TFP Bureau, Raipur, February 6, 2024: Governor Shri Vishwabhushan Harichandan addressed the second session of the 6th Assembly of Chhattisgarh, delivering a comprehensive speech that covered various aspects of the state’s progress and development. The governor’s address was greeted by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai, Leader of Opposition Dr. Charan Das Mahant, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Brijmohan Agarwal upon his arrival at the Assembly.
Key Points from Governor Harichandan’s Address:
1. The governor extended warm congratulations to the members of the Chhattisgarh Assembly during its first session in 2024, expressing best wishes for their endeavors.
2. Reflecting on the formation of the sixth assembly in December 2023, Governor Harichandan highlighted the government’s commitment to ushering in a new era of good governance in Chhattisgarh, drawing inspiration from leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
3. The concept of “Prosperous Farmer-Prosperous State” was swiftly implemented, with the disbursement of a significant bonus of Rs 3,716 crore for the year’s paddy.
4. The government fulfilled its promise to purchase 21 quintals of paddy per acre at the support price, establishing a transparent and efficient system that set a record for the highest paddy purchase in Chhattisgarh.
5. Emphasizing “Jati Utthan – Honor of the State,” Governor Harichandan outlined comprehensive plans for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes, focusing on education, culture, health, infrastructure, employment, and living standards.
6. The Pradhan Mantri Tribal Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM Janman) is ensuring basic facilities for specially backward tribal groups, including permanent houses, link roads, hostels, and pure water. Mobile medical units are deployed to provide health check-ups, treatment, and medicines to protected tribes.
7. Strengthening livelihoods related to minor forest produce, the government commits to providing fair compensation for tendu leaves and bonus to collectors. Various schemes aim to benefit collectors and their families, promoting health, education, and overall development.
8. Initiatives include providing permanent houses to around 18 lakh beneficiaries, completing the Jal Jeevan Mission for clean water to every home, and developing quality infrastructure through a robust Panchayati Raj system.
9. The public distribution system is being reinforced, incorporating biometric authentication through the “One Nation One Ration Card” scheme and extending free rice under “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana” until December 2028.
10. “Pradhanmantri Ujjwala Yojana” has eased the lives of women, with over 36 lakh new gas connections issued in the state.
11. The police force will receive modern weapons, telecommunication, and improved equipment. Development of police infrastructure in Naxal-affected areas, costing approximately Rs 201 crore, is underway. The government is committed to establishing the rule of law and making Chhattisgarh a Naxal problem-free state.
12. Recognizing police service, the government grants one day weekly leave to constables to inspector-level personnel in plain areas and 8 days leave once in 3 months to those posted in Naxal-affected and inaccessible areas.
13. The government is focusing on cultural and tourism development, developing Shakti Peethas on the lines of Dhams and promoting local characteristics in tourism.
14. Rajim Kumbh (Kalpa) is being positioned as a significant pilgrimage site. The government supports Ramayana and bhajan troupes, introducing “Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana” for Ayodhya Dham and Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
15. Forest conservation and promotion will utilize financial resources, including CAMPA funds. Environmentally friendly livelihoods will be developed for forest dwellers, and the “Project Baghwa” aims to increase the tiger population.
16. Youth development includes infrastructure for quality education, sports facilities, and the establishment of “Innovation Hub” in Science Center Raipur. The government is implementing the new National Education Policy.
17. A CBI inquiry into irregularities in the State Public Service Commission’s recruitment process has been initiated. The relaxation period for maximum age limit in government service recruitment for local residents has been extended by five years.
18. The government is committed to the proper care, safety, and healthy development of women and children, expanding schemes like “Sakhi-One-Stop Centre,” “Women’s Help Line,” and “Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao Yojana.”
19. The “Mahtari Vandan Yojana” aims to support married women with an annual financial assistance of Rs 12,000.
20. Comprehensive infrastructure development in the state includes roads, water supply, power supply, health facilities, and transparent public services through technology. Employment opportunities in IT and other sectors will be created.
21. Accelerating industry, trade, and business activities will be balanced with revenue generation and the creation of employment opportunities for the empowerment of the people.
22. The government is actively working towards making the state sickle cell anemia-free by providing free medicines and counseling.
23. The government seeks to create an ideal environment for investment, safeguarding the interests of investors and the public.
The address highlighted the state’s commitment to holistic development, welfare, and progress across various sectors.
