CM Raman Singh on Sunday said that the State Government has decided to launch a special programme for extremely backward tribes in the State.

The scheme would be launched for Baiga, Kamar, Pahadi Korwa, Birhor, Abujhmadia, Pando and Bhunjia tribes with total population of more than 1.94 lakh in the State, he said in his fourth episode of his Radio Talk titled 'Raman Ke Goth' here.

Under this special time-bound campaign, the State Government aims to provide all the basic facilities to people of these tribes during the next three years, Singh said.

He also announced special 11-point time-bound campaign for socio-economic betterment of 1.94 lakh people of seven extremely backward tribes in the State.

The Chief Minister said that under this 11-point programme, all the homeless families of these tribes will be provided housing facility, safe-drinking water supply, electricity, regular health check-up and health-card facility and skill development of minimum one person per family so as to provide them proper means of livelihood.

All the tribal families will be provided social and food security coverage, ration cards and nutritious meal, forest right certificates, caste certificates, domicile certificates etc so that they do not have to run from pillar to post in different offices for these documents, the Chief Minister said.

Moreover, the State Government will also distribute radios, umbrellas and blankets free of cost, under this campaign, he said.

Moreover, 300 new Phulwari Centres will be established in the State to bring down the Maternal and Infant Mortality Rate of these tribes.

These tribes are mostly dependent on forest produce collection, traditional agriculture and herbal medicines for their livelihood, the Chief Minister said.

Singh expressed his Government's commitment to support drought-affected farmers of the State.

He especially mentioned and praised more than a thousand farmers of 128 villages in Naxal-affected Dantewada district for practising organic farming.

The Chief Minister emphasized on the importance of soil health for farmers and said that the State Government has decided to open eight new laboratories in the State for testing soil samples.

Singh especially mentioned about a tribal farmer of village Mundapal in Naxal-affected Narayanpur district-  Managalsai, who has voluntarily donated his agricultural land for road construction in village.

The Chief Minister said that Mangalsai's kindness and compassion is praiseworthy. He is a source of inspiration for all, he said.

At the onset of the programme, Singh talked about World Soil Day and Agriculture. In his message to farmers in this difficult time of natural calamity, he said "I am also a farmer's son and I completely understand your pain. To bring relief to farmers in this difficult time, State Government has instructed all the Collectors to immediately commence the distribution of relief funds to farmers under provisions of RBC 6-4.’’

The Chief Minister said that under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana, nearly 10 lakh labourers have been registered.

While talking about World Soil Day, Singh said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated "Soil Health Card Scheme" in the entire country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also given us the slogan of "Swasth Dhara, Khet Hara". Undoubtedly, no one has a stronger relation with soil than farmers. Important aspects of human life such as housing, food and energy conservation are all connected to soil.

The Chief Minister said that under 'Soil Health Scheme", a sample of soil is collected for every 10 hectares in unirrigated areas and for every one hectare in irrigated areas.

He said that during the next three years, as many as 8.78 lakh samples will be collected in the State. After testing these samples in laboratories, farmers will be informed about fertility of their soil and the kind of fertilizer they should use in their farms.

Singh gave information about commencement of Special 11-point time-bound campaign for seven especially backward tribes in State.

He informed about 'Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bema Yojana' and 'Atal Pension Yojana'- the schemes for labourers welfare announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Singh said that under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Beema Yojana, a total of 10 lakh registered construction labourers of the State will be provided insurance benefits. Under this scheme, each registered labourer of age group 18-50 years will be provided insurance security on Rs 330 annual premium. In case of natural death, their dependent family members will be provided `2 lakh. Half of the premium amount under this scheme will be given by labour Department and remaining `165 will be paid by beneficiary construction labourer.

About completion of two years of the third tenure of his government on December 12, Singh said : ‘We have three more years in hand to justify the verdict of people. I assure of my dedicated efforts to live up to the expectations of 2.55 crore people of the State.’

The Chief Minister said "You have not only listened to me keenly but also gave valuable suggestions in large number for over-all development of the State and for better implementation of schemes and policies of state government".

Singh mentioned about the valuable suggestions of listeners regarding linking of rivers, formation of Chhattisgarh Folk Art Commission, and special gram sabhas for women for effective implementation of women empowerment policy.

He  said ‘It gave me immense pleasure to know that even the prisoners of various jails in the State have listened to my programme and requested for formulation of schemes for their dependents and for facility of STD-PCO for prisoners in jails so that they may contact their family occasionally. I assure them of considering their suggestions and taking necessary action in the direction.’

The CM further said : ‘I have received immense blessings from senior citizens of the State through large number of letters, in which they have requested for pilgrimage to various sacred places under his government's "Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana". All I want to tell them is- being the Chief Minister of State I consider myself as 'first ‘Jansevak’ of Chhattisgarh". As son of this State, I feel it is my responsibility to take senior citizens of this State on pilgrimage to sacred places of their choice. I am overwhelmed to receive your blessings and warm wishes.’

Singh said that December month comes with the great opportunity of strengthening our heritage of "Religious Harmony".

Chhattisgarh observed the martyrdom day of Chhattisgarh's first Freedom Fighter Veer Narayan Singh ji on December 10, he said.

Singh said that birth anniversaries of Sant Guru Baba Ghasidas and Guru Gobind Singh Ji will be celebrated on December 18.

He extended hearty wishes on birth anniversary of both the great personalities.