Chief Minister Raman Singh on Saturday said that Chhattisgarh tops the list of providing benefits of seven schemes during Gram Swaraj Mission in the entire country.
He was addressing the concluding ceremony of Gram Swaraj Mission at the Indoor Stadium in the capital.
The function was organized by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department.
He added that senior citizens need not travel long distances to avail of the Old-Age pensions as the authorities will deliver them at Gram Panchayats. Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ajay Chandrakar presided over the function.
The Chief Minister said that Bihan Women's groups are the best in the entire country in providing services to the citizens. An amount of Rs 1400 crore financial assistance had been provided to Bihan Women's groups for livelihood purposes. Gram Swaraj Mission had been launched all over the country on the birth anniversary of Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar on April 14 and concluded on May 5.
Citizens in 346 villages of 14 districts had been benefitted under Prime Minister Ujjwala Yojana, Prime Minister Jan Dhan Yojana, Sowbhagya Ujjwala Yojana, Prime Minister Social Insurance Scheme .
Singh expressed his gratitude to women for their large presence during the Gram Swaraj Scheme. Chhattisgarh symbolizes power of women. Fifty-six per cent women occupy the seats of power in Panchayat Raj institutions against fifty per cent quotas allotted to them, Singh said.
Fifty women ply e-Rickshaws in left-Wing Extremism affected Dantewada region. Ambikapur town bagged the first prize for cleanliness in the entire State. The entire credit goes to women groups who collect garbage from the streets, he said.
Kanker women are manufacturing Custard apple ice cream which is sold in the markets of the capital. Bihan women make Ganesh idols and supply to children. Free medical treatment is provided to 55 lakh poor families up to a ceiling of Rs 50,000, Singh said.
Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ajay Chandrakar said that Swachhta Ambassaador Kunwar Bhai Award worth Rs 1.50 lakh will be given to Bihan women's groups who excel in the endeavour. Shops will be made available to the women's groups in towns and cities to sell their products.
The traditions of rural regions are the main reason for social harmony in the State. Any women's group wants to launch more than one activity they will be provided with additional financial assistance, he said.
The Chief Minister also felicitated ten Swachhta ambassadors.