Team News Riveting
Raipur, September 8
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said Chhattisgarh stood as a testament to exceptional progress over the past five years.
According to a report by NITI Aayog, 40 lakh people in Chhattisgarh have come out of poverty in this duration. The government of Chhattisgarh has faithfully delivered on every commitment made to its citizens, Kharge said at the “Bharose Ka Sammelan” held in Gram Thekwa, Rajnandgaon,. He was the the Chief Guest of the function.
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel presided over the event. On this occasion, inauguration and foundation laying of as many as 1,867 development projects worth Rs 355.23 crore was performed, and goods worth Rs 3 crore 25 lakh were distributed to the beneficiaries in Rajnandgaon.
In his address, Kharge eloquently highlighted that the Chhattisgarh government’s unwavering focus lies in serving the Dalits, the impoverished, the marginalized, and the agrarian community. Drawing inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of an India where even the most underprivileged feels ownership, Chhattisgarh has relentlessly pursued this noble objective. There was a time when the quantity of rice procured from the farmers was close to nothing. This year, the government has procured one lakh seventy thousand metric tons of rice. Loans 19 of lakh farmers have been waived.
Implementation of Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana has resulted in farmers receiving fair prices for their crops. English medium schools have been opened. Minor forest produces are being procured. Tribal brothers and sisters have been given their forest rights. Mr. Kharge also mentioned about the hike in unemployment allowances to Rs 2,500, and how the Millet Mission of Chhattisgarh was lauded by the Central Government.
Kharge said that under the pioneering leadership of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s journey towards independence commenced. This era saw the rise of major industries, with Chhattisgarh contributing its share to the nation’s economic growth. Employment opportunities flourished with the establishment of power and steel plants. Moreover, Chhattisgarh’s ethos champions communal harmony, with its warm and straightforward people.
The event was also a moment to remember notable figures from Rajnandgaon, including Mahant Ghasidas, Thakur Pyarelal, Shri Kishorilal Shukla, freedom fighter Shri Kanhaiyalal, Guru Ghasidas, and Shaheed Veernarayan Singh. Mr. Kharge also recounted his recent attendance at the “Bharose Ka Sammelan” held in Janjgir district, where the renaming of a medical college to “Mini Mata” was announced, marking the imminent inauguration of this essential educational institution.
In his address, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that Chhattisgarh is the land of ‘Muktibodh’. He paid tribute to the talented folk artists of Chhattisgarh who have enriched its cultural tapestry. The government has diligently worked towards ensuring food security for all. Ration cards are being issued to the eligible beneficiaries. Additionally, the state is set to procure 20 quintals of paddy per acre from farmers, demonstrating unwavering support in the face of the post pandemic challenges. Even during the pandemic, the government had managed to continue with the process of paddy procurement from farmers.
This commitment extends to various segments of the populace, including cattle herders, farmers, and the unemployed, with financial aid being disbursed through multiple schemes. The Chief Minister highlighted their dedication to empower the common people of the state, with their ambitious initiative to provide permanent roofs for seven lakh individuals. In response to the recent socioeconomic survey, 47,000 citizens were identified to be in need of housing, the government has pledged to deliver them the security of permanent homes.
Turning his focus to education, Chief Minister accentuated their efforts to fortify the educational framework with the recruitment of 30,000 teachers. Old pension scheme has been reinitiated, while the honorarium for Kotwaris, Mitans, and Anganbadi workers has been increased. Eminent dignitaries, including Deputy Chief Minister T S Singhdeo, Agriculture Minister Tamradhwaj Sahu, School Education Minister Ravindra Choubey, Culture Minister Amarjeet Bhagat, PHE Minister Guru Rudra Kumar, Higher Education Minister Umesh Patel, Tribal Welfare Minister Mohan Markam, Bastar MP Deepak Baij, also addressed the programme.
The event also witnessed the esteemed presence of former Union Minister Ms Shailja and the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Dr. Charandas Mahant. Minister of Environment and Climate Change Mohammad Akbar, Urban Administration Minister Dr Shiv Dahariya, Revenue Minister Jay Singh Agrawal, Women and Child Development Minister Mrs. Anila Bhendia, along with other public representatives, were also present on the occasion.
