Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan on Wednesday said the Chhattisgarh government was committed to establishing a Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) in each division on the lines of AIIMS and building a Chhattisgarh Institute of Technology (CIT) in each Lok Sabha constituency on the lines of IITs.

Addressing the Assembly, he said these measures were aimed at making positive strides towards empowerment and development.

His address reflected the priorities of the new government which were based on their election manifesto.

He said that Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, women, farmers and rural communities require an extra-sensitive approach and these groups will continue to be a priority for the state government.

In line with the ideals and principles of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government is dedicated to ushering in a new era of good governance in Chhattisgarh, the Governor said.

The first session of the new Chhattisgarh assembly began on Tuesday and the Governor addressed the House on Wednesday.

Various election promises made by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were mentioned in the Governor’s address.

Harichandan assured that the state government will implement necessary measures to fulfill the promises made to the people.

“My government aims to construct paths of prosperity and well-being for all regions and people of the state, working towards upliftment of the standard of living with peace and goodwill, ensuring constitutional rights for all, and establishing the state as a leading entity in the country,” he said. There are still many people in the state who require special assistance for social and economic development, he noted.

Hailing the new government’s decision to construct 18 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, he said the move signifies a strong start of working of the state government.

“My government is committed to taking appropriate steps to fulfill various promises made during the elections,” he said.

This includes assessment and decisions on issues like the payment of paddy procurement bonuses pending for two years and various farmer welfare schemes, he said.

This also includes increasing tendu leave collection rate to Rs 5,500 per standard bag, bonus up to Rs 4,500, restarting facilities like Charan Paduka, and other initiatives mentioned in the election manifesto, in a timely manner, he said.

“Empowering women and youth will be the top priority of my government.”

The government is committed to filling one lakh vacant government posts in a transparent and time-bound manner, investigate the PSC case, organise all major exams similar like the UPSC and provide monthly travel allowance for students.

The governor said: “I believe that all members, both from the ruling party and the opposition, will remain committed to fostering camaraderie and respectful relationships to enhance the dignity of this sacred house.

“It is essential for both sides to collaborate and uphold the ideal parliamentary traditions, to propel the chariot of the state’s development and live up to the trust of the people.”