Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai (File Photo )
IN Short
- Vows Fast-Track Development, Crackdown on Corruption and End to Naxalism
- Paddy Bonus to Be Paid Before Holi; ‘VB- G RAM-G Yojana’ to Provide 125 Days of Employment
Over 5 Lakh Houses Built in Just 10 Months Under PM Awas Yojana; Rs 10,700 Crore Sanctioned for Irrigation in Two Years
Raipur: Expressing gratitude on the Governor’s Address in the Assembly, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the state government is moving forward with a firm resolve towards good governance, development and security. He said the government has taken strong action against corruption and several people involved are now behind bars.
Under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, around 7 crore saplings have been planted, compensatory afforestation is being undertaken on a large scale for trees felled under the industrial policy. Citing a report published by the Forest Survey of India, Dehradun, Sai said Chhattisgarh has recorded an increase of 683 sq km in forest and tree cover, calling it a matter of pride for the state, he added.
On Naxalism, Sai said the government is fighting a decisive battle and expressed hope that Naxalism would be completely eradicated from Chhattisgarh by March 31. He said former conflict zones in Bastar now see functioning schools and hospitals, with many Naxalites surrendering thanks to effective rehabilitation policies. the CM noted .
Despite being larger than Keralam, the state had not seen expected development earlier, he said, adding that basic infrastructure is now expanding rapidly. At Bastar Pandum this year, 54,000 artists registered, symbolising cultural resurgence.
Homestays are being promoted to generate local employment. In two years, 1,03,855 trees were felled for mining and over 30 lakh saplings planted in industrial areas, Sai noted.
Showcasing Chhattisgarh’s cultural revival, Sai said Nava Raipur’s Tribal Museum attracts thousands and earned praise from the Chief Justice of India. Around 42,000 have visited under Ramlala Darshan Yojana, 5,000 under Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojna, and the Charan Paduka Yojana has been restarted, Sai informed.
In the past 10 months, over 5 lakh houses have been completed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the highest in the country. Paddy has been procured at Rs 3,100 per quintal up to 21 quintals, and the differential amount will be paid before Holi. While the previous government approved Rs 5,700 crore for irrigation, the present government has sanctioned Rs 10,700 crore in two years, he noted.
Recruitment is underway for 32,000 posts and a new law will streamline the process. ‘Antariksh Sangwari’ has been inaugurated in Nava Raipur. Government employees will get cashless medical treatment. Railway works worth over Rs 47,000 crore are in progress. Under ‘G-RAM-G’ Yojna, employment will be increased from 100 to 125 days, better than MGNREGA. The government aims to move from half electricity bills towards free electricity through solar panel subsidies. Bio-CNG plants are being set up in eight municipal corporations through the Chhattisgarh Biofuel Development Authority with GAIL and BPCL, Sai affirmed.
A new Department of Good Governance and Convergence has been created to promote technology-driven governance. The e-Office system has been implemented to ensure time-bound file movement and transparency, and is being expanded from the state to district level. Digital governance is being introduced across departments, the CM added.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, over 27,000 homes in the state have been electrified with solar power. In addition to Central subsidy, the state is also providing financial assistance. He appealed to citizens to avail the scheme and secure free electricity for the next 25 years. Sai urged.
Under the Amrit Station Scheme, 32 railway stations are being modernised, with work completed at five. Vande Bharat Express services have started for Nagpur and Visakhapatnam. Railway projects worth Rs 51,000 crore are underway, including key lines such as Rowghat-Jagdalpur and Kharsia-Parmalkasa. The government has approved 500 new mobile towers to boost connectivity, Sai said.
To improve healthcare quality, 5 new medical colleges are being opened in Manendragarh, Kabirdham, Janjgir-Champa and Dantewada, where foundation stones have been laid, while land allotment is underway in Kunkuri. Robotic surgery has commenced at AIIMS, fulfilling former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision, the CM noted.
Under Ayushman Bharat, payments worth Rs 4,551 crore have been made. Health and Wellness Centres were also launched from Chhattisgarh. Teacher rationalisation has been carried out to address staff shortages in rural schools, ensuring better teacher-student ratios and quality education, CM Sai endured. .
Highlighting youth achievements, Sai recalled meeting Avinash Tiwari from Bastar in Tokyo, Japan, who works in a reputed company. He said the state’s youth are its greatest strength and recruitment for over 32,000 posts will help harness young energy. The government’s goal, he said, is to take Chhattisgarh to new heights of development, security and good governance, the CM affirmed.
