Chidambaram’s Comparative Analysis: Chhattisgarh’s Progress in Five Years
TFP Bureau, Raipur; Oct 29, 2023: At a press conference in Raipur, senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram conducted an in-depth assessment of Chhattisgarh’s journey, comparing the state’s status in 2018 under the BJP governance and its transformation by 2023 during the Congress-led administration.
BJP’s Tenure and Challenges Faced:
During the BJP’s final term in office, Chhattisgarh faced severe agricultural distress. A significant number of farmer suicides occurred, amounting to 1300 deaths between May 2015 and November 2017. The fiscal deficit of the state stood at 3.34%, while poverty affected 39% of the population, child malnutrition affected 37%, and 47% of women aged 15-59 suffered from anemia. The state’s per capita income was 11% below the national average, with unemployment affecting 22.2% of youth.
The educational system experienced setbacks, with declining enrollment in government primary schools, underutilized budgets, and deficiencies in infrastructure. The SC and ST communities faced increased crime rates, rejected claims under the Forest Rights Act, and insufficient welfare.
Congress’s Achievements in the Last Five Years:
Chidambaram highlighted significant improvements under the Congress government:
- Agricultural Progress: The state achieved impressive rice production, doubled irrigation facilities, waived agricultural loans totaling Rs 9,272 crore, and is procuring paddy at Rs 2640 per quintal. Agriculture now contributes 32% to the state’s GDP.
- Employment: With the lowest unemployment rate in the country at 0.5%, the government created 15 lakh jobs in five years, providing unemployed youth with Rs 2500 monthly allowance.
- Healthcare: The health sector saw remarkable enhancements, covering 86% of families under a comprehensive health insurance scheme offering free treatment.
- Women, Children, SC, and ST Welfare: Drastic improvements were noted in the welfare of women and children, with a significant focus on SC and ST communities, allocating 45% of the budget expenditure to their development.
- Economic Growth: Per capita income and prosperity visibly increased, pulling 40 lakh people out of poverty, as reported by NITI Aayog.
Chidambaram concluded his address by reaffirming Congress’s pledges for Chhattisgarh’s future, ensuring measures for agricultural welfare, economic relief, conducting a caste census, and various initiatives for social welfare in education, health, employment, and community development. He urged the people to vote for the Congress party symbol, promising another term of robust economic growth and inclusive progress across all sectors of society.
