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.

 TNINS 

Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel chaired the Cabinet Meeting today at his residence office, and following important decisions were taken in the meeting:-

# In the interest of the unemployed, Government of Chhattisgarh has decided to provide unemployment allowance to the unemployed youth of the state.

# Cabinet has approved the draft of Chhattisgarh Appropriation Bill-2023 for presentation of the third supplementary estimate year 2022-2023 in Legislative Assembly.

#The draft of the Chhattisgarh Appropriation Bill-2023 regarding the presentation of the budget estimate year 2023-2024 in Legislative Assembly has also been approved.

# The draft of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Member Salary, Allowances, Pension (Amendment) Bill-2023 was approved.

# Industrial Training Institute Upgradation Scheme in partnership with Tata Technologies Limited was approved by the Cabinet. Under this scheme, a total of Rs 1216.80 crore will be spent on the development of 36 ITIs of Chhattisgarh. With this, other short term courses including Mechanic, Electric Vehicle, Basic Designer and Virtual Verifier (Mechanical), Manufacturing Process Control and Automation, Advanced CNC Machining, Industrial Robotics and Digital Manufacturing and Artisan Using Advanced Tools will also be started in the ITI institutions of the state.

# The twenty-first annual report of the Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (for the period from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022) was approved to be presented in the Legislative Assembly and the General Administration Department was authorized for further action.

# The proposal for the formation of Chhattisgarh State Innovation Commission was approved. The State Innovation Commission will give suggestions for promoting innovative approach in public welfare schemes, for enhancing efficiency in the administrative services, and would also provide suggestions for implementation of the manifesto and other important points given from time to time.

# The Hon'ble Governor's address was approved for the sixteenth session of Chhattisgarh's fifth assembly in the month of March-2023.

# As  the per kilogram conversion percentage from cowdung to vermi compost is 40 to 33 per cent, It was decided to reimburse one rupee cost of additional cowdung used in production of vermicompost under Godhan Nyaya Yojana from cess amount.

        Similarly, the cost of additional cow dung in the Gauthans of the urban bodies will be reimbursed by the government from the amount provided to the urban bodies for procurement of cow dung and the remaining available amount will be used as revolving money for the procurement of cow dung and vermi compost. Cabinet has also decided to build a godown in Gauthan premises, with the approval of the District Collector, in convergence with other government schemes for safe storage.

# The draft of amendment in Chhattisgarh Minor Mineral Ordinary Sand (Excavation and Business) Rules-2019 was approved.

# Cabinet has decided to exempt the Public Health and Family Welfare and Medical Education Department from the Chhattisgarh Store Purchase Rules, in context of purchase/procurement from a single source.

# Cabinet has decided to create the post of Commissioner Medical Education under the Department of Medical Education.

# The proposal for necessary amendment in the Chhattisgarh Motor Vehicle Taxation Act-1991 (No. 25 of 1991) was approved for collection of one-time (lifetime/optional) tax from goods vehicles.

# The amendment proposal for Chhattisgarh Motor Vehicle Taxation-1991 Rule 158 Chhattisgarh Gazette (Extraordinary) notification dated December 31, 2013 clause (5) was approved.

# In Part-I of the second schedule of the Chhattisgarh Motor Vehicle Taxation Act, 1991, the proposal to assess the motor vehicle tax of motor caravan was approved.

# Cabinet has decided to procure grams under the subsidy scheme of Rs 8000 per ton from the buffer stock of Government of India, for distribution to the 'antyoday' and priority beneficiary families of Mada and scheduled areas under the public distribution system.

# Under the Industrial Policy 2019-24, it was decided to implement a special incentive policy for the closed and sick industries in Chhattisgarh. This will be applicable to closed and sick industries after November 1, 2019. This policy will be applicable only to manufacturing industries.

# Chhattisgarh will be developed as a ‘logistics and warehousing hub’. Cabinet has decided to implement the State Logistics Policy 2022.

# The draft of Bill 2023 was approved for settlement of Chhattisgarh outstanding tax interest and penalty.

# Cabinet has decided to implement One Time Settlement Scheme to waive the interest and surcharge imposed on the remaining premium payment from the allottees, on the land/builtup space allotted under miscellaneous land use in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar.

# It has been decided to include widows, widowers, abandoned and unmarried men and women under the state-sponsored Chief Minister cum Prime Minister Housing Scheme and the date of registration for housing has been extended till March 31, 2024.

# The draft of the Chhattisgarh Municipal Corporation Act 1956 (Amendment) Bill was approved.

# The draft of Chhattisgarh Municipality Act 1961 (Amendment) Bill 2023 was approved.

# Cabinet has decided to create a temporary non-cadre post of Principal Secretary/Secretary for the Ministry.

# Cabinet has decided to temporarily create a new non-cadre post of Inspector General of Police/Additional Director General of Police, Chhattisgarh Police Headquarters under the Indian Police Service Cadre of Chhattisgarh State for a period of two years.

Scheme sees 59 per cent increase in beneficiaries in the last year

TNINS 

Chhattisgarh Government's ambitious "Godhan Nyay Yojana" is becoming increasingly popular in the state, and there is a growing connection among rural communities due to the purchase of cow dung under this scheme at Rs. 2 per kg, providing better opportunities for employment and income in the villages. This has also given a boost to animal husbandry in rural areas. A new environment has been created for the conservation and development of livestock in the state. Currently, more than 3.28 lakh rural farmers are directly benefiting from the purchase of cow dung in the Gauthans. In the last year, the number of cattle rearers and rural farmers benefiting from this scheme has increased from 2.06 lakh to over 3.28 lakh with an increase of 59 per cent in the number of beneficiaries.

Under the 'Garuva' programme of the Suraji Gaon Yojana in the state, the construction of Gauthans in villages for the conservation and preservation of cattle is being rapidly carried out. So far, approval for the construction of Gauthans has been given in 10,732 villages in the state, of which 9,720 Gauthans have been constructed and 825 are under construction. The construction work of 187 Gauthans is yet to be started. The Gauthans thus constructed are being managed by the Gauthan committees, where arrangements for the care, treatment, and fodder and water for cattle are made.

It is worth mentioning that the Godhan Nyaya Yojana was started in the state on July 20, 2020, on the auspicious occasion of the Hareli festival. Under this scheme, till February 15, 2023, over 105.53 lakh quintal cow dung has been purchased in Gauthans, in lieu of which Rs 211.25 crore has been paid to the cow dung sellers.

Mr. Baghel saluted Chhatrapati Shivaji on his 393rd birth anniversary, and said- his bravery and personality inspire many generations

Mr. Baghel praised the use of natural colors made from cow dung in the idol of Shivaji.

TNINS 

Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel today unveiled the statue of Veer Shiromani Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj ji at  Parasatrai village under Arjunda tehsil of Balod district.

Chief Minister Mr. Baghel paid homage to the great ruler and warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on his birth anniversary.

 Shivaji Bhonsle, commonly known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was a prominent Maratha ruler in India. Shivaji Maharaj was born on February 19, 1630 at the Shivneri Fort in Junnar Tehsil of Pune. There are many mentions of stories and accounts of the bravery of the Maratha warrior in our history. Shivaji Jayanti is celebrated on 19 February to honor the founder of the Maratha Empire with joy and pride. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was one of the most courageous, progressive and powerful ruler of India.

After unveiling the statue, the Chief Minister recalled the courage and bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and said that an image of a personality full of self-confidence and valor always emerges while remembering Shivaji Maharaj.

It is noteworthy that a special thing about this stone idol is that natural colors made from cow dung have been used in making it, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel praised this initiative and said that the idol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has been made very beautifully by using natural colours made from cow dung. He further said that It doesn't seem at all that the idol has been colored with paint made of cow dung, it is a matter of pleasure for us.

   On this occasion, along with Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel as the chief guest, Central President, Delliwar Kurmi Kshatriya Samaj, Dr. Rajendra Harmukh, special guest - Parliamentary Secretary - Cg. Government and MLA - Gunderdehi Mr. Kunwar Singh Nishad, MLA Mrs. Sangeeta Sinha, Mr. Hardev Dilliwar, senior social worker, Mr. Ashok Kumar Deshmukh General Secretary, Dilliwar Kurmi Kshatriya Samaj, Honorable Mrs. Anju Patil Sarpanch Gram Panchayat Parasarai etc. were present.

An exclusive showroom opened in Ambikapur to sell cow dung based products  

Sale of vermi compost, Go-kasth, kanda, incense sticks and cow dung paint

Ambikapur TNINS 

Adopting an innovative business idea, the women of Ambikapur have started an exclusive showroom for the sale of cow dung based products. It has been named as Godhan Emporium. Vermicompost as well as paint made from cow dung, go kasth, incense sticks, kanda and cow dung are being sold in this emporium. This emporium is being run by women successfully for the last three years at the main square of Ambikapur city and the women working in the Godhan Emporium have earned an income of more than 12 lakhs till now.

In this unique emporium, which looks like a small shopping mall, people of Ambikapur city buy numerous products like go kaasth, incense sticks for worship, havan etc. Similarly,lovers of litti-chokha  purchase cow dung cakes (kande) from here to prepare litti-chokha. Vermi compost is also being used by people in urban areas for house pots as well as for other gardening works. Cow dung paint is also being sold here due to its ability to withstand temperature. The popularity of this emporium is increasing day by day. At present, the emporium witnesses an influx of 40 to 60 customers every day. Moreover, given the popularity of cow dung products, there is a possibility of a further increase in sales.

It is noteworthy that, a total income of Rs 12 lakh 49 thousand has been earned from Godhan Emporium in three years. 4 lakh 50 thousand in the year 2020-21, 4 lakh 87 thousand in the year 2021-22 and 3 lakh 12 thousand in the year 2022-23. The women members working here informed that every month the women of the group are earning about 40 thousand rupees from the emporium. Two female members of the Gothan women's group are stationed alternately in the emporium. Like other shops, Emporium remains closed once a week on Tuesday.

This emporium is a part of Ambikapur Urban Gouthan and is run by the women group associated with this Gothan,. It is noteworthy that the women of the group are members of Ambikapur City Level Federation; this federation is working for cleanliness in Ambikapur city. A unit for making paint from cow dung and preparing dona pattals has also been started here recently. Members of Gauthan groups get 6 to 7 thousand rupees every month as dividends.

Mrs. Shashikala Sinha, President of Ambikapur City Level Federation, says that the Godhan Emporium is a wonderful experience for us. We had heard about showrooms of grains, clothes and other items only but did not imagine that we would run such a beautiful modern decor shop to sell cow dung based products in Ambikapur’s  main city square.

On the occasion of Mahashivratri in Kauhi, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel prayed to Lord Shiva for the well-being of the state's residents

Inaugurated developmental works worth Rs. 11 crores

Durg, TNINS 

Our pilgrimage centers are our heritage. The development of facilities for pilgrims here is our priority and we have done major works in this direction in the past four years. Chief Minister Mr. Baghel said this in a fair held in Kauhi to the people who had come to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. The Chief Minister, on this occasion, inaugurated development works worth Rs. 11 crores

The Chief Minister said on this occasion that he has prayed to Lord Shiva for the well-being of everyone present in the fair. Like every year, a large number of people have visited the Kauhi Fair.

Lord Shiva is also known as Audhad Dani. Fairs are organized everywhere Lord Shiva resides. With his divine blessings, the state is on the road to progress. Saints have said that the essence of Lord Shiva is the service of all living beings. We have, therefore, made service our goal. We are doing this work by the grace of God and your assistance. The work to develop Ram Van Gaman Tourism Circuit from Koriya to Sukma, spanning 2200 Km., is under process. We have decided to celebrate Kaushalya Mahotsav. We are developing infrastructure in Shivrinarayan and Rajim so that pilgrims can benefit from maximum facilities. We are developing 55 acres of land in Rajim into fair premises. We are also developing the infrastructure in pilgrimage spots related to Guru Ghasidas. We are also working towards making our state economically empowered and providing better facilities in the fields of education and healthcare.

TNINS 

Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel inaugurated Chhattisgarh Millet Carnival today by garlanding the portrait of Chhattisgarh Mahtari, lighting the traditional lamp and singing the state song "Arpa Pari Ke Dhar".

Carnival will be organized at Subhash Stadium from 17 to 19 February

This event is being organized under the joint aegis of Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Association and IIMR Hyderabad.

Forest and Climate Change Minister Mr. Mohammad Akbar, President of State Housing Board Mr. Kuldeep Juneja,  are also present in the program

Carnival is being organized with the aim of encouraging inclusion of millet in the daily diet and to create public awareness about its nutritional value.

At the Carnival, common people will be able to enjoy the delicious dishes of Millet.

Millet start-ups are showcasing their packaged millet products at the carnival

Street plays by educational institutions and cultural programs by local folk artists will be organized every evening in the carnival for public awareness.

Famous chefs of the country will also teach how to make new delicious dishes of millet

Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel addressed the Millets Carnival inaguration programme

Millets were earlier considered the food of the toiling masses.

Millets seeds can be stored for 12 years

Today millets have become the food of the rich, as most patients of diabetes are from this section of the society

Millets are rich in nutrients, low in glycemic index

Presently, millets are being cultivated in 1 lakh 65 thousand hectare.

Earlier, the millet cultivation area was only 70 hectares

With the support and incentives of state government, the production area of millets has increased by two to two and a half times.

 Millets production, storage, processing have generated employment on a large scale

Millets will be included in the mid-day meal programme.

Chhattisgarh is the hub of millets.

For the first time in the country, the minimum support price of Kodo, Kutki and Ragi has been fixed and announced in Chhattisgarh. This has stirred a wave of joy and enthusiasm among the farmers. Nearly 55 thousand quintals of millets have been procured in the first year itself.

The market price of Kodo, Kutki and Ragi, which used to be Rs.12 to Rs.15 earlier, has been increased to Rs.25 to Rs.28 today.

Millet producing farmers are availing the benefits of input subsidy under Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana

With the financial support from the state government, the country's largest millet processing plant has been set up in the private sector at Nathia Navagaon in Kanker district.