Most of PM’s guarantees have been fulfilled; Bastar is now moving towards rapid development: Ramvichar Netam

Agriculture and Tribal Development Minister Ramvichar Netam speak to The Pioneer Raipur Editor Dr AN Dwivedi on farmers’ welfare, tribal development, Bastar, and the Government’s performance.

Q: To what extent has ‘Modi’s Guarantee’ been fulfilled in Chhattisgarh? How much remains to be done?

A: Most of the guarantees made under Modi’s Guarantee have already been fulfilled, and our Government is committed to implementing the remaining promises as soon as possible. One of our historic decisions has been increasing farmers’ income by procuring paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal, the highest procurement price in the country. We are providing pucca houses to lakhs of poor families, while eligible women receive Rs 1,000 every month under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana. We have also taken firm action against those involved in the alleged CGPSC recruitment scam. Our Government is promoting digitisation and ensuring transparency in governance.

Q: As Agriculture Minister, what are the major achievements of your Government for farmers over the past two-and-a-half years?

A: The welfare of farmers has been our highest priority. Chhattisgarh is the only State procuring paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal, and procurement is being carried out up to 20 quintals per acre. We are also encouraging crop diversification by providing an incentive of Rs 15,000 per acre for cultivating alternative crops. Farmers are benefiting from the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, while the crop insurance scheme is providing financial protection against crop losses. Our objective is to make agriculture more profitable and sustainable.

Q: Allegations regarding shortages of fertilisers and seeds continue to surface. What is the actual situation?

A: There is absolutely no shortage of fertilisers or seeds in Chhattisgarh. Against the target of 15.55 lakh metric tonnes, more than 14 lakh metric tonnes of fertilisers — around 90 per cent of the requirement — have already been made available. Similarly, 96 per cent of the required seed stock has been secured. We have also ensured the availability of alternatives such as NPK and Single Super Phosphate (SSP). The shortages witnessed in the past occurred during the previous Congress Government due to black marketing. Today, our farmers are receiving timely supplies.

Q: You have served as a minister several times and have also been a Rajya Sabha MP. Do you aspire to become the Chief Minister?

A: I have always considered myself a disciplined worker of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Whatever responsibility the party has entrusted to me, I have carried it out with complete dedication. Decisions regarding leadership are entirely the prerogative of the party.

My responsibility is to continue serving the people sincerely.

Q: As Tribal Development Minister, what is your Government’s roadmap for the socio-economic upliftment of tribal communities?

A: Tribal welfare is one of the Government’s foremost priorities. We are committed to improving education, strengthening economic opportunities and preserving tribal culture. More than 60 per cent of Chhattisgarh falls under Scheduled Areas, while Tribal Sub-Plan areas account for over 65 per cent of the State. We are implementing a wide range of schemes, including college scholarships, hostel and ashram facilities, online scholarship disbursement, student meal assistance, tuition support, food security programmes, Eklavya Model Residential Schools, the Vidyarthi Utkarsh Yojana, Prayas Residential Schools, and the PM-JANMAN initiative. Skill development and livelihood generation are also being promoted to ensure long-term economic empowerment.

Q: With the decline of Naxalism, what is the Government’s development roadmap for Bastar?

A: Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the strong resolve of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the courage of our security forces, Bastar has emerged from the shadow of Naxalism. The Government’s focus is now firmly on development. Infrastructure projects are progressing rapidly, tourism is being promoted, industries are expanding, and commercial agriculture is being encouraged to generate employment for local youth. For decades, development in Bastar was stalled because of Naxal violence. Basic amenities could not reach many villages. That situation has changed, and people are now receiving the benefits of Government schemes. Bastar is entering a new era of peace and development.

Q: The BJP currently holds all 14 Assembly seats in the Surguja division. Will Surguja continue to play a decisive political role?

A: Certainly. The people of Surguja gave the BJP a resounding mandate because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guarantee and the Government’s development-oriented policies. With 14 Assembly seats, Surguja plays a crucial role in Government formation. Development in the region is progressing rapidly, and I believe the people will continue to support the BJP in the future as well.

Q: Despite holding several important positions over the years, you have largely remained free from controversy. What do you attribute this to?

A: Public service has always been my only objective. The people elected us to work for their welfare, and I have always tried to ensure that Government schemes reach every eligible beneficiary. Wherever I travel, I receive affection and blessings from the people, which inspires me to work even harder. I consider myself merely a dedicated worker of the party, and I am deeply grateful to the people of Chhattisgarh, especially the voters of Balrampur, for repeatedly placing their trust in me and giving me the opportunity to serve.