Team News Riveting
Raipur, August 13
Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge praised Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel’s dedication and commitment towards Chhattisgarh and highlighted the state government’s successful efforts in aiding the poor, labourers, and weaker sections of society.
Kharge addressed the ‘Bharose Ka Sammelan’ programme in Khokhra, Janjgir-Champa district and asserted that the people of Chhattisgarh seemed satisfied with the excellent work carried out by the state government for the welfare of the people.
Addressing the ‘Bharose Ke Sammelan’ programme, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel announced that the new medical college will be established in Janjgir-Champa and will be named after the first woman MP, Minimata ji. Spanning 25 acres, the medical college embodies the state government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services in the state. Baghel, speaking in Chhattisgarhi, stressed their dedication to farmers’ welfare, evident in the loan waivers and paddy procurement. He added that the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan NYAY Yojana’s next installment would be deposited in farmers’ accounts by August 20, showcasing ongoing support even amid challenges.
Earlier, Chief Minister accorded tradition welcome to Kharge with the Janjgir Champa’s famous Kosa shawl and traditional Khumri in the presence of other dignitaries that included Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Dr. Charan Das Mahant, former Union Minister Ms. Kumari Selja, State Deputy Chief Minister T.S. Singh Deo, and MP Deepak Baij. Baghel received Kharge at Raipur airport and flew with him to Janjgir via helicopter. At Khokhra, Chief Guest Mallikarjun Kharge, host Bhupesh Baghel, and other guests were accorded an enthusiastic welcome featuring Karma dance and Jhanjh-Manjira’s melodious music.
Kharge, while addressing the people, highlighted the government’s post-independence achievements, including the establishment of AIIMS, educational institutions, factories, and industrial growth. He praised leaders like Nehru ji and Patel ji for strengthening the public sector, as exemplified by projects like Bhakra Nangal, Hirakud Dam, and Bhilai Steel Plant. Kharge credited the government for enacting the Food Security Act, ensuring food security for all. He lauded Bhupesh Baghel’s efforts, emphasising farmer loan waivers and equitable governance. He also praised Chhattisgarh’s Nunyatam Aay Yojana (NYAY Yojana), which directly benefits diverse sections. This unique initiative is unparalleled nationwide, showcasing the state government’s commitment to multifaceted progress and societal well-being.
Baghel shared that his government is tirelessly working to uplift all sections of society, including farmers, labourers, the underprivileged, women, and youth. Through various people-welfare-centric schemes, the state government has filled the people’s pockets with the distribution of around Rs 2.5 lakh crore, from labourers to farmers, without any intermediaries. This year, 107 lakh metric tonnes of paddy were purchased from farmers, with payments processed within three days. The state government will procure 20 quintals of paddy per acre in the upcoming season.
Baghel highlighted Chhattisgarh as the sole state providing annual aid of Rs. 7,000 to labourers. With purchases of tendupatta at Rs. 4000 per standard bag from 13 lakh families and procuring cow dung at Rs. 2 per kg, the state government’s support is unique nationwide. Through the ‘Bijli Bill Half’ Yojana, the state government is providing benefits to 42 lakh families. The state government has planned to construct “Jaitkham” in every block through Gram Panchayats. Baghel emphasised equitable distribution, asserting that no community can claim an exclusion from government funding for land or building construction, underscoring the state government’s comprehensive approach.
Baghel shared Chhattisgarh’s enriched tradition and culture, marked by events like the Ramayana Mahotsav, the National Tribal Festival, and the Youth Festival. The people of the state are turning towards farming, which is evident with the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan NYAY Yojana now encompassing 26 lakh farmers, up from 12 lakh farmers. The state government has broadened the scheme to cover diverse crops. Mr. Baghel underscored the importance of transforming the farmers’ conditions from corruption-ridden to fortified. In contrast to the prior Rs. 300 Unemployment Allowance, the current state government disbursed Rs. 112 crore to 1.22 lakh unemployed individuals.
The Chief Minister, in the presence of the Chief Guest Kharge, dedicated 1043 development works worth Rs. 467.32 crore to the residents of the district. They inaugurated 192 development works worth Rs. 87.24 crore and carried out the bhumipoojan for 851 development works worth more than Rs. 379.78 crore. They also unveiled the statue of Chhattisgarh Mahatari installed at the premises of Collector’s office, SP’s office, and Krishi Upaj Mandi office in Janjgir. At the ‘Bharose ka Sammelan’, 627 beneficiaries were handed over cheques of Rs 44.56 lakh invested by them in chit fund companies. Along with this, funds and materials were distributed to other beneficiaries under various public welfare schemes of the state government.
Mallikarjun Kharge, accompanied by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and special guests, explored stalls and exhibitions showcasing various departmental schemes. Chief Minister Baghel personally briefed Kharge about the displayed government initiatives and development projects.
