On the occasion of 75th anniversary of Independence Day, Chief Minister Bhupesh baghel unfurled the tricolor at Police Parade Ground, Raipur
16-Aug-2022
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Chhattisgarh is moving forward with the legacy of justice: Mr. Bhupesh Baghel
'Rural Industrial Parks' will start operating on the day of Gandhi Jayanti: Target set to establish 300 parks in a year
'Krishna Kunj Yojana' to be commenced from Janmashtami
More than 5.03 lakh forest rights letters distributed in Chhattisgarh
With the implementation of PESA law, Gram Sabhas will get the autonomy over their water-forest-land (Jal Jungle Zameen)
Swami Atmanand Yojana will be implemented in 422 schools from the upcoming academic session
Raipur, TNIS
Extending the heartiest greetings on the glorious occasion of 75th anniversary of India's Independence Day, Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel today unfurled the national flag at Police Parade Ground in capital city Raipur. In his Independence Day message to the public, Chief Minister said that on this occasion of 75th anniversary of Independence Day, Chhattisgarh will commence a new journey of development, taking forward the legacy of justice and attaining the goal of 'Gadbo Nava Chhattisgarh'.
Paying tribute to the freedom fighters and great martyrs of the country, Chief Minister said in his address that to understand the meaning and values of Amrit Mahotsav of independent India, we need to remember the torturous two centuries of slavery. Our forefathers raised the flag of rebellion against the foreign government and risked their lives for the independence of the country. It was their sacrifice and love for the country that laid the foundation of safe, secure and bright future for the upcoming generations. It is our duty to make their dreams come true and to cherish their memories forever.
Tribute to the ‘Amar Shaheed’
Chief Minister Mr. Baghel said that the martyrdom of thousands of great freedom fighters and revolutionaries such as Amar Shaheed Gaind Singh, Veer Narayan Singh, Mangal Pandey, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ramprasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, Rani Laxmibai, Rani Avantibai Lodhi will continue to inspire us to make supreme sacrifice for the country. Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Lal-Bal-Pal, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, etc. led the freedom movement and Independent India at the national level. While many freedom fighters such as Veer Gundadhur, Pt. Ravi Shankar Shukla, Thakur Pyarelal Singh, Babu Chhotelal Srivastava, Dr. Khubchand Baghel, P. Sunderlal Sharma, Dr. E. Raghavendra Rao, Krantikumar, Barrister Chhedilal, Lochan Prasad Pandey, Yatiyatan Lal, Dr. Radhabai, Pt. Wamanrao Lakhe, Mahant Laxminarayan Das, Anantram Barchiha, Maulana Abdul Rauf Khan, Hanuman Singh, Rohinibai Parganiha, Kektibai Baghel, Mrs. Belabai, Indru Kenwat, Uday Ram Verma, Khilwan Baghel, Ghasia Mandal of Chhattisgarh played an active role in the national movement. I pay my humble tribute and respect to each of these great personas. I also pay tribute to the Indian army and security forces, the brave soldiers who risk their lives to preserve the unity and integrity of the country.
*Chhattisgarh is on the path of sustainable pro-nature development
Referring to the last testament of the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi in his Independence Day message, Chief Minister said - 'India has achieved political independence, but the nation is yet to achieve social, economic and moral freedom, especially for its seven lakh villages. There are many challenges before the country today, which includes the shrinking area under cultivation, decreasing forest cover, environmental imbalance, pollution, diseases, inflation, unemployment, etc. that are putting people’s life in danger. And to overcome these challenges, we have chosen the path of strengthening the rural economy by promoting the use of agricultural and forest products, taking inspiration from the traditional knowledge, and by adopting the modern means and strategies, while honouring our cultural heritage. It is a matter of honour and pride for us that we have set an example before the country and the world by adopting the principles and ideals of Bapu in our works.
Rajiv Gandhi Kisaan Nyay Yojana: Input subsidy of Rs 13 thousand crore for the farmers
Chief Minister further said that the initiatives we took under Nyay Schemes, we are determined to take those forward. 'Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana' has entered its third year and so far nearly Rs 13 thousand crore have been distributed to the farmers under the scheme. In this way, Chhattisgarh is the first state in the country to provide input subsidy of Rs. 9 thousand per acre to the farmers in a season. 'Godhan Nyay Yojana' has also entered its third year, under which Rs 312 crore has been given to cow dung vendors, Gauthan committees and self-help groups so far. With the price hike and shortage in supply of chemical fertilizers in the country, organic manure manufactured in our Gauthans is turning out to be a better alternative. Irrigation tax waiver initiative for farmers has also been expanded and so far, an amount of Rs 342 crore has been waived off to benefit more than 17 lakh farmers. Four years ago, agriculture loans worth only Rs 3 thousand 692 crore were distributed. We have increased the target this year to Rs.6,500 crore, and in this way, about 75 percent more amount will now be given away as interest-free loans in the agriculture sector. Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Bhumiheen Krishi Mazdoor Nyay Yojana has entered its second year and under this scheme, an amount of Rs 213 crore has been provided to the eligible beneficiaries.
Energization of more than 35 thousand agricultural pumps in the state
Chief Minister said in his I-Day message to the public that as per the announcement for energization of agricultural pumps pending till January 31, 2021, we have created a new record by energizing 35 thousand 151 agricultural pumps. Now the target has been set to complete the work of giving away 20 thousand 550 new pump connections by March 31, 2023.
Agriculture has become a profitable occupation in Chhattisgarh
Chief Minister Mr. Baghel said that we have also kept the promise of making agriculture profitable. Growing steadily, paddy procurement this year has reached a peak of 98 lakh metric tons. It was only 57 lakh metric tons 4 years ago. The number of farmers selling paddy has also increased to more than 21 lakh 77 thousand, which was only 12 lakh 6 thousand earlier. Our efforts have led to a significant increase in the number of paddy-selling farmers by 9 lakh 71 thousand. Besides paddy procurement, many measures have been taken in the state to increase the production of other food grains. As a result, Chhattisgarh has not only become self-sufficient in the field of food grain production but has also produced 270 percent more food grains than the total requirement in the state. To accelerate the pace of crop diversification, the 'Tea-Coffee Board' has been constituted. Several steps have been taken to boost the production of pulses and oilseeds as well. From this year onwards, pulse crops will also be procured on support price. In Kharif 2021, instead of paddy, crops of pulses and oilseeds have been taken in 17 thousand 539 acres area and plantation has been done on 240 acres area. In Rabi 2021-22, while reducing the area of summer paddy by 95 thousand hectares, maize has been planted in 42 thousand hectare and crops of pulses, oilseeds, greens and vegetables have been planted in the remaining area. A target has been set to replace 5 lakh hectare area of paddy with pulses, oilseeds and other horticulture crops in Kharif 2022.
Promotion of Minor Cereal Crops
'Chhattisgarh Millet Mission' has been formed to encourage production of minor cereal crops in the state. Chhattisgarh is the first state in the country to procure Kodo, Kutki and Ragi at minimum support price.
*Narva Yojana: Up to 30 percent increase in ground water level
Chief Minister said that 'Suraaji Gaon Yojana' is transforming the face of Rural Chhattisgarh in multiple ways. Besides, turning Chhattisgarh into a self-supporting rural economy state, the scheme has resulted in an increase in groundwater conservation and recharging, and has also promoted the practice of organic farming in the state by making farms free from toxic chemicals. More than 99 lakh structures have been constructed in various drains under the 'Narva Yojana', due to which the ground water level in the treated area has increased by 30 percent. In past two months, the availability of water in the drains has significantly improved. Under 'Garuva Yojana', earlier we laid emphasis on the development of Gauthans. So far, 8 thousand 408 Gauthans have been developed in the state as the centers of economic-cultural activities with the 'Roka-Chheka Abhiyan'. MoU has been signed with Bhabha Atomic Research Center for sharing of the technology to generate electricity from cow dung. Multi-faceted initiatives are also being taken in the direction of making oil paints and other products from cow dung.
'Rural Industrial Park' will be commenced from the day of Gandhi Jayanti
Chief Minister said that to transform the gauthans into livelihood centers, Chhattisgarh is all set to commence the 'Rural Industrial Parks' in the state. Chief objective of this initiative is to create a means of additional income through livelihood for the rural poor families. Rural industrial parks will be commenced on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti i.e. 2nd October 2022 and 300 such parks will be established in the first year. Now taking a step further, we have also started the scheme of procuring cow urine at the rate of Rs 4 per liter, which is a better alternative to 'Chemical Pesticides'. Under the 'Bari Yojana', nearly 1-1.5 acres of land has been identified per Gauthan and so far more than 3 lakh Baris have been developed. For optimal utilization of state's bumper paddy production in the interest of the farmers, we have planned to produce 'Bio Ethanol' from the paddy left after meeting the requirements of the state. In the same sequence, we have signed MoU with 27 investors for this project. Under the plan to set up food parks in development blocks, land has been identified at 112 locations so far and out of these, about 621 hectares of land in 52 development blocks has been transferred to the Industries Department. We have also kept our promise of setting up 'C-Mart' for value-addition to the traditional skills. This will provide a fair market for the sale of local products of weavers, artisans, craftsmen and self-help groups.
2,709 Amrit Sarovar constructed under MNREGA
In his Independence Day message, Mr. Baghel said that we consider 'Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme' as the lifeline of the daily wage worker families in rural areas. I am happy that in the year 2021-22, we have created 108 percent more employment than the target given under the 'Labour Budget'. The target was to build at least 75 Amrit Sarovar in every district through MNREGA, while we have built 2 thousand 709 Amrit Sarovar. One thousand 859 fish farming ponds have been approved near Gauthan, out of which 1 thousand 318 have been completed. I have requested the Government of India to implement MNREGA for urban areas as well.
'Nyay' for every section of the society
Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh Government is taking every possible measure to ensure justice to each section of the society. In the same sequence, 1,275 different types of cases pending in the courts have been withdrawn, followed by the honorable release of the victim. Besides reviewing the canceled forest rights claims, we have kept the promise of giving rights to the tribals and other traditional forest dwellers to their occupied land. More than 3 thousand beneficiaries have been benefitted under 'Mukhyamantri Noni Sashaktikaran Yojana', and more than 88 thousand beneficiaries have got the benefit of 'Mukhyamantri Nirman Shramik Free Card Scheme'. Financial aid of Rs 10 thousand is being provided to construction workers as per eligibility under 'Chief Minister Sian Shramik Yojana', and scholarship of up to Rs 30 thousand is being provided to children of labor families registered in labor welfare board, up to Rs 1 lakh is being provided under 'Medhavi Shiksha Puraskar Yojana'. Under the 'Sports Promotion Scheme', a provision has been made to provide an amount of up to Rs.1 lakh 50 thousand.
Action taken against chit fund companies: Rs 18 crore returned to investors
Mr. Baghel said that in the past, we have arrested 622 office-bearers of the chit fund companies guilty of cheating innocent common people. Hon'ble Courts have issued orders for auction of the properties worth about Rs.56 crore. So far, an amount of Rs.32 crore has been recovered from the auction and about Rs.18 crore has been returned to more than 28 thousand investors. The work of returning the balance amount received from the auction to the investors is also in progress.
Individual community and forest resource rights to forest dwellers
Chief Minister said that so far 5 lakh 3 thousand 993 individual, community and forest resource rights letters have been distributed to Scheduled Tribes and traditional forest dwellers, under which recognition letters of 38 lakh 85 thousand 900 hectares of land have been distributed. We increased the remuneration rate for tendu patta collection from Rs 2 thousand 500 per standard bag to Rs 4 thousand. Earlier, only 7 minor forest produce were being purchased on support price, but now 65 minor forest produce are being procured on support price. In last 3 years, 75 percent of the total minor forest produce procured on support price in the country was procured in Chhattisgarh. This is a proud achievement, as it has created a source of additional income for the forest dependent families. Devgudi and Ghotul sites are being renovated for the protection and promotion of tribal culture. Operation of 260 schools which were disrupted and closed due to Naxal activities has been resumed. The announcement of providing government jobs to 9 thousand 623 youth of special backward tribes will also be acted upon soon, said Chief Minister.
PESA Act: Gram Sabhas to be empowered
Chief Minister said that in the interest of tribal people of the state, we have formulated new rules under the long-pending PESA Act and have commenced the implementation of the same. Implementation of this Act will empower the Gram Sabhas to take decisions regarding their water-forest-land (Jal-Jungle-Zameen).
'Swami Atmanand Utkrisht Vidyalaya Yojana': A new revolution in the field of school education
Chief Minister said that we have taken sustainable measures in the field of education. Recruitment of more than 14 thousand teachers in the first phase is nearing completion, and recruitment of additional 10 thousand teachers has already begun. Swami Atmanand Utkrisht Vidyalaya Yojana has revolutionized the school education sector. Last year, we had started this scheme with 51 schools, and today this scheme is operating in 279 schools, which includes 32 Hindi Medium Schools and 247 English Medium Schools. This year, 2 lakh 52 thousand 600 children have taken admission in these schools, which includes one lakh 3 thousand children of English Medium Schools and one lakh 49 thousand 600 children of Hindi Medium. Considering the success of this scheme, we have decided that before the next academic session, this scheme will be implemented in 422 schools, out of which 252 schools will be in Bastar and Surguja divisions and these will also include 100% of the government high and higher secondary schools in Dantewada district. Keeping our promise, we have also started the process of setting up boarding school of international standard in Nava Raipur.
Elementary education of children in mother tongue
Chief Minister said that in order to provide elementary education to the children in their mother tongue, we have published textbooks in 16 local languages besides Hindi and in languages of 4 neighboring states. Under the 'Free Text Book Scheme', about 52 lakh text books are being provided to the children of all the government schools from class I to class X and madrassas up to class VIII. A target has been set to provide free bicycles to 1 lakh 55 thousand girl students studying in ninth class this year.
An initiative to link education with employment
Chief Minister said that the unemployment rate of the state has consistently remained at the lowest in the country, which is a testament to the success of our youth welfare and employment-oriented schemes. According to the new data released by the Center for Monitoring Indian Economy, the state's unemployment rate in July stood at just 0.8 percent, while the country's average unemployment rate was recorded at 6.9 percent. We have coordinated with ITIs to make school education more employment-oriented, so that the students can obtain High School Certificate and the Certificate ITI training simultaneously. Presently, 114 Higher Secondary Schools have been included under the scheme. To improve the quality of higher education, 1 thousand 459 assistant professors, sports officers and librarians have been appointed. Honorarium of guest lecturers has also been increased. In a bid to open Girls Colleges in all the districts, a new Girls College has been started in Mungeli. Initiatives like opening of colleges on PPP model in inaccessible forest areas, establishment of open distance education centers in government colleges, 4-year degree courses at graduation level, initiative to start certificate courses on tribal folk dance and music in Bastar University have led to significant development in the field of higher education.
Rajiv Yuva Mitan Club: Channeling Yuva Shakti towards a Positive Direction of Constructive Goals
We have started more than 6 thousand 518 'Rajiv Yuva Mitan Clubs' in the state to guide the youngsters towards a positive and constructive direction, which will be expanded to all the panchayats and urban bodies.
Pro-Employee Decision: Old Pension Scheme Resumed
Chief Minister said that on January 26, 2022, five working days per week system was announced to be implemented in government offices, and implementation of this announcement was ensured immediately. This has stirred a new zeal and enthusiasm among the government employees. Likewise, to secure the future of the government employees and their families, we fulfilled their pending demand and restored the old pension scheme in place of the new contributory pension scheme (for government employees appointed on or after November 1, 2004).
Taking care of everyone's health
We have implemented many schemes to make healthcare facilities more accessible to the masses. Through schemes such as 'Dr. Khubchand Baghel Health Assistance Scheme', 'Chief Minister Special Health Assistance Scheme', 'Chief Minister Haat-Bazaar Clinic Scheme', 'Free Dialysis Program', 'Chief Minister Urban Slum Health Assistance Scheme', 'Chief Minister Dai-Didi Clinic Scheme', ‘Deerghayu Ward Yojana’, we have benefitted more than 83 lakh people of the state. In the six phases of a special campaign to make Chhattisgarh malaria-free, the rate of malaria has come down from 4.6 percent to 0.21 percent. We have started 184 shops in urban areas under the 'Shri Dhanwantri Generic Medical Store Yojana' to provide high quality generic medicines and surgical items at a discount ranging from 51 to 72 percent. So far 19 lakh people have saved Rs 35 crore from the sale of generic medicines. Hamar Labs have been started in 10 districts and 3 community health centers in the state to provide the facility of pathology examination at concessional rates. Last year, against the given target for setting up 'Health and Wellness Center' in the state, we have established 4 thousand 512 such centers in the state, which is 116% of the target. As a result, Chhattisgarh has secured the second position in the country for this work. Chhattisgarh has secured first rank in the country for effective implementation of 'TB Free India Campaign'.
Budget provision for new medical colleges
State Government has made adequate budget provision for establishment of Multi Super Specialty Hospitals at Jagdalpur and Bilaspur, State Cancer Institute at Bilaspur, Korba-Kanker and new medical colleges in Mahasamund. In Nava Raipur, 25 acres of land has been identified for the establishment of state-of-the-art Multi Super Specialty Hospital.
COVID-19 vaccination of more than 4.44 crore people
Chief Minister said that in Chhattisgarh, COVID vaccination drive is being conducted in a full swing. So far, a total of 4 crore 44 lakh 75 thousand vaccines have been administered. I request all of you to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as per your eligibility. Take advantage of the free 'booster dose' facility currently available in large numbers.
Food security ensured to 2.60 crore people
We have kept our promise to implement universal PDS system in the state. The number of beneficiaries of this scheme has increased to 2 crore 60 lakhs, which is 100 percent coverage according to the 2011 census. Iron-folic acid-rich, fortified rice is being distributed in 10 aspirational districts as well as in Kabeerdham and Raigarh districts under 'Mid-day Meal' and 'Supplemental Nutrition Diet Scheme'. Distribution of fortified rice will be started in all the districts under PDS by the year 2024.
Mukhyamantri Suposhan Yojana: 2.11 lakh children cured of malnutrition
Safety, nutrition and health of women have been the top priority of Chhattisgarh Government. Hot-cooked food is being provided to 26 lakh women and children in 51 thousand 664 Anganbadi centers of the state. The number of malnourished children has come down by 48 percent, all due to the measured taken under 'Mukhyamantri Suposhan Yojana'. So far, 2 lakh 11 thousand children have been cured of malnutrition under the scheme. More than 43 thousand daughters have been benefitted under 'Noni Suraksha Yojana'. With the coordination of Anganbadi and Primary School, more than 5 thousand Anganbadis are being developed as Kindergarten.
Chhattisgarh secures first rank in the state cleanliness survey for three consecutive years
Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh’s contribution in 'Swachhta Abhiyan' has been recognized time and again. Our 'Solid Waste Management Model' has been securing first rank in the State Cleanliness Survey at national-level for the last three consecutive years. In the direction of improving urban amenities, we have started the work of granting building permission to the beneficiary directly on the principle of 'Trust then Verify' for the houses of 5 thousand square feet plot in urban areas.
'Krishna Kunj Yojana' will be started from Janmashtami
Maps are being issued to the citizens with full statutory provisions after online verification and payment of application fee of Re. 1. In order to keep the environment of the cities clean and green, we have decided to start 'Krishna Kunj Yojana' on the occasion of Janmashtami this year, under which plants of cultural importance will be planted in an area of 226 acres in all 170 urban bodies.
Construction of more than 1 lakh houses for slum dwellers
To provide civic facilities to common people at their doorstep, more than 5 thousand people in 14 municipal corporations have been benefitted under 'Mukhyamantri Mitan Yojana'. We have completed the construction of more than 1 lakh houses for the slum dwellers through 'Mor Zameen-Mor Makaan' and 'Mor Makaan-Mor Chinhari' schemes. Now action is being taken to provide houses to urban tenants as well.
Promoting Real Estate Sector
Our decision to remove the ban on the sale and purchase of small plots has yielded positive results. Nearly 3 lakh 55 thousand small plots have been registered. We have made many reforms like reduction of guideline rates of land by 30 percent, concession for female applicants, concession in registration of residential buildings, 'online appointment' for registration, which has accelerated the transaction of permanent properties in the state. Despite the pandemic, more revenue was collected than the given target. This also confirms the practical vision of our government towards reforms and the public support it has received.
Capital Investment of Rs 21 thousand 494 crore in the state
Growth in industry-trade and business in the state is considered to be the result of better law and order situation and positive policies of the state government. In the last three and a half years, 2 thousand 230 new industrial units have been established in Chhattisgarh with the capital investment of Rs 21 thousand 494 crore and nearly 41 thousand people have got employment. There has been a capital investment of Rs 970 crore in 502 units of food processing. Chhattisgarh has received the ‘Aspiring Leader Award’ for the development of startup eco-system and registration of 748 startup units, in the Startup Ranking released by the Government of India. Besides, 177 MoUs have been signed for the establishment of new industries in the last three and a half years, through which investment of about Rs 90 thousand crore and employment to 1 lakh 10 thousand people was proposed. Out of these, capital investment of Rs 1,513 crore has been made in 11 units. I am sure that new sectors like Electric Vehicle and Lithium Ion Batteries, Jute Bag Manufacturing Project will also get the benefit of special investment incentive package soon, said Chief Minister.
Formation of Film Cell
We have constituted Film Cell to promote Chhattisgarhi Film Industry. 'Single Window Panel Software' has been developed, and District Collector has been authorized to provide no-objection certificate from all the departments to the producer-director.
Online Transportation Services
We have made the issuance process of learning license, and tourism application for passenger vehicles online. Registration of vehicles and driving licenses are being issued on 'QR code' based smart cards. Transport Facilitation Centers are being opened to save time and energy of common people, as they no longer have to visit transport office again and again to get their work done. To realize the concept of 'Tunhar Sarkar-Tunhar Duar', home delivery service of RC book and license has been started through speed post, under which more than 11 lakh 41 thousand documents have been sent to the applicants' homes so far.
Better Management has led to expansion in irrigated area
We adopted a result-oriented approach for infrastructure development, which resulted in the expansion of the actual irrigated area from 10 lakh 90 thousand hectare to 13 lakh 58 thousand hectare.
Jal Jeevan Mission: 13.08 lakh tap connections
Under Jal-Jeevan Mission, a deadline of September 2023 has been fixed to provide 55 liters of water per person per day to 56 lakh rural families of the state through household tap connections and 13 lakh 8 thousand tap connections have been given. .
Road-bridges-culverts being constructed at a cost of Rs.24 thousand crores
Road-bridges and culverts are being constructed in the state at a cost of more than Rs.24 thousand crores. This includes construction of 735 km of roads at a cost of Rs 495 crore under 'Mukhyamantri Sugam Sadak Yojna', 869 km of roads at a cost of Rs 3 thousand 535 crore through ADB loan, 2 thousand 478 km of roads at a cost of Rs 1 thousand 637 crore in tribal dominated and Naxal affected areas, construction of 3 thousand 169 km of roads at a cost of Rs. 5 thousand 503 crore by Chhattisgarh Road Infrastructure Development Corporation and 94 bridges at a cost of Rs. 620 crore through 'Jawahar Setu Yojna'.
Half Electricity Bill Scheme: 41 lakh consumers have saved Rs 2500 crore
I had said that it would be our priority to increase the consumption of electricity in the state so that electricity becomes the medium of employment, entrepreneurship and standard of living for people here. We have fulfilled the promise of 'Half Electricity Bill Scheme', which has now entered its third year and under this scheme, more than 41 lakh consumers have saved nearly Rs 2,500 crore. Today, I am happy to say that we have touched the highest demand of 5 thousand 300 MW this year, against the highest demand of 4 thousand 640 in the year 2018-19. Now Chhattisgarh has become a state with a strong power production and distribution system, to strengthen it further, we have made an action plan for implementation till the year 2025.
Taking Pride in Our Glorious Culture
Chief Minister said that we have many reasons to take pride in the state of Chhattisgarh. To honour the memories of Lord Ram’s exile period in Chhattisgarh, we are developing the Ram Vangaman tourism circuit. We have issued a picture of Chhattisgarh Mahtari, with the instruction that it should be displayed in every government office. To honour our cultural heritage and folk culture, we have started celebrating Akshaya Tritiya, 'Mati Pujan Abhiyan' and have restored the significance of Bore Baasi on Labor Day. We have declared public holidays on Hareli, Teeja-Pora, Bhaktmata Karma Jayanti, Chher-Chhera Punni, World Tribal Day, Chhath Puja and other folk festivals, and we organize grand celebration of these festivals to inspire the new generation to take pride in their cultural heritage. Now 'Devdas Banjare Smriti Panthi Nritya Puraskar' and 'Lala Jagdalpuri Sahitya Puraskar' have also been included in the list of state level awards.
’Bastar Fighters’- Recruitment on 2800 posts of this special force
The naxalite problem that we had inherited, has been brought under control to a great extent, and this is a major victory of our faith in democracy. ‘Faith, Development and Security’ has played an important role in this victory. We have boosted the morale of police and security forces by taking several positive steps in last three and a half years. In year 2018, the number of police force in the state was 75 thousand 125, which has now increased to 80 thousand 128. Recruitment of local youth on 2 thousand 800 posts under 'Bastar Fighters' special force is in progress. Evidence of the efficiency and competence of our administration and disaster-response force was also seen during the rescue of a child who fell in an open borewell in village Pihrid of Janjgir-Champa district and the incident wherein 68 people trapped in the flood was rescued.
Honorarium of Public Representatives increased
Chief Minister said that in democracy, capacity building of elected public representatives, fulfillment of public expectations and development works are interconnected. This is the reason why we have hiked the honorarium and financial powers of the officials in three-tiered panchayat-raj institutions and urban bodies. We have done increment in the salaries of Vidhan Sabha members as well. I would like all the public representatives to work more actively and ensure quick redressal of public grievances. In this way, we will face the future challenges with mutual respect, unity, coordination, and understanding.
