A whopping 20 lakh farmers will benefit from the Chhattisgarh Government’s Kisan Nyay Yojana under which funds for paddy, maize and sugarcane (rabi) crops will be transferred to the farmers’ bank accounts on the basis of the area registered in kharif year 2019.
The ambitious scheme will roll out on May 21, the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi had announced the Nyay scheme in Chhattisgarh, and its implementation will be inaugurated in this very state by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.
The Nyay scheme, which the Congress promised in its election manifesto, is aimed at ensuring minimum income to the poor through direct bank transfer. Soon after the formation of the Baghel-led Government in Chhattisgarh in December 2018, work started on ways to economically strengthen farmers, tribals and labourers.
The Nyay scheme will directly help 20 lakh farmers, officials said.
For this, a provision of Rs 5,100 crore has been made in the budget.
The State Government had earlier waived loans amounting to Rs 8,800 crore for about 18 lakh farmers.
Apart from this, steps like providing four-time compensation on agricultural land acquisition have also been undertaken.
During the Covid-19 induced lockdown period, the Chhattisgarh Government has generated massive employment under the Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Scheme and directly benefited 23 lakh villagers.
A total of 44 per cent area of Chhattisgarh is covered by forest and 31 per cent of the population belongs to the tribal community. Forest produce is the major source of income for millions of families in the State.
To increase the income of the tribals, the Government has ensured the middle-market free market system and purchase of forest produce at the right price. Tendu leaf collection rate increased to Rs 4,000 per standard bag. Apart from this, the number of forest produce purchased on support price has been hiked from 7 to 25 now.
Amid the lockdown, forest produce was extensively collected in the forest areas of the state. Chhattisgarh accounts for 98 percent of the total forest produce across India.
In the current season, a target of collecting over 16 lakh standard sacks of tendu leaves will benefit about 12 lakh collectors. A total of Rs 649 crore will be paid directly to them as remuneration. The State Government is giving an additional incentive of Rs 13 per kg for the fixed support price of Mahua flower at Rs 17 per kg.