Raipur : Schools, where once echoed the ominous sounds of gunfire, now resounds with harmonious recitation of poems by children, proclaimed :Chief Minister Mr Bhupesh Baghel

Peace and Security restored, people are no longer scared to commute later in the evening

District Hospital to be named "Mahadev Rana District Hospital Bijapur

Raipur, TNINS 

Chief Minister Mr Bhupesh Baghel said that the schools in naxal-affected areas that were destroyed by the naxal violence, are now filled with the chirpy voice of students reciting poems and learning lessons. Highlighting the transformation in Bijapur, he recalled speaking to children in such schools, and admired how fluently they were conversing in English.

Today, Chief Minister inaugurated structures worth Rs 123 crore and performed the Bhoomipujan for substructures worth Rs 334 crore. At the program, Mr. Baghel also distributed goods to the beneficiaries under various schemes.  He inaugurated the Bijapur Government Factory in Eentapal and also observed ongoing activities there. He inspected the Rural Industrial Park, and inaugurated a Central Library constructed at a cost of Rs 4 crore. He unveiled the statue of 'Chhattisgarh Mahatari' in  the Collectorate premises.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Baghel felicitated five athletes from the Bijapur Sports Academy who had participated in the Asia Cup competition held in Japan and China and also honoured Pramila Telam, Kamala Telam, and Isha Kudiyam, for participating in the First Tribal Khelo India National competition held in Bhubaneswar.

On the occasion, Chief Minister announced the renaming of Bijapur District Hospital to Mahadev Rana Government District Hospital Bijapur. He also announced the renaming of Usur Chowk in Aavapalli, Bijapur, to Nagur Dorla Chowk. Moreover, he renamed the Javanga (Geedam) New Government Model College to Veerangana Masak Devi Nag Government Model College. Furthermore, he announced the opening of new paddy procurement centers in Cherpal, Vardelli, Sankanpalli, and Papanpalli, as well as new primary schools in Madepur and Jarapalli.

Chief Minister Mr. Baghel reflected on the significant changes in Bijapur, citing the development of infrastructure, job opportunities, and increased agricultural production. He highlighted the improvement in the lives of tribal communities, the distribution of land rights, and the implementation of various welfare programs. He also mentioned the growth in businesses such as showrooms for tractors and motorcycles, as well as the rise in textile manufacturing units and local income.

He emphasized that the government has worked for the welfare of all sections of society, including the backward classes and scheduled tribes. He noted the progress in education, healthcare, and rural development in the region. Chief Minister also praised the participation of local youth in the Bastar Fighter program.

 Chief Minister said that 200 schools which were shut down due to naxal activities in Bijapur district have been reopened.  14 Swami Atmanand English Medium Schools have been opened in Bijapur district.  Today, 300 youth from Bijapur alone have got jobs in Bastar Fighter.  Teachers have been recruited.  In these 5 years, more than 20 thousand ration cards were issued in the interior areas.  Today more than 20 hospitals are operating in this region. Doctors are deployed and quality health care services are being provided.  We have issued individual, forest rights and community forest right pattas to tribal people. We have also given community lease to Devguri and Devtadhami.  Patta has been issued for backward class and scheduled caste people as well.  Solar pumps have been installed.  Electricity supply has been facilitated.  Last year, during the Bhent Mulakat programme, funds were sought for maintenance of the ponds which were built during the time of raha-maharajas.  We have sanctioned funds for the maintenance of such ponds.

 Chief Minister said that earlier even bicycle showrooms were a rare sight here, today there are eight tractor showrooms in this region.  Motorcycle showrooms have been opened because of the growing demand. Today, every panchayat has tractors.  Government schemes and policies have brought such major transformation in past 5 years.  Earlier Tendupatta was procured for Rs 2500, today it is being procured at Rs 4000. Mahua, Kodo-Kutki Ragi are also being procured at fair price today.   People's income has increased.  We have implemented PESA law.  We are providing transportation facilities to remote and inaccessible areas.  We have increased the amount of grant amount for hostel children.  Old pension scheme is being implemented.  Honorarium of Anganbadi workers and assistants has been increased.

At the program, Minister in charge of the district and Industries Minister Mr Kawasi Lakhma also addressed the audience, acknowledging the rapid progress under Chief Minister Mr Bhupesh Baghel's leadership.

On this occasion, Vice Chairman of Bastar Development Authority Mr. Vikram Shah Mandavi, District Panchayat President Mr. Shankar Kudiam, District Panchayat Vice President Mr. Kamlesh Karam, District Panchayat Member Mr. Basant Rao Tati, District Panchayat Member Mrs. Neena Rawatiya Udde, ADG Naxal Operations Mr. Vivekananda Sinha,  Bastar Divisional Commissioner Mr. Shyam Dhavde, IG P. Sundarraj, DIG Mr. Kamlochan Kashyap, Collector Mr. Rajendra Kumar Katara, Superintendent of Police Mr. Anjaneya Vashnairya were also present.

Upon the arrival of Chief Minister at the venue, folk artists welcomed him with a traditional folk dance performance. Chief Minister also joined them, tapping to the beats of 'Maandar' instrument.

 Mr Baghel visited various stalls set up at the district level trust conference venue. At the stall of the Women and Child Development Department, where fruits and vegetables grown in Suposhan Vatika of Anganbadi were displayed, Chief Minister enjoyed the taste of a Custard Apple.