Empowering Chhattisgarh: Bharose Ka Sammelan Showcases Commitment to Welfare

TFP Bureau, Rajnandgaon; Sep 08, 2023: In a remarkable display of unity and dedication to the welfare of the people of Chhattisgarh, the Bharose Ka Sammelan held in the village of Thekwa in Rajnandgaon saw the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, as the chief guest. This significant event witnessed the presence of Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel, along with several eminent leaders, including the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Dr. Charandas Mahant, Deputy Chief Minister Shri TS Singh Deo, Home Minister Shri Tamradhwaj Sahu, and Food Minister Shri Amarjeet Bhagat.

The focal point of the program was the inauguration and Bhoomipujan of 1867 projects, valued at an impressive sum of over Rs 355 crore. Additionally, over Rs 3.25 crore was allocated for distribution among 8,593 beneficiaries.

*Dignitaries Address the Gathering –

The conference began with dignitaries addresses to the Gathering, the Tribal Welfare Minister Shri Mohan Markam addressing the attendees, followed by Higher Education Minister Shri Umesh Patel. Currently, Food Minister Shri Amarjeet Bhagat is engaging with the participants.

*Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel’s Vision-

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in his address, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the Bharose Ka Sammelan. Despite the heavy rain, he remarked that the farmers were elated. He highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “So far, four Bharose Ka Sammelan events have been organized, and today, Kharge ji has visited us again. This is the land of Muktibodh, the land of our folk artists.”

Acknowledging Rajnandgaon’s cultural heritage, Baghel emphasized the region’s cultural importance. He paid tribute to the great artists hailing from this land, underlining Rajnandgaon’s status as a cultural center.

The Chief Minister made notable announcements, including the issuance of ration cards for all, including separated families. He also revealed the distribution of jaggery in tribal areas and assured that no one in the state was suffering from food grain shortages. To support the agricultural sector, the government pledged to purchase 20 quintals per acre of paddy from farmers.

Even in the face of the ongoing pandemic, Baghel stressed that the government had continued to purchase paddy from farmers. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of farmers and laborers, noting initiatives such as the purchase of cow dung at two rupees per kilogram. Baghel also highlighted the distribution of financial aid to a wide spectrum of society, be it cowherders, farmers, or unemployed individuals.

The Chief Minister elaborated on the transparent Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, emphasizing that financial assistance is provided every two weeks, with farmers receiving deposits every three months. This welfare-oriented approach extended to Tendupatta collectors and monthly support for the unemployed.

In a strong move towards public empowerment, the government has pledged to provide pucca houses to seven lakh people. Baghel cited a recent socio-economic survey that identified 47 thousand individuals in need of housing support. Furthermore, the government has made significant strides in education, recruiting 30 thousand teachers and reinstating the old pension scheme. The honorarium of Kotwars, Mitanins, and Anganwadi workers has also seen an increase.

The Chief Minister’s address concluded with the announcement of holidays for festivals and the organization of the Chhattisgarhiya Olympics, with active participation from the Rajiv Yuva Mitan Club. The government’s vision aims to enrich Chhattisgarh culturally and economically.

Further in the program Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge’s Addressed the gethering. He initiated his address with a spirited “Jai Johar!” greeting then paid homage to the pioneers of Rajnandgaon district, Guru Ghasidas, and Shaheed Veernarayan Singh, setting the tone for his impassioned speech.

Kharge lauded Chhattisgarh’s rich history of sacrifice and communal harmony, emphasizing the significance of the Bharose Ka Sammelan. He recalled attending a similar event in Janjgir and highlighted the naming of the Medical College in Janjgir after Mini Mata, with plans for another medical college in the region.

Commending the exemplary work of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and his cabinet, Kharge noted, “The way the Chief Minister and the members of his Cabinet have worked is phenomenal. They have lived up to the trust and faith of the public.”

He underscored the government’s dedication to the welfare of the marginalized, saying, “This is the government of the poor, Dalits, backward, and farmers.” He invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of an inclusive India where even the poorest feel a sense of ownership. Kharge highlighted the significant increase in paddy procurement, with one lakh seven thousand metric tons of paddy procured this year.

The Leader of Opposition mentioned key initiatives, including the waiver of agricultural loans for 19 lakh farmers, the introduction of the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana, the establishment of English medium schools, and the procurement of minor forest produce. Kharge also emphasized the empowerment of tribal communities through forest rights.

Kharge revealed that the government had increased the unemployment allowance to Rs 2500 and highlighted the success of the Millet Mission of Chhattisgarh, acknowledged by the Government of India.

In a remarkable revelation, Kharge referred to the NITI Aayog report, which stated that 40 lakh people had been lifted out of poverty in Chhattisgarh in the past five years.

* Empowering the Beneficiaries:

In a parallel initiative, assistive materials worth Rs 3,25,74,000 were distributed to 8,593 beneficiaries under various government schemes. This included the distribution of nets and ice boxes worth Rs 42,000 to five beneficiaries by the Fisheries Department, the allocation of battery-operated sprayers, mini rice mills, electric pumps, and open well submersible pumps worth Rs 6,70,272 to 12 beneficiaries by the Agriculture Department. The Social Welfare Department distributed motorized tricycles worth Rs 84,000 to two beneficiaries, while the Labor Department distributed various assistive materials worth Rs 3,07,96,527 to 8,559 beneficiaries under a range of schemes, including Mukhyamantri Cycle Sahayata Yojana, Mukhyamantri Silai Machine Sahayata Yojana, Mukhyamantri Shramik Aujar Sahayata Yojana, Mukhyamantri Nirmaan Mazdoor Upkaran Sahayata Yojana, Didi E-Rickshaw Sahayata Yojana, Mukhyamantri Noni Sashaktikaran Sahayata Yojana, Mukhyamantri Nirmaan Shramik Mrityu Evam Divyang Sahayata Yojana, and Minimata Mahtari Jatan Yojana.

The Women and Child Development Department extended a loan of Rs 2 lakh to two beneficiaries under the Chhattisgarh Mahila Kosh, specifically for self-help groups. Additionally, the Horticulture Department distributed cheques for community fencing and power weeders, amounting to Rs 7,81,847, to 13 beneficiaries. These assistive materials, along with vegetable seeds and other resources, will undoubtedly empower the beneficiaries and contribute to their well-being.

The Bharose Ka Sammelan, held amid heavy rain and cultural vibrancy, exemplified the unwavering commitment of the Chhattisgarh government to inclusive growth, prosperity, and the welfare of all its citizens. The event celebrated the state’s progress and the dedicated leaders who continue to drive Chhattisgarh toward a brighter future.