*We have inherited unshakable courage for justice: Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel*

*Chief Minister's announcement: Fortified rice will now be available in all the districts of the state from the month of April*

Chhattisgarh is the leading state in the country in terms of procuring paddy from maximum number of farmers*

Bastar is riding high on the wave of development*

TNINS

Raipur 26 January 2023 / Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel has said that every word of our constitution is written with the unwavering intention of ensuring justice for all. With this unshakable courage that we have inherited for justice, we have made it the main mantra of our state government. We have considered it our first duty to provide justice to the weakest sections of the society and to empower them. It is because of this faith in justice, we have been able to serve Chhattisgarh Mahtari and all the sections of society with dedication.

On the auspicious occasion of the 74th Republic Day, Mr. Baghel hoisted the National flag amidst an atmosphere of joy and gaiety in the main function organized at the Lalbagh Maidan of Jagdalpur, Bastar district headquarters. On this occasion, Chief Minister Mr. Baghel has extended best wishes to the people of the state and a guard of honor was also given by the Armed Forces personnel on the occasion.

Taking another big step to ensure nutritional security in the state, on this occasion, Chief Minister Mr. Baghel made an announcement regarding the nutritional fortified rice which contains iron folic acid. This fortified rice is being distributed in 12 districts under Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Supplemental Nutrition Diet Scheme. Mr. Baghel announced that the distribution of fortified will be commenced for all PDS ration card holders in all the districts from April 2023. Mr. Baghel also announced free distribution of monthly entitlement rice from January 2023 to December 2023 to Antyodaya, priority, single destitute(ekal nirihkshit) and disabled(nihshaktjan) ration card holders.

Addressing this occasion, Chief Minister read out a message focusing on the works, policies, plans and achievements being made by the state government for the constant development of Chhattisgarh. AT the onset, he respectfully paid homage to the great sons of Chhattisgarh Mahtari, namely Amar Shaheed Thakur Gaind Singh, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, and Veer Gundadhur. He said that these brave sons living in remote forests of Chhattisgarh contributed significantly in our national movement and linked the honor of Chhattisgarh Mahtari with the honor of Mother India. It is our ultimate duty to remember the martyrdom of lakhs of such sons and daughters who fought for the freedom of Mother India. The country will forever be grateful to the freedom fighters like Mangal Pandey, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ramprasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, Rani Laxmibai, Rani Avantibai Lodhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Lal-Bal-Pal and their companions.

Chief Minister said that we are descendants of great freedom fighters and the makers of the Constitution. Our forefathers have given numerous sacrifices in the freedom struggle in order to maintain the unity and integrity of the country by preserving the values and virtues of harmony in the country. Those who see themselves by joining this collective spirit, only those people can understand the importance of our heritage. That's why I would like you all to inform the new generation about the freedom struggle and the values of the Constitution. As long as the country continues to run according to this constitution, only then the freedom of every individual in the country will be achieved. It is because of our constitution that our country is called a democratic republic. It is the constitution that ensures the boon of justice, liberty, equality, dignity, and fraternity to all the citizens. He further said that the contribution of personalities like Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, First President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, First Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, First Minister of Law and Justice, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, First Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,  first education minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi can never be forgotten.

Here many freedom fighters like Pt. Ravishankar Shukla, Thakur Pyarelal Singh, Babu Chhote Lal Srivastava, Dr. Khubchand Baghel, Pt. Sundarlal Sharma, Dr. E. Raghavendra Rao, Krantikumar, Barrister Chhedilal, Lochan Prasad Pandey, Yatiyatan Lal, Dr. Radhabai, Pt. Vamanrao Lakhe, Mahant Lakshminarayan Das, Anantram Barchiha, Maulana Abdul Rauf Khan, Hanuman Singh, Rohinibai Parganiha, Kektibai Baghel, Mrs. Belabai, Indru Kenwat, Udayram Verma, Khilawan Singh Baghel, Ghasia Mandal, Banshilal Baghel, Ramlal Verma, Ayodhya Prasad Kashyap, Dorilal Baghel, Sakharam Tiwari, Khubiram Kashyap, Ramakant Dubey, Ramprasad Potai, Dhaniram Verma, Parasram Soni, Lal Kalendra Singh, Hedma Manjhi, Dhurvaram Madia, Aswaram Verma, Kejau Kotwar, Daulat Ram Sahu, Rameshwar Verma, Chuganuram Verma, Lakhan Ram Verma,  Sirasingh Nirmal had ensured Chhattisgarh's active participation in the national movement, and I salute all of them for their valor.

Chief Minister said that we were sure that with the formation of Chhattisgarh, new avenues would be created to provide benefits of the precious resources of tribal-dominated areas to the local people, but ironically this could not happen earlier. Beautiful dreams were shown in the name of bringing big investments, neither the investment happened, nor the dreams were fulfilled. We have proved that stopping the development of tribal areas in the name of big investments was never a good idea. Natural resources, forest resources and the power of local human resources can make a big difference. After joining the state government, we made numerous sincere efforts for change from day one, the result of which is in front of all of you.

Chief Minister said that all the important rights that were given to the general public and justice was provided in an independent India, all these steps were possible due to the great thinking of those who led the freedom movement and their descendants. The Forest Rights Act is also one such law which was implemented by our leaders in the country, which could have improved the lives of Scheduled Tribes and traditional forest dwellers, but this law was not implemented in the state with the right will. Forest rights claims were largely denied and many provisions were not implemented at all.

*Leased forest land became a means of livelihood for 5 lakh families*

Chief Minister further said that today I am happy to say that we have increased the total area of the land given under forest rights letters from 11 lakh to 40 lakh hectare in just four years. For the first time in the state and the country, we took the initiative of giving community forest resource rights letters and forest rights letters in urban areas as well. In this way, with dedicated efforts, we have freed more than 5 lakh families from uncertainty, and provided them employment opportunities along with the benefits of various schemes. We have given eligibility to forest rights holders for various welfare schemes. For effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 13 thousand 586 village level forest rights committees and subdivision and district level committees have been constituted. Similarly, we have also started giving habitat rights to especially vulnerable tribes from Dhamtari district.

*Procurement of 65 forest produce at support price*

Chief Minister said that he was very sorry to see that the people who have been protecting nature and forest produce were deprived of their own rights. We have worked on all the aspects of minor forest produce to provide justice to the tribal populace. Earlier, only 7 kinds of forest produce were being procured at support price, we have increased this number to 65 while also increasing the minimum support price. We have also ensured proper arrangements in the procurement centers, and now we are procuring 75 percent of the country's minor forest prod

*Tendupatta collection remuneration increased to Rs.4000 per standard bag*

Tendupatta collection remuneration was increased from Rs. 2500 to Rs. 4000 per standard bag, as a result the total amount paid to the tendupatta collectors increased from Rs. 1 thousand 500 crore to Rs. 2 thousand 521 crore. We have also inspired the tribal families to take the cash crops with high demand in the market, and in this way we are promoting advanced farming among the tribal communities.

*562 food processing units established in the state*

Besides returning the land in Lohandiguda, we decided to set up forest produce processing centers in the entire state. Presently, 134 types of herbal products are being produced in 50 such centers in the state, which are being sold through e-commerce platforms as well as in Sanjeevani Kendra, C-Mart etc. established in the state. In just four years, various plots of lands have been identified for the establishment of food parks in 112 development blocks of the state and land transfer has been done in 52 development blocks till now. In this way, 562 food-processing units have been established in the state.

*Procurement of Kodo, Kutki, Ragi at support price*

*Millet Farmers are also availing the benefits of Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana*

Chief Minister informed that maximum cultivation of millets takes place in the forest areas, but due to lack of proper pricing and marketing facilities, tribal and rural farmers could not reap the benefits from Millet farming. We have provided assistance to the farmers who cultivate millets and other crops. We have declared support price for Kodo, Kutki, Ragi procurement, and have brought these crops under the scope of 'Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana'. We have launched 'Chhattisgarh Millet Mission' to promote the cultivation and consumption of millets in the state.  An MoU was also signed to initiate  necessary  research in the sector to boost productivity of millets in 14 districts. 

*New measures for the development of all classes*

We have taken new measures for the development of scheduled tribes, scheduled castes and other backward classes in the state. Many initiatives such as 'Adarsh Hostel Scheme', 'Eklavya Adarsh Residential School Scheme', Scholarship Scheme', 'Chaatr Bhojan Sahayta  Yojana, 'Rajiv Yuva Utthan Yojana', 'Rajiv Gandhi Bal Bhavishya Suraksha Yojana, 'Jawahar Vidyarthi Utkarsh Yojana' have been taken in this direction. These schemes have significantly improved the education facilities in the state and provided the required support to the students. Initiatives like 'National Tribal Dance Festival', declaration of public holiday on 'World Tribal Day' and establishment of 'Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Museum' have played an important role in promoting the cultural heritage of these sections of the society.

Chief Minister said that imbibing the importance of Devguri and Ghotul, we have increased the financial provision for their development. Mandals have been formed to take appropriate initiatives for increasing the income of the communities engaged in various traditional works. Under 'Chirag Project', work has been started in 14 tribal-dominated districts to provide benefits of agriculture and to create agriculture related opportunities for the local people. The laws of the country, which were not used earlier to provide relief to the tribal communities of the state, are now being implemented effectively in the state on the initiative of Chhattisgarh Government. We have become the fifth state in the country to frame rules for the PESA Act. We have also fulfilled the promise of providing relief to tribal families by releasing the tribesmen who were in jail due to unnecessary litigation.

Chief Minister said that we have adopted a special strategy to meet the basic needs like electricity, water, education, health, ration, nutrition, employment, road construction, as well as the recruitment in the 'Bastar Fighters' force in tribal-dominated areas. Objective of this strategy is to immediately resolve the grievances and to reduce the gap between people and administration. Strategic efforts of the government and the administration have helped in curbing Naxal activities in the region. As a result, people here now have a peaceful normal life. And now with renovation and reopening of 300 schools after 13 years, Bastar is no more a ‘Naxalgarh’ but has rather become a 'Vikasgarh'.

*Every year, new records of paddy procurement are being made every year *

Chief Minister said that with the formation of Chhattisgarh state, farmers and villagers had hoped that they would get their due respect along with financial empowerment, but in reality they were cheated. Four years ago, we took the pledge that 'Dhani Dharti ke Dhanwan Kisano Ko Dhanwan Banaenge' (we will make farmers rich and prosperous). I am happy to mention that record breaking quantity of paddy is being procured every year. From 56 lakh 88 thousand metric tons to more than one crore metric tons in just four years we have set a new record every year in paddy procurement. This is because of hard work and determination. For example, four years ago only 15 lakh 77 thousand farmers had registered, which has now increased to 25 lakh. Earlier the registered area for selling paddy was only 24 lakh 46 thousand hectare, which has now increased to more than 32 lakh.

*Chhattisgarh is leading in terms of deposition of rice in central pool*

Chief Minister said that earlier the number of procurement centers were only 1, 899, which has now been increased to 2, 497. Besides, to resolve the problems like shortage of gunny bags, token, weighing, payment, we introduced an online token system and made several arrangements to make the process of paddy procurement more dignified, peaceful and systematic for the farmers. With this, Chhattisgarh has become the leading state in the country in terms of procuring paddy from maximum number of farmers in the country. We have also introduced a new system of sending the collected paddy directly for milling, which has curbed the wastage of paddy, while increasing the milling capacity.

Chief Minister said that it is everyone's individual responsibility to save and serve Mother Earth. Save the purity of soil from chemical poison. We have identified 'Narva-Garuva-Ghuruva-Bari' as the four symbols of Chhattisgarh and under 'Suraji Gaon Yojana' works are being done to preserve and promote these symbols.

I am happy that this work of ours is progressing in the right direction and at the right pace. There are reports of rise in ground water level from various places. Exemplary work has been done in the organic farming sector. With the production of about 28 lakh quintals of vermicompost, our Gauthans have created such a huge record. We had set a target to make Gauthan the center of socio-economic activities. Out of 11, 267 Gauthans, construction of 9, 716 Gauthans has been completed. Around 4,000 Gauthans have become self-supporting and foundation stone has been laid for setting up of 'Rural Industrial Park' in more than 300 Gauthans. All these are complete success stories in themselves.

*Vision of Mahatma Gandhi, Our Father of Nation, is coming true*

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said- I am extremely happy that we are realizing the dream and vision of Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to make the villages more self-reliant and empowered republic. When the thousands of gauthans developed as ‘rural industrial parks’ will produce electricity from cow dung, manufacture paint and various other products, operate various small industrial units such as oil mills, pulses mills, flour mills and mini rice mills, our villages will emerge as a powerful force, transforming the entire economy. I consider this to be one of the biggest achievements of my government and my public life.

*People are learning about the cultural and economic significance of cow dung*

Mr. Baghel further said that our 'Godhan Nyay Yojana' has not only boosted the livestock development but has also underlined the cultural and economic significance of cow dung. This scheme has generated additional sources of income for more than three lakh people of the state. So far, they have earned Rs 362 crore as income under Godhan Nyay Yojana. Beneficiaries are utilizing this income for various personal purposes including home, vehicle, health, improved living standard, assets, property, wedding and other family functions, livelihood activities etc. This scheme has created a positive environment of enthusiasm and entrepreneurship in rural areas.

*Financial aid of Rs 1.50 lakh crore to farmers and underprivileged section*

Chief Minister said that we have provided more than Rs 1.50 lakh crore to farmers and beneficiaries of various public welfare schemes, making the series of Nyay Yojana a resounding success. We have made proper arrangements to transfer this financial aid directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. Over the years, the number of Kisaan Credit Cards issued has increased by 50 per cent to 82 lakh 22 thousand at present. Moreover, the banking facilities in rural and tribal areas have been expanded significantly. Till March 2021, the number of 'Bank Mitr' was only 18 thousand 323, which has increased to more than 35 thousand at present. Number of bank branches has also increased by 22 per cent to 573.

*Strict action on chit fund companies: amount of Rs 25 crore return to the investors*

Chief Minister said that our government has opened a front against the chit fund companies to protect and recover the hard earned money of the people of the state. In last 4 years, 207 chit fund companies have been booked and more than 650 directors and officials of such companies have been arrested in Chhattisgarh. Till date, honourable court has ordered seizing, auction and recovery of the property worth Rs 73 crore 24 lakh in 82 cases against 43 companies. Likewise, an amount of Rs 24 crore 87 lakh has been returned to 36 thousand 239 investors. Another major part of the amount will be returned to the investors in the near future. Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prevention) Bill-2022 has been passed to prevent online gambling in the state.

*Input Subsidy of Rs 16442 crore provided to the farmers*

Chief Minister said that certainly, Rajiv Gandhi Kisaan Nyay Yojana has brought joy and prosperity into the lives of all kinds of farmers. Under this scheme, input subsidy of Rs 16 thousand 442 crores has been provided in the past three years. Implementation of this scheme has resulted in rapid expansion of vegetables and fruit production. And in the same sequence, cold storages are being set up, and fruit and vegetable mandis are being established, besides developing the processing units. 'Kisaan Kutir' are being established in Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies. All these efforts are yielding positive results, making Chhattisgarh a state of prosperous farmers. We are also keeping the promise of procuring pulses at support price this year.

*Minimum financial help to rural landless agricultural laborers*

Chief Minister said that we have achieved the goal of providing assured minimum financial aid to more than 4 lakh 66 thousand people in a year by implementing 'Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Bhoomihin Krishi Mazdoor Nyay Yojana'.  In the last four years, we have started a number of schemes which directly benefit the labourers engaged in different types of work and we have also increased the scope of benefits under these schemes. We have brought a major relief to the labourer families through 'Chief Minister Labour Assistance Center Scheme', 'Chief Minister Construction Workers Free Card Sche