Chhattisgarh is set to invest `60,000 crore on development of infrastructure including roads, railways, power and telecom under its ambitious ‘Sampark Kranti’ ( connectivity revolution) .
In his Republic Day speech in Bastar districts’s headquarters in Jagdalpur Singh said: 'A comprehensive action plan has been chalked out for ‘ Sampark Kranti’ under which public and private investment of `60,000 crore will be made during the next three years for development of roads, railways, power and telecom infrastructure.
Singh said that the State would have 10,000 kilometres network of roads during the next three years to be built with an investment of `35,000 crore.
“The three new Railway lines measuring 546 kilometers would draw an investment of over `11,000 crore,” he said while adding that a major breakthrough had been achieved in installing mobile towers in insurgency infested pockets.
The Chief Minister also announced that a special 10 per cent concession will be provided to everyone on purchase of houses built by Chhattisgarh Housing Board.
He said that earlier the Chhattisgarh Housing Board was providing 10 per cent concession on purchase of house only to Government employees earlier. But now everyone can avail this privilege.
Singh also announced that children enrolled in all 50,311 Aanganbadis of the State will be provided ultra-high temperature flavoured milk of Devbhog Brand once in a week.
The Chief Minister said that for the first time during the last 12 years, such natural calamity of drought has struck Chhattisgarh that 117 of its Tehsils have been declared as 'drought-affected'.
He said “I had requested my farmer brethren to be patient and hopeful in this time of crisis. Because of their patience and courage, we can tide over this difficult situation.
Interview round from recruitment process of Grade-III and Grade-IV government services has been eliminated. Age-limit for selection in government services has also been extended from 35 to 40 years, which will be in effect till December 31, 2016, he said.
The limit of 10 per cent of the approved posts for appointment on compassionate ground has also been slackened for one year so as to redress the pending cases soon. 'Reservation Cell' has been constituted to ensure compliance to reservation-related clauses under Chhattisgarh Public Service Act 1994, Singh said.
The Chief Minister said that the biggest battle to preserve unity and integrity of India is being fought in internal areas of Bastar region. Security forces and local residents have made significant contribution with their patience, courage, and intellect, he said.
Our strategy is to make integrated efforts for security and development. I believe that the day is near when Naxalism will be uprooted and the biggest threat to internal security of the nation will come to an end, Singh said.