Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel secured the second rank in the country among the most popular CMs within the home state

Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel recorded a gradual rise in his ratings from 53.3 percent to 59.1 percent

Survey conducted by India Today

Raipur, TNINS 

Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel has recorded a gradual rise in his ratings, from 53.3 percent in the previous survey to 55.7 percent in January 2023 to 59.1 percent now. A recent survey by India Today revealed that an impressive 59.1 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with his performance in the state. This marks a significant increase in his popularity compared to the previous year's survey, where he scored 55.7 percent for his work. The India Today Group conducted this survey among citizens across the nation to evaluate the performance of their own CM within the state. Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel's growing popularity is evident, with 59.1 percent of respondents showing confidence in his government's functioning. Notably, the previous year's survey reported 53.3 percent satisfaction with his work, showcasing a consistent upward trajectory in public opinion.

The Chhattisgarh Government has made significant strides in poverty alleviation, with 40 lakh individuals in the state alleviated out of multidimensional poverty over the past 4.5 years. The various NYAY schemes launched in the state have played a pivotal role in this achievement, effectively targeting poverty eradication. Such schemes, including the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan NYAY Yojana, Godhan NYAY Yojana, Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Bhumiheen Krishi Majdoor NYAY Yojana, Unemployment Allowance schemes, and Rajiv Mitan Club, have directly benefited villagers, farmers, cattle herders, women, youth, and forest produce collectors throughout the state. The state government has distributed an impressive total of Rs. 1.75 lakh crore to beneficiaries of various schemes. This substantial investment has brought about tangible improvements in the lives of the state's people, fostering economic prosperity and well-being.

NYAY schemes, launched by the Chhattisgarh Government, have yielded impressive economic growth, with per capita income hiking from Rs. 88,793 to Rs. 1,33,898 in the last 4.5 years. The state's GSDP has experienced a remarkable increase from Rs. 3,27,106 crore to Rs. 5,09,043 crore during this period, marking a 56 percent expansion in the economy's size. Remarkably, despite two consecutive years of economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic starting in March 2020, Chhattisgarh has managed to achieve this growth. In the fiscal year 2022–23, Chhattisgarh's growth rates in agriculture, industry, and the service sector significantly outpaced the national averages, underscoring the state's robust economic performance.

Chhattisgarh, with agriculture as its backbone and supporting the livelihoods of approximately 74 percent of its population, has witnessed remarkable strides in the last 4.5 years under the state government's pro-agriculture initiatives. These policies have invigorated the farming community, increasing their dedication to agriculture.

Notably, Chhattisgarh has ensured fair prices for farmers' produce, particularly paddy, making it the sole state in India where farmers receive the highest minimum support price rates. In addition to procuring paddy at support prices, the state government is also providing an input subsidy of Rs 9,000 per acre to farmers cultivating Kharif crops under the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan NYAY Yojana. Since the inception of this scheme in 2019–20, the state government has distributed nearly Rs. 22,000 crore to farmers through direct benefit transfers into their bank accounts, further bolstering the state's agricultural sector and farmer well-being.

Chhattisgarh's Government initiatives, including the Suraji Gaon Yojana, Narva, Garuva, Ghurva, Bari Development Program, and Godhan NYAY Yojana, have significantly boosted financial self-reliance and rural economic vitality. The Narva Development Program alone has treated around 14,000 canals, aiding water conservation and elevating groundwater levels. This, in turn, has led to improved irrigation facilities and expanded double-crop farming areas. The Garuva Program has played a pivotal role in livestock preservation and enhancement, resulting in increased income from animal husbandry. Additionally, the Ghurva and Bari Development Program has fostered organic farming and enhanced nutritional standards across the state, further contributing to the well-being of the populace.

Chhattisgarh's Government has ushered in a multifaceted approach to employment and self-reliance through its innovative Godhan NYAY Yojana. This scheme, offering state government procurement of cow dung at Rs 2 per kg and cow urine at Rs 4 per litre, has become a lucrative source of supplementary income for rural cattle farmers. The utilisation of these resources has led to the production of vermicompost, organic pesticides, Brahmastra, Jeevamrit, and natural paint, all of which contribute to increased income for the people. Over 12,000 self-help groups (SHGs) comprising two lakh women have embraced diverse income sources through their association with Gauthans, empowering them economically and enhancing their financial independence.

The Chhattisgarh Government has launched several schemes to improve healthcare services in the state and make them more people-centric. These schemes, including the Mukhyamantri Haat Bazaar Clinic Yojana, Dai-Didi Clinic Yojana, Dr. Khubchand Baghel Swasthya Sahayata Yojana, Mukhyamantri Vishesh Swasthya Yojana, and Shri Dhanvantari Medical Store Scheme, have provided significant relief to the people. The Chhattisgarh Government's initiatives, such as the Half Bijli Bill Yojana and providing electricity to farmers' irrigation pumps at a subsidised rate, have also contributed to approximately Rs. 15,000 crore in savings on electricity bills.

To improve the living standards of forest dwellers in remote forest regions, the standard rate for tendupatta collection has been increased from ₹2,500 to ₹4,000 per standard bag. Additionally, successful efforts have been made to increase the income of forest dwellers through the procurement of 67 minor forest produce in the MSP and their value addition. Through the Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Bhumiheen Krishi Majdoor NYAY Yojana, the state has provided annual assistance of Rs. 7,000 to nearly 6 lakh families. The Rajiv Gandhi Mitan Clubs have played a significant role in creating awareness among people in villages about government schemes and programs, resulting in positive outcomes. This has also contributed to lifting people out of poverty.

The Chhattisgarh Government's farmer-centric policies have yielded remarkable results, with the number of farmers selling paddy at support prices surging from 12 lakh to over 24 lakh. Simultaneously, paddy production has skyrocketed from 55 lakh metric tonnes to an impressive 107 lakh metric tonnes. Over the past 4.5 years, the state has witnessed a doubling in both the number of paddy-selling farmers and paddy production. Furthermore, the area dedicated to paddy cultivation has expanded from 24 lakh 46 thousand hectares to 31 lakh 17 thousand hectares.

The state government's proactive approach is evident in the increase in Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS) from 1,333 to 2,058. Notably, Chhattisgarh has accorded agricultural status to diverse sectors, including fish farming, lac cultivation, silk farming, and beekeeping. Initiatives such as the Millet Mission, support prices for Kodu-Kutki and Ragi, and input subsidies of Rs 9,000 per acre for millet producers in remote forest areas have substantially boosted earning levels for millet farmers in the state.

The Chhattisgarh Government's farmer-friendly and welfare-oriented policies have brought tremendous prosperity in both urban and rural areas, leading to an increase in Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel's popularity. The robust rural economy has also contributed to the prosperity of the urban economy. Moreover, the state government's efforts to improve civic amenities have created a better environment in urban areas, which reflects positively on Mr. Bhupesh Baghel's popularity. A significant aspect is that Mr. Bhupesh Baghel consistently speaks about the pride of Chhattisgarh, resonating with the people. He communicates in a way that aligns with the interests of the public, which is boosting his popularity. In a survey conducted by India Today, the Chief Minister of Odisha holds first place in the survey, and the Chief Minister of Delhi is in third place. The Chief Minister of Gujarat ranks fourth, and the Chief Minister of Assam ranks fifth in the survey.