Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has unambiguously indicated that the next state budget would enshrine allocations providing a greater quantum of relief to villages, the indigent, the peasantry and other segments.
“Over the past four years, my dispensation fulfilled 80 per cent of electoral promises. With the objective of directly benefitting the populace, we launched several schemes that were not even contained in the manifesto. And I still have time,” he told UNI.
According to the Congress bigwig, his government’s greatest achievement since 2018 is transforming people’s existence through public welfare schemes besides reining in unemployment and curbing the price rise.
“Upon occupying the saddle, we endeavoured to ensure enhancement in the commoners’ income and alter the apathetic attitude vis-à-vis the agrarian sphere. Paddy was purchased at a support price of Rs 2,500 and the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana commenced after the Centre created obstacles in the context of additional funding. That scheme proved to be a game changer with regard to firming up the rural economy. A sum of Rs 1.5 lakh crore was directly transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts under the Godhan Nyay Yojana, Grameen Bhumihin Shramik Nyay Yojana and collection of minor forest produce. Chhattisgarh is the maiden state to implement such programmes, thus emerging as a role model,” Mr Baghel explained.
As many as 26 lakh cultivators, 13 lakh minor forest produce collectors, 3 lakh dung sellers and 4.75 lakh landless individuals received funds in their accounts; 66 lakh families are being supplied free ration, 42 lakh households are getting electricity and 5.60 lakh irrigation pumps operating.
Dismissing the charge pertaining to neglect of urban areas, the seasoned politician said, “My government is focusing on these places where the work of providing basic facilities is underway. The state received cleanliness awards from the Centre no less than thrice. Businesspersons are being provided concessions, the real estate sector encouraged and construction activity is in top gear. Village income is getting injected into cities.”
Trashing as “mere propaganda” the principal opposition party’s allegations regarding constant availing of loans, the Chief Minister averred that not a single paisa had been taken as credit in this financial year in stark contrast to neighbouring Madhya Pradesh.
