Describing the Godhan Nyay Scheme as a unique scheme in the world, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Wednesday released the maiden online payment of Rs 1.65 crore to 46,964 cow dung sellers across the state.
Speaking on the occasion at his residential office here, Baghel said the scheme had generated positive vibes and will turn out to be life changing for rural masses, farmers and cattle growers as they will get year-round employment.
Baghel's ministerial colleagues were present when he launched the payment system.
Earlier, the Chief Minister interacted with different Gauthan committee members, women Self Help groups and cow dung sellers of Jashpur, Janjgir-Champa, Sukma and Baloda Bazar districts.
He sought to know from them details regarding the scheme and its benefits.
In his address transmitted live on social media platform, the Chief Minister said that it was with a view to promote organic farming that all cow dung procured at Rs 2 per kg will be converted into eco-friendly vermi-compost.
The Gauthans will be turned into income generation centres through commercial activities. He said that on every 5th and 20th of the month, payment will be released into the accounts of cow dung sellers. He said the committees have to ensure fodder for the cattle kept in Gauthans.
Value addition of the forest minor produce will be done at the Gauthans, he said.
Earlier, Agriculture Minister Ravindra Choubey said that from 46,964 beneficiaries, 82,711 quintal of cow dung was procured since the launch of scheme on July 20.
Agriculture Production Commissioner Dr M Geetha said the maximum procurement has been done at Raipur, Durg, Rajnandgaon, Dhamtari and Balod districts.