The empowerment of common people including farmers, tribals and weaker sections is the special feature of Chhattisgarh’s development model, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said on Sunday.
He was speaking in the 13th episode of the monthly radio programme ‘Lokvaani’ on two years of Congress government.
In the past two years, the government has made governance and administration more sensitive towards the sentiments, aspirations and expectations of the people, he said. It has not only promoted Chhattisgarhi culture but also inspired people to take pride in their cultural heritage.
Baghel said the government’s decisions such as loan waiver, paddy procurement and schemes like Suraaji Gaon Yojana, Rajiv Gandhi Kisaan Nyay Yojana and Godhan Nyay Yojana are empowering the villages. The positive impact of its policies on industry and commerce is also evident.
While the entire country was affected by recession during corona, Chhattisgarh was untouched. Effective implementation of MNREGA, Forest Produce Procurement Scheme and other such schemes has reduced the unemployment rate to 2 percent, he said.
Capital investment of a whopping Rs 15,000 crore in industrial units has generated employment opportunities for large numbers. The government’s initiatives to promote value addition to agricultural and forest produce will further unleash new doors to prosperity, Baghel said.
The Chief Minister said steps have been to restore the honour and pride for the state’s cultural heritage and traditions in the hearts of people.
Chhattisgarh has always been known for its folk culture, but it also has a history of revolution, harmony and protest against injustice. "We are proud to have kept this legacy and pursuit of justice alive."
Baghel said the main characteristic of Chhattisgarh's development model is empowerment of common people, farmers, tribal people and weaker sections.
"We will always give the due importance and respect to people of commerce and industry sector and maintain transparency in work culture... We are aiming for expedited industrial development in tribal regions."
Baghel said that ensuring justice to farmers, people of scheduled caste and scheduled tribe community and people of weaker sections of the society is the top priority of the government.
He also spoke about the new schemes in education and health sector. He added that arrangements had been made for providing quality education to children in government schools.
"Protecting democracy and freedom of expression is our greatest responsibility," he said.