TNINS 

*Today all the states are adopting the health-education model of Chhattisgarh.*

*Chhattisgarh is the best state in terms of  economic management*

*Chief Minister addressed the general public of the state*

Raipur, March 06, 2023: Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel will present the Chhattisgarh government's budget for the year 2023 on March 6. On the prior eve of the budget, while giving a message to the people of the state, Mr. Baghel has assured that this will be a budget of 'trust'. He further said that this is the budget of that trust of the general public which has given Chhattisgarh the strength to become 'Nava Chhattisgarh'. He also said" This is the same trust that you have expressed on our manifesto, on our working style and on the public welfare ideology of our state government."

Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel said that "we had started giving shape to Mahatma Gandhi's resolution of 'Gram Swaraj' and the policy of 'Nyay' as soon as the government was formed.  Everyone is also familiar with the challenges faced in the past years. Whether it is the challenge of a global disaster like Corona or other challenges,but we are proud to say that we have come out even stronger after facing all these challenges and at present we are one of the best economically managed states."

It is the result of the 'confidence' of the citizens of the state that even after the recession in the country, the markets of Chhattisgarh are in a good position. Chhattisgarh has the lowest unemployment rate and has also broken records in paddy procurement across the country. New schemes have reached the tribals of remote areas in the state. Along with this, governments across the country are adopting the Chhattisgarh model of health and education."

Chief Minister Mr. Baghel further said that earlier people used to remember Chhattisgarh only for the incidents of Naxalite violence. There used to be question marks regarding Chhattisgarh in the mind of the tourists. Suddenly so much has changed that the people of the country are now eager to come to Chhattisgarh. You must have seen that Bollywood actors are continuously coming to the state for shooting of films and web series, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of tourists. All this has been possible with public participation. People's perspective has towards Chhattisgarh has changed positively. Times have changed, There have been 2 big season cricket matches  in Chhattisgarh, for the first time an international match has increased the pride of all of us. Celebrity Cricket League has also been completed successfully recently.

Chhattisgarh's budget of trust( 'Bharose ka' budget,)which will be presented in the Vidhansabha on Monday, this will be a budget that will give a new reality to the dreams of our state. Mr. Baghel further said that on this occasion, I thank all of you for keeping the trust in the state government. Along with this, I would also like to put this responsibility on the shoulders of all of you to identify those who have filled Chhattisgarh with 'negativity' and we shall together speed up this journey of new Chhattisgarh." 

Raipur : Urban health facilities will be expanded and urban centers will be operated as Hamar Clinic

In Raipur, 52 urban health centers will be renamed Hamar Clinic

Medical officials, staff nurses, and multi-purpose health professionals will be on hand to improve health services

TNINS 

After Hamar Hospital and Hamar Lab, the Health Department will now expand Raipur citizens' access to health care through Hamar Clinic. The National Health Mission is assisting in the transformation of 52 Raipur urban health clinics into Hamar Clinics. Health Minister Shri T.S. Singhdeo visited five Hamar clinics in the city and observed the preparations. He directed that the infrastructure construction work be expedited and that all arrangements be made as quickly as possible. Together with marketing the resources offered at Hamar Clinic, he recommended the installation of visibility and guideboards to make it simpler for visitors to go there.

Health Minister, Mr. Singhdeo, visited the Hamar Clinics of Rajendra Nagar, Chhattisgarh Nagar, Rathore Chowk, Kabir Nagar, and Mangal Bazar Gudhiyari in Raipur yesterday, inspecting the work and issuing appropriate orders. Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Mithilesh Chowdhary, and State Program Manager of Urban Health in the National Health Mission, Dr. Pradeep Tandon, were also present during this time. During the visit of Kabir Nagar Hamar Clinic, Mr. Singhdeo also had his blood pressure checked.

Urban health centers are being turned into Hamar clinics in order to give better health services to the people. Additional facilities are being built in urban health centers along the lines of the health and wellness centers that have been constructed in rural areas. In the state, 182 Hamar clinics are being established in various urban authorities like as Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, and Nagar Panchayats.

Previously, ANMs in urban health centers provided vaccination and check-up services for children and pregnant women. A complete treatment center is being constructed now, with solid infrastructure, by appointing a medical officer, a staff nurse, a multi-purpose health worker, a data entry operator, and a class four employee. In these clinics, 70 different types of medications are available to patients. The capability of testing will also be supplied to patients who require testing with the assistance of  Hamar Lab.

 Beneficiaries received lump-sum amount of Rs 20,000 each

Mahasamund  TNINS 

The Chhattisgarh Government has initiated the 'Mukhyamantri Shramik Sian Sahayata Yojana' to provide financial assistance to the state's laborers. Under this scheme, construction workers are provided with financial assistance by the state government. 

The membership of registered construction workers under the Chhattisgarh Building and Construction Workers Welfare Board automatically ends when they reach the age of 60, as per the provisions of the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act 1946. In such cases, before the construction workers retire from the membership of the board, the state government provides a lump sum amount to them under this scheme to support their better living.

Labor officer Shri G K Pandey informed that 26 laborers in the Mahasamund district are registered under this scheme. After the examination, a lump sum amount of Rs 20,000 each has been provided to 10 registered laborers. The documents of the remaining registered laborers are being examined.

It is worth mentioning that under the scheme, the state government is providing a lump sum amount of Rs 10,000 as financial assistance to construction workers who have completed 60 years of age before retiring from membership of the board to live a better life. However, on the occasion of the new year, Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel announced to the hike the amount from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 while interacting with the laborers in Raipur. The beneficiaries will have to apply online or offline to avail the benefits of this scheme. By receiving the increased amount, laborers can live their lives in a better way without depending on anyone else.

The rural women of Dannex have broken the conservative view of the society, and are creating new success stories of economic self-relian

Dantewada TNINS

The traditional practice of providing employment to women meant employing them by imparting knowledge of a specific technical skill, but the Government of Chhattisgarh has come with an innovative approach in this regard. The state government has established industries not  just to provide employment to women, but also the entire Management is in the hands of women itself.  The Chhattisgarh model does not aim at making women as skilled labours but as successful women entrepreneurs. With this vision, the brand Dantewada Next i.e. 'Dannex' was started. The rural women of the self help group working in this readymade garment industry, whom the people here refer as Didi, also handle the entire work management of this company. In this way, every woman associated with this organization is making her own identity as a successful entrepreneur.

12 lakh designer clothes, income of 72 crores generated

It is noteworthy that so far,12 lakh garments have been made from the Dannex factory and sent for sale. The quality and design of the readymade garments manufactured here is attracting numerous customers. As a result of this, there is a huge demand for these clothes at many big multinational stores and online shopping platforms as well. Readymade garments manufactured here are also being exported to various states of the country and abroad. So far,the company has earned an income of about Rs 72 crore from these clothes manufactured by  rural women. About 1000 women have been linked with direct employment through this factory. Under the patronage of the district administration, a target has been set to further expand this readymade garment industry in the form of an industrial chain, which is being operated through self-help groups. With the cooperation of the administration, women are continuously moving forward in this direction as well.

Entrepreneurial skills of women are getting strengthened and increasing their self-esteem

On January 31, 2021, the first unit of Dannex was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel at  Haaram village under Gidam development block. After Haaram in Dantewada district, now a total of 5 units of Dannex have been established in Katekalyan, Chhindnar, Barsur, and Kaarli. Women have been provided initial training in all these units. 

 Dannex Garment Factory has proved to be a boon for the women of these rural areas. Due to this, their entrepreneurial skills are getting a boost, as well as they are getting the means of livelihood which is positively shaping their standard of living.

Unique application of Chhattisgarh model

Dannex has also help change the conservative and patriarchal outlook of the society towards women. There was a time when women in the region of Bastar were confined to the domestic chores within the four walls of their house. Through Dannex, women are breaking these stereotypes and touching great heights of progress by writing a new chapter of  self-reliance. Every women of Dannex has a beam of pride on their faces and the confidence of an entrepreneur speeding towards success. The didis of Dantewada Next (Dannex) are becoming an inspiration for other women today. This application of Chhattisgarh model is a unique example of women empowerment in the country.

Size of the main budget has increased to Rs 01 lakh 15 thousand 385 crore

Raipur, TNINS 

The third supplementary budget of Rs 4 thousand 143 crore 60 lakh 71 thousand 652 presented by Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel for the financial year 2022-23 was passed in the Legislative Assembly today. In the third supplementary budget, provisions for additional amount have been made under various items including drinking water, roads, health, irrigation, housing, ground water conservation, livelihood, industrial training, and custom milling. Adding this additional amount provisioned, the size of the main budget for the financial year 2022-23 has now expanded to Rs 1 lakh 15 thousand 385 crore. The third supplementary budget also includes a provision of Rs 02 thousand 575 crore for revenue expenditure and Rs 01 thousand 569 crore for capital expenditure.

It is noteworthy that an amount of Rs 1 lakh 4 thousand crore was provisioned under the main budget of year 2022-23, Rs 2 thousand 904 crore was provisioned in the first supplement, Rs 4 thousand 338 crore in the second supplement, and now in the third supplementary budget, an amount of Rs 4 thousand 144 crore has been provisioned.

About the provisions made in the third supplementary budget, Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel informed the House that under Jal Jeevan Mission, a target has been set to provide clean drinking water to about 24 lakh rural families in the financial year 2022-23 through household tap connections. To achieve these targets, an additional provision of Rs 900 crore has been made for the works under construction.

Similarly, under Krishak Jeevan Jyoti Yojana, the facility of free power supply is being provided to the farmers of the state for the agricultural pumps of up to 05 horse power. Government of Chhattisgarh has decided to provide electricity supply for fish farming at the same rate as agriculture. In this regard, an additional provision of Rs 341 crore has been made in the third supplement for Krishak Jeevan Jyoti Yojana, so as to provide the benefits of free electricity to the fish farmers, as it is provided for the agricultural pumps.

Chief Minister said that the rates of custom milling have been increased to complete the work of paddy milling within the prescribed time limit. To reimburse the aforesaid amount to the State Cooperative Marketing Federation, an amount of Rs 700 crore has been provisioned. Likewise, a provision of Rs 321 crore has been made for the roads being constructed under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. A provision of 250 crore has been made for the National Health Mission scheme. An amount of Rs 210 crore has been provisioned for supply of medicines and other materials in district hospitals and Rs 150 crore has been provisioned for the acquisition of Chandulal Chandrakar Medical College, Durg. Under this provision, the amount of the college building and medical equipment will be reimbursed.

Chief Minister said that a provision of Rs 116 crore has been made for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) in the third supplementary budget. Moreover, during the current financial year, 42 lakh 10 thousand domestic electricity consumers will be provided relief of Rs 01 thousand 115 crore on electricity bills under Bijli Bill Half scheme. A provision of 19 crore 14 lakh has been made for this purpose.

Chief Minister said that in view of the demand of modern and automated industries, an MoU has been signed with Tata Technology Pune for strengthening the industrial training institutes operating in the state.  As per this MoU, 36 Government ITIs will be developed as technology hubs. An action plan worth Rs 1200 crore has been prepared at the cost of Rs 33 crore for installation of new equipment and technology in each of the ITI institutes of the state. Under this scheme, a provision of Rs 94 crores has been made for assistance from the state budget. On completion of the scheme, every year 09 thousand youth of the state will get the benefit of high quality training in these institutes.

Chief Minister said that under the CAMPA head, various works related to compensatory tree plantation, forest and wildlife conservation and ground water conservation are being carried out in the forest areas. Under this head, a provision of Rs 200 crore has been made for the works approved, Rs 150 crore has been provisioned for distribution of post matric scholarship to OBC students and Rs 60 crore 59 lakh has been provisioned for National Rural Livelihood Mission scheme.

   Chief Minister further informed that a provision of Rs 03 crore 73 lakh has been made for construction of toilets in Anganbadi and Mini Anganbadi centers and Rs 21 crore 90 lakh has been provisioned for distribution of prizes to the winners of Chhattisgarh Olympics. Chief Minister informed that besides the establishment of Post Matric Scheduled Tribe Girls Hostel in village Chhal of Dharamjaigarh Development Block and Pre Matric Scheduled Tribe Girls Hostel in Patratoli, Development Block Duldula District-Jashpur, Tribal Boys Sports Complex will be established in Narharpur District-Kanker. In addition, a provision has been made for construction of post matric SC boys’ hostel in Rajnandgaon, pre matric ST boys hostel in Golapalli district-Sukma and boys and girls hostel in Saliatoli district-Jashpur.

Collector and 160 officials undergo health check-ups in mobile medical unit

Mungeli TNINS 

A health camp was organized in the district collectorate premises on Wednesday under the 'Mukhyamantri Shehri Slum Swasthya Yojana'. A total of 160 officials, including District Collector Shri Rahul Deo, underwent health check-ups and availed the free health facilities provided by the government. Pathology tests of 74 people were conducted, and essential medicines were distributed to 113 people as per their requirements. During the camp, the Collector also inquired about the available health facilities in the mobile medical unit and instructed the Municipal Corporation CMO to organize more such camps in densely populated urban areas to benefit as many people as possible.

It is worth mentioning that the 'Mukhyamantri Shehri Slum Swasthya Yojana' is one of the ambitious plans of the government, which is being implemented in all urban local bodies. Under this scheme, people living in urban slum settlements are being provided access to health facilities near their doorsteps. The mobile medical unit provides around 24 types of medical tests, including blood pressure, sugar, and CBC, as part of the scheme. Free medicine is also provided to patients. According to available information, so far, free health facilities have been provided to 36,208 people in the district. Various types of pathology tests have been conducted for 9,502 people. Similarly, free medicine has been made available to 30,576 people.

Collector lauds the efforts of officers and employees involved in the process  

Baloda Bazaar  TNINS 

100 per cent of the paddy has been lifted from all 162 rice procurement centers in the district with zero shortage. In response to this achievement of the district administration, Collector Shri Rajat Bansal congratulated all the officials and employees involved in the process. He said that this work has been made possible only through the active participation of food, cooperation, district marketing, district cooperative banks, and committees, which has definitely saved the government from losses.

It is worth mentioning that this year, 61 lakh 86 thousand 50 quintals of rice have been procured in the district at the support price. A DO was issued to other districts besides Balodabazar, which led to the successful lifting of the paddy. Within 29 days, 100 per cent of the paddy has been lifted, which created a new record. With the lifting of paddy, the warehouses have become empty. This will facilitate the storage of fertilizers and seeds during summer.

Luckily, there was no unpredictable rainfall during the paddy procurement this time. Due to the absence of moisture problems in the paddy, millers lifted paddy at a rapid pace. For the Kharif season 2022-23, the government had set a target of procuring 63 lakh 88 thousand 530 quintals of paddy for the district. With farmers getting fair prices for their produce, the area under paddy cultivation has increased.

The work was carried out with special assistance by DMO KP Karsh, District Food Officer Vimal Dubey, Cooperative Registrar Surendra Gaund, and Nodal Officer Sharma.

Women are earning substantial income by preparing silk thread from cocoon

Raipur, TNINS 

Rural women of the state are getting good work exposure in RIPA i.e. Rural Industrial Park, which was commenced to strengthen the rural economy. The women associated with Ripa have been linked to many types of economic activities here.  Similarly, rural women of Bastar district are also learning the tricks of being successful entrepreneurs.

It is worth mentioning that this rural industrial park built in  Bastar's Turenar is the country first rural industrial park. In the first phase, Chhattisgarh government is preparing two rural industrial parks in all the development blocks of the state, under which the first Ripa of the state has been completed in Turenar, which is also the biggest Ripa of the state.

This Rural Industrial Park 'RIPA' has been established on 5 acres in Bastar's Turenar. The rural women of the sericulture commitee associated with this Ripa have set out on the path of becoming successful entrepreneurs by starting the work of preparing silk thread from cocoons. These women come to the industrial park after finishing their household chores and get involved in the work of making silk threads. The thread prepared by these women is bought by the Gramudyog Department. Due to this, women are earning additional income for their household expenses.

The women involved in the work of silk rearing informed that they have earned Rs 40 thousand 243 so far by preparing silk thread. These women have sold 17 kg 540 gm silk thread at the rate of Rs 2300 per kg, along with which the rate of basic thread has been fixed at Rs 6000. Women are very happy with their first earning and are working with great enthusiasm. Gayatri, who works in this center, says that she is enjoying working in Ripa and earning substantial income. She further said that she is excited and pleased to work here as work is available in her village itself.

Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Speaker Dr. Charandas Mahant chaired the meeting ofthe Business Advisory Committee in the committee room of the Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha here today

TNINS Raipur

Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Speaker Dr. Charandas Mahant chaired the meeting of the  Business Advisory Committee in the committee room of the Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha here today. Members of the committee including Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel, Leader of Opposition Shri Narayan Chandel, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Ravindra Choubey, and Deputy Speaker of Legislative Assembly Shri Santram Netam were present in the meeting.

Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker and Chief Minister inaugurated newly-built offices for ministers in Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha premises

Raipur, TNINS 

Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Dr Charandas Mahant and Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday inaugurated newly constructed offices for ministers in the premises of Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha. Deputy Speaker of Legislative Assembly Shri Santaram Netam, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Ravindra Choubey, and Public Works Department Minister Shri Tamradhwaj Sahu along with other cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries, and legislators were also present on the occasion.

Raipur TNINS 

Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel has extended his greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of National Science Day. In his message, Shri Baghel said that Indian scientist Sir Chandrashekhar Venkat Raman had discovered the 'Raman Effect' for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize. National Science Day is celebrated in his honor to raise awareness in the field of science throughout the country. Our country has made significant progress in the field of science, and its achievements have earned global recognition, which is a matter of great pride for the entire nation. He further added that it is essential to promote a scientific outlook and rational thinking to eliminate superstitions that are deeply rooted in society. Science can help us enhance our standard of living and progress through analytical thinking.

Mahila Madai will show a glimpse of Chhattisgarh women's strong steps towards self-reliance: Mrs. Bhediya

Women and Child Development Minister Mrs. Anila Bhediya inaugurated Mahila Madai

66 stalls were set up by women's groups and entrepreneurs from 33 districts

Women representatives went shopping and enjoyed the taste of Chhattisgarhi food

A variety of herbal products, including decorative items, cosmetics, clothing, and dishes made by these women are showcased

Raipur, TNINS 

Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Anila Bhediya inaugurated a 6-day Mahila Madai at BTI Ground, Shankar Nagar in the state capital on the occasion of International Women's Day. There are 66-stalls display of self-made materials by women self-help groups and women entrepreneurs from the state's 33 districts. Mrs. Bhediya also honored 100 swachta didi’s of the Municipal Corporation on this occasion by presenting them with caps and T-shirts.

During this, former Rajya Sabha MP Mrs. Chhaya Verma, Chairperson of Chhattisgarh State Women's Commission Dr. Kiranmayi Nayak, Chairperson of Chhattisgarh Child Protection Commission Mrs. Tej Kunwar Netam, MLA from Dharsinwa Mrs. Anita Yogendra Sharma, MLA from Pandariya Mrs. Mamta Chandrakar and President of Raipur District Panchayat Mrs. Domeshwari Verma were also present. The Mahila Madai organized by the Women and Child Development Department will continue till March 04.

In Madai, the women public representatives admired the skill of Chhattisgarh women and went shopping. They also tasted Chhattisgarhi food, including Cheela, Pidia, Thethri, Laddu, and Lai Badi made by women's groups. Women's representatives also participated in cultural performances and danced to Chhattisgarhi songs and music.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Bhediya bought sarees and cloth bags from Madai. She stated that the state administration has planned numerous new initiatives to empower women through self-employment. A clear idea of Chhattisgarh women being empowered and self-sufficient can be observed in this madai. Women's groups and entrepreneurs will have a platform and a new identity as a result of this.

On this occasion, Director of the Women and Child Development Department, Mrs. Divya Umesh Mishra, members of the Chhattisgarh Child Protection Commission, Mrs. Pushpa Patle, Mrs. Asha Santosh Yadav, Mr. Sonal Kumar Gupta, Mr. Augustine Bernard and departmental officers-employees were present.

Permits will be issued without applying to the transport office while purchasing new commercial vehicles

Vehicle sellers and authorized dealers can issue permits for new commercial vehicles

Raipur, TNINS 

Following the intention of the Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel and under the guidance of the Transport Minister Mr. Mohammad Akbar, the successful operation of the Transport Department’s new facility named ‘Tuhar Sarkar Tuhar Dwar’ is being done. Under this service, transport facilities are being provided at the doorstep of the vehicle owner by the Transport Department. In this regard, the buyer can apply for a permit for newly-purchased commercial vehicles to the vehicle seller/dealer while purchasing the vehicle. They wouldn’t require visiting the transport office to apply for a new vehicle permit. 

It is noteworthy that getting a permit for all commercial vehicles weighing more than 3000 Kg. is compulsory. To obtain a permit, the potential buyer has to apply online and then visit the transport office. Thereafter, the permit is issued after marking it with a seal. 

Why get a permit made?

Many vehicle buyers lack knowledge of a permit’s legal requirements. Especially, buyers who purchase small vehicles often ignore the permit, while considering it a mere registration requirement. They often consider vehicle registration as the complete document. However, when the vehicle faces an accident, the insurance company refuses to issue the insurance amount in the event of no permit. As a result, the vehicle owner has to suffer the financial burden.

How many types of permits are there?

Permits are of mainly two types. The state permit is issued for driving vehicles in the state, and the national permit is issued for driving vehicles in three or more states. The dealer point offers the facility to apply for both types of permits. 

The Raipur Automobile Dealer Association (RADA) had been demanding a facility for permit application at the dealer point for many years. In this regard, the Transport Minister had also raised the demand alongside the Automobile Association. Transport Minister Mohammad Akbar had provided the assurance for required action in the matter.

It is noteworthy that the Transport Minister Mr. Mohammad Akbar, under the ‘Tuhar Sarkar Tuhar Dwar’ scheme, is committed to providing various RTO facilities to the doorstep of the vehicle owner. It is the intention of the Transport Minister that people don’t necessarily require to visit the transport office for vehicle-related work. This facility will enable people to receive all RTO benefits at their homes and will also save them time. Moreover, the crowd at the RTO office will be less dense, due to which the quality of work done by the transport staff will improve substantially. 

The ‘Tuhar Sarkar Tuhar Dwar’ scheme operated by the Transport Department is an important service for the facility of people. As per this scheme, transport-related services are provided at the doorsteps of people. Under this public-centric facility, people won’t have to frequent the offices of the transport department again and again. This will save both the money and time of the applicants.

TNINS 

Production of spices reaches four lakh tonnes in the state

Favourable climatic and soil conditions attracting farmers for spices cultivation

Chhattisgarh is supplying coriander seeds to other states

Raipur,

There has been a steady increase in production of spices in the state. The state government's farmer-friendly scheme is aiding farmers to adopt spices cultivation to earn a good income. Farmers are adopting new techniques in farming. Generally, the farmers who have been cultivating paddy and other traditional crops, are now turning towards the cultivation of spices as well in Chhattisgarh. Chhattisgarh is getting a new identity in the country in the cultivation of spices.

Being favorable climatic and soil conditions for the cultivation of spices, the production is also increasing in the state. The farmers are earning good income along with an increase in production. There is a balance in the demand and supply of spices in Chhattisgarh. Presently the production of spices is more than four lakh metric tonnes. Also, the results are so encouraging in this area, now coriander seeds are also being supplied from Chhattisgarh to other states.

According to agricultural scientists, the climate of Chhattisgarh is favorable for the production of spices. This is the factor that cultivation of spices is continuously increasing in the state. Turmeric, ginger, red chili, carom seeds, tamarind, and garlic are being cultivated. Turmeric, coriander, fenugreek, garlic, chili, and ginger are being cultivated in almost all areas of Chhattisgarh. At the same time, celery is being cultivated in Balrampur, Bilaspur, Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi and Mungeli, and black pepper in Kondagaon.

Highest production of turmeric

Spices are currently being cultivated in Chhattisgarh on 66081 hectares of land and about 4 lakh 50 thousand 849 metric tonnes of spices have been produced. The area under cultivation and production of turmeric is highest in Chhattisgarh among spices. After that ginger, coriander, garlic, chili, and tamarind are cultivated.

Farmer-friendly schemes are helping farmers

For the cultivation of spices, farmers are providing assistance under the National Horticulture Mission, National Agricultural Scheme, and other schemes. Under the National Horticulture Mission, spices have been cultivated on 13302 hectares of land in 24 districts and 93114 metric tonnes have been produced. In the last four years, spices were cultivated in 1837.29 hectares under the National Agricultural Development Scheme operated in the state and an average production of 12861 metric tonnes has been achieved. About 3500 farmers have benefitted under the schemes.

Farmers are earning good income

Mr. Mayank Tiwari, a farmer cultivating coriander said that it costs about Rs.20 thousand for sowing coriander on one hectare of land. Income up to Rs.60 to 65 thousand can be earned from this crop. He told that after deducting all the expenses, there is a net income of Rs.40 to 45 thousand.

Mrs. Lokeshwari Bai, president of women's SHG cultivating turmeric in Balodabazar district, told that turmeric has been cultivated in one acre of land, which cost Rs 50,000. The crop production turned out to be very good and there is a possibility of getting an average production of 50-60 quintals. Out of cultivated turmeric, 5 quintals have been excavated, packed, and sold in grocery stores. The farmers of Rajnandgaon, Mrs. Arpa Tripathi, Mr. Gopal Mishra, Mr. Sanjay Tripathi, and Mr. Jainu Ram have together cultivated turmeric on 12.208 hectares of land. They are likely to get 250-300 metric tonnes of turmeric production.

Mr. Pratap Singh, a farmer hailing from Korba district told that he sowed a ginger crop in 0.400 hectares which cost Rs 90 thousand. About 47 quintals were produced, on selling this turmeric he got Rs 1.40 lakh and obtained a net profit of Rs.50 thousand. About 300 farmers have been trained for ginger cultivation in the last four years. These farmers cultivated ginger on 130 hectares and produced 2000 tonnes of ginger.

Research on a new variety of spices

Agricultural Scientist of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University Mr. S.H. Tuteja told that research is being held on the seeds of spices in the past years. With the introduction of two new varieties of coriander namely CG coriander and CG Chandrahu coriander, good crop production is being obtained. It is not only being supplied at the local level but also in the other 7 states. Similarly, a new variety of turmeric has also been developed. Mr.Tuteja told that there is a very good potential for spice crops in Chhattisgarh. Now the farmers are cultivating spices and earning a good income.

National Workshop

To encourage the cultivation of spices and find possibilities for cultivating spices by adopting new techniques, a workshop is to be organized on March 14 and 15, 2023 at Barrister Thakur Chedilal Agricultural College and Research Center situated in Sarkanda in Bilaspur. Subject experts from different states of the country will participate in this workshop and discussions will be held regarding the possibilities and capabilities of the production of spices and aromatic crops in Chhattisgarh. In this, the farmers who cultivate spices and the traders who trade them will also be invited so that a detailed discussion can be held regarding the new technology of spices and its business benefits.

Mahasamund, TNINS 

Under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana, 250 couples in Mahasamund will tie the knot on 28 February. The wedding program will be held in the Sanjay Kanan in Mahasamund from 11 am on 28 February. The Chief Guest will be the Women and Child Development Minister, Mrs. Anila Bhediya. The Parliamentary Secretary and MLA, Mr. Vinod Chandrakar, will preside over the event and bless the newly-wed couples. The District Program Officer of Women and Child Development in Mahasamund, Mr. Sameer Pandey, said that all the preparation for the wedding of 250 couples is almost complete. 

As the Special Guest, Parliamentary Secretary and MLA of Khallari Assembly Constituency Mr. Dwarikadhish Yadav, Vice President of Scheduled Caste Development Authority and MLA of Saraipali Assembly Constituency Mr. Kismatlal Nand, President of Chhattisgarh Forest Development Corporation and Basna MLA Mr. Devendra Bahadur Singh, President of District Panchayat Mrs. Usha Patel, President of the District Minor Forest Produce Union Mahasamund Mr. Pramod Chandrakar, President of the Municipality Mrs. Rashi Mahilang, President of Janpad Panchayat Mr. Yatendra Kumar Sahu, Organization Officer Mrs. Rashmi Chandrakar, President of the Krishi Upaj Mandi in Mahasamund Mr. Heera Banjare, and Sarpanch Mr. Neelam Kosare will attend the program.

TNINS Raipur 

Women and Child Development Minister, Chairperson of Chhattisgarh State Women Commission, and Chairperson of Chhattisgarh Child Protection Commission participated in the event

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, a large number of women held a bike rally from Raipur’s Telibandha Lake to convey the message of the empowerment of women. In the rally, Women and Child Development Minister Mrs. Anila Bhediya, Chairperson of CG State Women Commission Dr. Kiranmayee Nayak, Chairperson of Chhattisgarh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Mrs. Tej Kunwar Netam, President of District Panchayat Raipur Mrs. Domeshwari Verma, Director of Women and Child Development Department Mrs. Divya Mishra, Chief of UNICEF in the state Mr. Job Zachariah, and many public representatives and women were present. They gave the message of Gadhbo Suposhit Chhattisgarh and ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’. The rally started from the Telibandha Lake in Raipur and covered a distance of 15 kilometers while passing Ghadi Chowk, Amapara, Station Chowk, Fafadih Chowk, Ambedkar Chowk, and Canal Road to end at the Telibandha Lake again.

TNINS 

Around 1969 camps have been set up under Mukhyamantri Dai-Didi mobile clinic yojana thus far, while 1 lakh 47 thousand 362 women and girls living in slums of Raipur, Bilaspur, and Bhilai Municipal areas have been treated through Dai-Didi Clinic by setting up camp near their homes.

It should be mentioned that Mukhyamantri Dai-Didi Clinic Yojana is managed by the Chhattisgarh Government's Urban Administration and Development Department. Under the initiative, a team of female doctors and staff members arrive in the vehicle of Dai-Didi Clinic's mobile medical unit and treat poor women and girls for free for a variety of diseases. This time these mobile medical units have performed lab tests on 28 thousand 94 women and distributed free medicines to 1 lakh 40 thousand 333 women.

Previously, such women living in poor slum neighborhoods and working hard were unable to receive treatment owing to a lack of time or a variety of other factors, but now they can receive care from a Dai-Didi clinic near their homes via women doctors and medical workers. Now, Women are receiving care from doctors and are able to receive treatment in time as a result of this scheme.

Success achieved through skilled management of the state government

Raipur, TNINS 

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel, the skilled management of the state government has resulted in the lifting of more than 101 lakh metric tonnes of paddy for custom milling. While DO has been issued for the lifting of more than 104 lakh metric tonnes of paddy. This year, 107.53 lakh metric tonnes of paddy has been successfully procured from the farmers of Chhattisgarh at the support price.

It is worth mentioning that, following the initiative of Chief Minister Bhupesh last year, the lifting of paddy has again been started from procurement centers for custom milling this year, which has resulted in a significant reduction in transportation expenditure for the state government. Along with this, the lengthy process of paddy lifting after procurement of paddy has also been shortened. The state government has procured 107.53 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from more than 23.42 lakh farmers till January 31, 2023. About Rs 22, 067 crores have been paid to the farmers in the lieu of paddy purchase.