centres', development of more than 1,000 Anganbadi centers as 'Child Accessible Centres', 'Balwadis' started in more than 5,000 Anganbadi centres, development of 'Efficient Anganbadi Centers' in 10 aspirational districts and 20 development blocks are yeilding promising results.
Budget of Chhattisgarh Mahila Kosh and loan limit to women self-help groups has been increased, and interest rate is down to only 3 percent. Schemes like Saksham Yojana, Kaushalya Samriddhi Yojana, Noni Suraksha Yojana, Kaushalya Matritva Yojana, Mukhyamantri Bal Uday Yojana, Shuchita Yojana, Chhattisgarh Mahtari Dular Yojana, Mini Mata Mahtari Jatan Yojana, Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana etc. have considerably enhanced the well-being of women and children in the state.
Chief Minister's Special Health Assistance Scheme(Mukhyamantri Vishesh Swasthya Sahayta Yojana): Treatment facility up to Rs 25 lakhs
Acheiving the goal of 'Healthy Chhattisgarh' is our top priority. We have taken effective steps to improve the quality of healthcare services and hospitals in the state. We have established new medical colleges, provided mobile health facilities in haat-bazaars of remote tribal areas as well as in remote settlements of cities. We have provided extensive relief to the patients under 'Dr Khubchand Baghel Health Assistance Scheme'. Under 'Chief Minister's Special Health Assistance Scheme', free treatment facility of up to Rs 25 lakh is being provided to the beneficiaries. Relief has been provided to more than 2 crore people through Haat-Bazar Clinics, Urban Slum Health Assistance, Dai-Didi Clinic Scheme, Humar Lab, Free Dialysis Program etc.
Shri Dhanvantari Generic Medical Store: Up to 70 percent cheaper medicines for patients
Under Shri Dhanvantari Generic Medical Store scheme, 71 lakh people have got 70 percent cheaper medicines, saving more than Rs 124 crore. Consistent efforts of State Government have helped in increasing the rate of institutional delivery from 73.8 to 86.7 percent. MMR has come down from 173 to 137 per lakh. Leprosy incidence rate has come down from 7.72 to 1.7 per thousand. Malaria parasite index has come down from 4.6 to 0.46 per cent. In this way, we are fast realizing the dream of building a 'Healthy Chhattisgarh'.
Recruitment of regular teachers for the first time after the formation of the state
Our government has started a campaign for the recruitment of regular teachers for the first time after the formation of the state, under which 10 thousand 834 teachers have been recruited, and now the recruitment process of 12 thousand 489 teachers for Bastar and Surguja divisions is in progress.
We have taken the initiative to make the government schools so advanced in terms of infrastructure, education and co-curricular facilities that they compete with elite private schools in terms of quality education and suitable environment for students. Presently, 377 English medium and 349 Hindi medium schools are being run under the Government Swami Atmanand Excellent School Scheme, where 4 lakh 21 thousand children are studying. Government Swami Atmanand English Medium Colleges have also been started in 10 districts to provide excellent facilities of higher education in English medium to the youths who have passed out from here. The demand for such schools and colleges is continuously increasing.
'Mukhyamantri School Jatan Yojana' started to provide better facilities in school buildings
To provide better facilities and well-furnished buildings for all the schools of the state, we have started 'Mukhyamantri School Jatan Yojana' this year. Under this scheme, upgradation and renovation work will be done in more than 29 thousand schools of the state at a cost of Rs 2 thousand 133 crore. Presently, works have been completed in about 2,000 schools and work is in progress in 14,000 schools.
As the schools were closed during COVID-19 period, we arranged for providing education in alternative ways. This is the reason why the learning level of the children of our state is better than those in other states. To further bridge the learning gap, CHALK project is being started in the state with the help of Rs. 2500 crore provided by the World Bank.
International Residential School in Nava Raipur
Soon an international level residential school will be established in the state. Construction of a building for this world class school has also been started in Nava Raipur at a cost of Rs 100 crore. A national level teachers training institute is also being established in Nava Raipur.
With our scheme of providing certificate of ITI training along with the certificate of Higher Secondary Examination, youngsters are saving time and becoming more employable, which is giving a major boost to their confidence. Government of India has directed other state governments to adopt our scheme. Employment fairs are being organized, and various measures are being taken to provide opportunity for skill upgradation, which has benefited about 19 thousand youths.
71 new colleges, including 4 new music colleges opened in the state
Chief Minister said that we have taken several steps to build a bright future for the youth of the state. I am overwhelmed by the meaningful dialogues with the youngsters and their enthusiasm during the 'Bhent-Mulaqat' programs. We have started 71 new colleges including 4 new music colleges. Recruitment has been done on 1 thousand 553 posts of assistant professor, librarian, sports officer.
Jobs provided to 42 thousand youths, exam fees waived for competitive exams
We have decided to waive the examination fees for competitive examinations. So far, fees of about Rs 33 crore have been waived off for 22 lakh 28 thousand youth. About 42 thousand youths have got jobs through Vyapam, Public Service Commission, Chhattisgarh State Electricity Companies and Swami Atmanand Schools. The number of recruitments done in various corporations, boards, committees, departments funded by the government is in thousands.
Unemployment allowance provided to one lakh 22 thousand youth
We have also fulfilled the promise of providing unemployment allowance. So far, an amount of about Rs 113 crore has been released as unemployment allowance to more than 1 lakh 22 thousand youth.
Sports Academies and 'Khelo India Centres'
To ensure all-round development of the youngsters in the state, sports academies were started in several locations on the basis of their specialties. 'Khelo India Centers' are being operated in 24 districts. 13 thousand 242 'Rajiv Yuva Mitan Clubs' have been constituted in the state to connect the youth with social work, to make them the facilitator of cultural upliftment.
58 percent reservation in educational institutions
We have decided to implement the earlier system of 58 per cent reservation in educational institutions, after lifting the ban on reservation in recruitment and selection processes for SC, ST and OBC youth. In order to promote plantation of trees of cultural importance in the cities, 'Krishna Kunj Yojana' has been started, under which more than 60 thousand saplings have been planted on about 250 acres of land.
Simplification of revenue matters: formation of 6 new districts, 32 revenue subdivisions and 100 new tehsils
Registration of small plots is the basic need of middle class families, which was not taken into consideration in the past. We kept our promise of providing justice to the buyers and sellers of such small land plots. As a result, about 5 lakh plots have been registered. Likewise, stamp duty concession has been provided for the registration of residential buildings in the name of women. These decisions have made life easier for lakhs of people, they have got the benefit of financial liquidity.
We have simplified the rules and procedures for the resolution of revenue related matters. We have reorganized major administrative units, due to which 6 new districts, 32 revenue subdivisions and 100 new tehsils were formed. In this way, we have brought the administration closer to the general public.
Target of providing tap connection in all 50.13 lakh rural houses of Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister said that before the coming of our government, only 7 percent of the houses in the state had domestic tap connections, which have now increased to 55 percent. So far, 27 lakh 25 thousand 761 rural families have been given the benefit of household tap connections in the state. Now drinking water is being made available to the villagers through 2 lakh 72 thousand 114 hand pumps, 4 thousand 540 tap water schemes, 2 thousand 182 spot water supply schemes and 12 thousand 737 solar based water supply schemes. Under 'Jal Jeevan Mission', there is a target to provide pure drinking water through tap connections to all 50 lakh 13 thousand rural houses of Chhattisgarh by March 2024, with the norm of 55 liters per person per day.
Bijli Bill Half scheme: Rebate of Rs 3900 crore provided to 43 lakh domestic electricity consumers
Earlier the farmers and general public of our state could not get the benefit of the surplus electricity produced in Chhattisgarh. By changing this policy, we have decided to make Chhattisgarh a state of high consumption as well as of high production. 'Bijli Bill Half Scheme' is being implemented to provide electricity to people of the state at subsidized rate. About 43 lakh domestic electricity consumers have been given a rebate of about Rs 3 thousand 900 crore under this scheme. More than 1 lakh 7 thousand new irrigation pumps have been electrified. Free electricity worth Rs 12 thousand crore has been provided to farmers, free electricity worth Rs 2 thousand 200 crore has been given to BPL consumers so far.
Foundation of Rajiv Gandhi Super Critical Thermal Power Plant laid
Taking a historic step in the direction of power generation, we have performed Bhumi Pujan for setting up 'Rajiv Gandhi Super Critical Thermal Power Plant' of 1 thousand 360 MW capacity. Major steps have been taken to increase the capacity of transmission and distribution of electricity, due to which Chhattisgarh will remain a state with quality uninterrupted power supply.
Development work worth Rs 12 thousand 600 crore from DMF
We have made strict rules for the optimal utilization of DMF amount and an amount of about Rs 12 thousand 600 crore has been approved for schemes of broad public interest. 'DMF Portal' has been created for effective monitoring and transparent payment of DMF.
People saved from making frequent trips to the government offices for getting their work done
To save people from frequent trips to government offices and to ensure more transperancy in the official government works, 'Tunhar Sarkar, Tunhar Duar Yojana' has been commenced. Under this scheme, more than 22 lakh smart card based registrations have been done. Certificates, driving license etc. have been delivered to the applicants at their homes. Under Mukhyamantri Mitan Yojana, documents of services related to urban bodies are being delivered at home, more than 1 lakh 15 thousand people have been benefitted by the scheme.
Efforts to preserve our cultural heritage
To preserve and promote our cultural heritage, we have declared holidays on the folk festivals such as Hareli, Teeja-Pora, Mata Karma Jayanti, Chherchera Punni, World Tribal Day and Chhath Puja. We have made 'Arpa Pairi Ke Dhar' the official state song, we have released the picture of Chhattisgarh Mahtari, the statue of Chhattisgarh Mahtari is also being installed in the districts. We are promoting every aspect of our culture including food, folk-art, Madai Mela. We are organizing 'Chhattisgarhia Olympics' every year to promote rural sports. Akti festival has been declared as 'Mati Pujan Day'.
Ram Van Gaman Tourist Circuit
To preserve the footprints of Maryada Purushottam Ram and the symbols of public faith, Ram Van Gaman Tourism Circuit is being developed in an area of 2 thousand 260 kilometers. Construction works have also been inaugurated at many such places. We have renovated and beautified the ancient temple premise of Mata Kaushalya in Chandkhuri. We have also started organizing 'Mata Kaushalya Mahotsav'.
Chhattisgarh Culture Council constituted
Our 'Tribal Folk Dance Festival' has received international recognition and appreciation. The announcement to include Devdas Banjare Smriti Panthi Nritya Puraskar, Lala Jagdalpuri Literary Award, Habib Tanveer Samman, Khuman Sav Samman, Laxman Masturia Samman in the list of state-level awards will make the contribution of these gems of Chhattisgarh more memorable. Moreover, 'Chinhari Portal', 'Chief Minister Folk Artist Promotion Scheme', 'Guru Shishya Parampara Scholarship', financial assistance scheme, financial grant to non-governmental organizations, formation of Chhattisgarh Culture Council have been started for our folk artists and litterateurs. With the implementation of the Chhattisgarh Film Policy, the shooting of 19 Bollywood films has been ensured, while many facilities have also been provided for Chhattisgarhi film production.
Winds of change in Naxal areas
As a result of our resolutions and efforts to ensure justice, about 600 villages of Bastar have been freed from the shackles of naxal violence. More than 300 schools affected by Naxal violence have been reconstructed and reopened. We had promised to free the tribals from unnecessary criminal cases. We have also fulfilled this promise by giving relief to about 1 thousand 400 people.
Money refund to the victims of chit fund company
An amount of Rs 34 crore has been returned to about 46 thousand investors who were victims of chit fund companies. About Rs 142 crore has been attached from such companies, so action is being taken to return this amount to the affected investors. More than 700 accused officials of chit fund companies have been arrested. Efforts to effectively curb cyber crime have prevented more than Rs 8 crore from falling into the hands of criminals. Recruitment and promotion on various posts in police department, formation of Bastar Fighters force, recruitment of third gender constables, welfare schemes for policemen, etc. have boosted the morale of the police.
Prosperity all the way in Chhattisgarh: 1 lakh 60 thousand crore rupees in people's pockets
Chief Minister said that we are working wholeheartedly to fulfill the resolution we had taken to build a 'Nava Chhattisgarh'. This has ushered a new era of prosperity across the state, right from the forest areas of the state to the towns, villages and cities. We have provided an amount of more than Rs 1 lakh 60 thousand crore in the accounts of people under various schemes. This has expedited the progress in every field of trade, business, and industry. The effect of reforms in every field is visible in the form of simplified process and expedited development. It is a matter of pride for the entire state that our state is leading in terms of implementing innovative schemes and achieving the targets under central schemes. Government of India has appreciated several schemes of Chhattisgarh and has also recommended implementing the same in other states. Our 'Chhattisgarh model' of development has brought a new ray of hope for the people of the state and has also been successful in giving a new direction to the country. There is a very short period between this Independence Day to Republic Day 2024, but I want to say once again that on January 26, 2024, we have to celebrate 75th Republic Day gloriously. Remember the sacrifices made by our forefathers for the freedom, the hardships faced by the army personnel and all the security forces to preserve the unity and integrity of the country, the way our great leaders fought to keep the country united. We should come together to serve Chhattisgarh Mahtari with new zeal and dedication, said Chief Minister towards the end.
