Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said District Mineral Fund (DMF) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds should be utilized to the maximum for development and welfare of local residents to bring about positive changes in their life and enhance their living standard.
He was addressing the inaugural session of a one-day discourse-cum seminar on effective implementation of the DMF at New Circuit House on Saturday.
Chief Minister released the ‘Vision Document 2030’ prepared by the Chhattisgarh State Planning Commission at the event. He said, the document reflects people’s expectation and aspirations.
“The country is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the state is already following his dreams. ‘Narva, Garuva, Ghurva and Baari’ (NGGB) have been identified for strengthening rural economy and development, which can be a model for the country,” Baghel said.
“Earlier, the DMF utilization was not done as per set guidelines though it could have been utilized for promoting talents of children. Collectors should have utilized it for providing platform for livelihood, health and education. In mining areas, it should be utilized for drinking water, health and generation of employment,” he directed.
Chief Minister said, “Rural residents had practical knowledge so they protected water resources but now non-scientific thinking has led to concrete jungles leading to blocking of resources. The cowsheds in villages can be central point for generation of compost, bio-gas and employment by taking care of cattle.” Industries Minister Kawasi Lakhma laid emphasis on reopening of closed schools in Bastar, providing pure drinking water, improvement of hospitals and roads in remote areas.
SC/ST, OBC welfare minister Dr Premsai Tekam and others also addressed the gathering. Experts made their presentation in different sessions.