CM Mr. Sai will hold the first cabinet meeting on December 14

 Pahari Korvas enthusiastically looking forward to exercising their voting rights

 Chhattisgarh PCC chief Deepak Baij BJP can’t fight elections on devpt issues

TNINS 

Raipur : Chhattisgarh PCC chief Deepak Baij on Tuesday said the BJP cannot fight elections on the development plank and can only raise issues related to religion, communalism and nationality.

While the Congress in Chhattisgarh is going to the polls on issues of development, the BJP relies on sentimental issues, he said.

Comparing the nine years of Modi government and the 15-year Raman Singh rule in Chhattisgarh with the five-year governance provided by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Baij claimed the Congress government was far better.

"We challenge the BJP to fight the elections comparing the work done by the BJP and Congress governments," he said.

 Chhattisgarh Government is working consistently for the welfare and upliftment of all sections of society, including farmers, poor, and labourers”: MP Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge

"Chhattisgarh has gained momentum in the overall development of the state”: Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel

MP Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge and Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel laid the foundation stone for the establishment of Jaitkham model in 82 selected development blocks of the state

MP Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge and Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel distributed the departmental kits and cheques to 3088 beneficiaries of various state government schemes

TNINS 

The leader of the opposition in Rajya Sabha, MP Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge, graced the ‘Bharose ka Sammelan’, in the presence of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel, organised in Kondatarai village of the Raigarh district on October 4. He praised the visible development in Chhattisgarh. He commended Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel's leadership in implementing numerous public welfare programs for the state's citizens. The program witnessed a massive turnout, underscoring the public's confidence in the state government's initiatives. Mr. Kharge mentioned that this gathering wasn't merely a ‘Bharose ka Sammelan'; it’s a “Bharose ke Anushthaan ka Sammelan”.

The leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, MP Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge, began his address with 'Jai Johar Jai Chhattisgarh Mahtari'. He highlighted the unique nature of the program and stated that similar gatherings were rare nationwide. He expressed pride in the widespread organisation of ‘Bharose ka Sammelan’ across Chhattisgarh under Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel's leadership, emphasising the strong trust the people have in the Chhattisgarh Government.

MP Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge lauded the comprehensive efforts in Chhattisgarh to benefit all sections of society, including children, the elderly, the impoverished, farmers, labourers, women, tribals, youth, and the marginalised people. He mentioned that the Chhattisgarh Government meticulously formulated plans and schemes considering the common people's needs, which has resulted in the creation of numerous employment opportunities, ultimately boosting income for lakhs of individuals in the state.

MP Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge commended Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel for his unwavering commitment to Chhattisgarh's development, even in challenging times. He praised the ongoing development in the state, attributing it to the state government's efforts to bolster the people. He highlighted the positive impact of initiatives like the Godhan NYAY Yojana on small-scale industries, increased rural employment, and the state's strengthened economy. He congratulated all those involved in this endeavour.

MP Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge highlighted the transformative impact of direct benefit transfer (DBT) schemes in Chhattisgarh and shared that the Chhattisgarh Government has transferred over Rs 1.75 lakh crore, through various state government schemes, into the pockets of people over the past five years. This substantial financial support has lifted more than 40 lakh individuals out of poverty in the state. He commended the Chhattisgarh Government for exceeding its promises for the welfare of the people of the state. The state government has increased the number of districts from 27 to 33 and added more new Tehsils to the state. These administrative restructurings have facilitated efficient government scheme delivery, resulting in higher income levels and improved livelihoods for the people of Chhattisgarh.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel shared that to spread the teachings of Baba Guru Ghasidas, he carried out the bhumipoojan for the establishment of the Jaitkham model in 82 selected development blocks across Chhattisgarh, starting with Raigarh, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage. He mentioned that Baba Guru Ghasidas and Mahatma Gandhi ji both stressed following the ‘path of truth’ in their teachings. Mr. Baghel highlighted the historical commitment of leaders from Jawaharlal Nehru ji to Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, Mr. P. V. Narasimha Rao, and Mr. Manmohan Singh to strengthening India and its overall development. He affirmed that his government continues to follow this path, tirelessly working to enhance the lives of Chhattisgarh's people, thus driving the state's comprehensive development.

Chief Minister Mr. Baghel shared that the state government has made consistent efforts to bolster the economic strength of tribal communities residing in remote forest areas. These include facilitating the buying and selling of minor forest produce, resulting in Chhattisgarh now collecting three-fourths of the country's minor forest produce, benefiting 12.50 lakh collectors. Furthermore, an insurance scheme named after ‘Shaheed Mahendra Karma’ has been initiated for the welfare of these collectors. This Chhattisgarh model reflects a commitment to fulfilling promises to all, ensuring the prosperity and well-being of its citizens.

Chief Minister Mr. Baghel shared the state government's commitment to supporting farmers by purchasing paddy at the support price, providing an annual financial aid of Rs 7,000 to landless labourers, and fulfilling the promise of free education in the English medium. He mentioned the holistic development of various sections of society, including farmers, youth, labourers, women, and children in Chhattisgarh. The state government's prudent financial management ensures that public funds are appropriately utilised and reinvested for the benefit of the people, aligning with public interests

Leader of Opposition Rajya Sabha, MP Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge, along with Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel visited various stalls

At the 'Bharose Ka Sammelan' organised in the Kondatarai area of Raigarh district on Wednesday, Leader of Opposition Rajya Sabha, MP Mr Mallikarjun Kharge, and Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel visited the stalls set up by government departments at the venue. The Minister duo interacted with the beneficiaries present in the stalls and took information regarding the benefits they have received under various beneficiary-oriented schemes. At the event, various assistive devices and cheques of financial aid amounting to Rs 9 crore 8 lakh 35 thousand were distributed to 3088 beneficiaries under various government schemes. An exhibition was also organised at the 'Bharose Ka Sammelan' today to showcase the achievements and schemes of various departments.

Deputy Chief Minister Mr. T. S. Singh Deo highlighted the Chhattisgarh Government's commendable efforts in benefiting farmers, labourers, women, youth, and all sections of society during the ‘Bharose ka Sammelan’. The Higher Education Minister Mr. Umesh Patel delivered the welcome speech. MP Mr. Deepak Baij mentioned that the ‘Bharose ka Sammelan’ symbolised trust in the Chhattisgarh Government, particularly among farmers, youth, mothers, and sisters who have found employment opportunities through various governmental schemes. The state government is providing English-medium education to underprivileged children, building confidence in government among youth as well.

Former Union Minister Ms. Kumari Selja, Assembly Speaker Dr. Charan Das Mahant, Home Minister Mr. Tamradhwaj Sahu, UAD Minister Dr. Shiv Kumar Dahariya, PHE Minister Mr. Guru Rudra Kumar, Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Chandradev Rai, Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation Mr. Nand Kumar Sai, MLA Mr. Prakash Nayak, Mr. Laljit Singh Rathiya, Mr. Chakradhar Singh Sidar, various public representatives, and a large number of villagers were present

 Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel writes a letter to the Prime Minister urging the removal of the ban on farmers' bonuses and providing the bonus amount of Rs. 3700 crore to the farmers

“Central Government should remove the ban on bonuses; it is rightfully owed to farmers”: Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel mentioned in his letter

Raipur, TNINS 

Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel has written a letter to Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi urging the removal of the ban on farmers' bonuses. In his letter, Mr. Baghel stated that the bonus is rightfully owed to farmers, who were supposed to receive Rs 3700 crore for the years 2014–15 and 2015–16, but the Central Government's bonus ban has withheld these funds. Mr. Baghel pointed out that a promise was made to farmers in 2013 to procure all their grains, with paddy to be procured at a rate of Rs 2100 per quintal and to provide an additional bonus of Rs 300 per quintal. However, in 2014, the Central Government prohibited bonuses on agricultural produce, leaving farmers in Chhattisgarh deprived of Rs. 3700 crore. This ban has been a longstanding issue affecting farmers' rightful earnings.

The Chief Minister highlighted in his letter that during the 2013–14 period, the previous state government had procured paddy at a minimum support price of Rs. 1350 per quintal. However, upon the formation of the Central Government in May 2014, a ban was imposed on bonuses for agricultural produce. Consequently, the previous state government was unable to provide bonuses to the state's farmers for the years 2014–15 and 2015–16.

Fearing farmers unrest, the Central Government lifted the ban on bonuses for the year 2016–17, enabling the previous government to provide a bonus of Rs. 300 per quintal to farmers for paddy procured during the years 2016–17 and 2017–18.

The Chief Minister further stated in his letter that after his government took office in 2018, the Central Government reinstated the ban on providing bonuses for paddy procured in June 2019. This ban remains in effect, preventing farmers across the country from receiving bonuses on agricultural produce.

In a bid to safeguard farmers' interests, the Chief Minister has written a letter to the Prime Minister, urging the removal of the Central Government's ban on bonuses for farmers. This action is aimed at ensuring that farmers receive the outstanding amount rightfully owed to them.

 Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel inaugurates development works worth more than Rs 145 crore in Sakti district

Chief Minister participated in the inauguration and Bhoomi Pujan program organized in Dabhra

Raipur, TNINS 

Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel, during his stay in the Dabhra development block of Sakti district today, dedicated 170 different development works worth more than Rs 1 billion, 45 crore, and 5 lakh in a program organized at Dussehra Ground in Dabhra. The Chief Minister performed Bhoomi Pujan of 152 works worth Rs 141 crore 58 lakh and inaugurated 18 works worth Rs 3 crore 46 lakh.

The 18 works inaugurated by Chief Minister Mr. Baghel include 12 works worth Rs 120 lakh under District Panchayat Dabhra, 4 works worth Rs 36 lakh under District Panchayat Malkharoda, 1 work under the Public Works Department worth Rs 150.630 lakh, and 1 work under the Forest Department worth Rs 40.070 lakh.

Similarly, Chief Minister Mr. Baghel performed the Bhoomi Pujan of a total of 152 development works worth Rs 141 crore 58 lakh. These include 33 works worth Rs 293.140 lakh under District Panchayat Dabhra, 8 works worth Rs 92 lakh under District Panchayat Malkharoda, 3 works under Public Works Department worth Rs 2367.220 lakh, 1 work under Forest Department worth Rs 91.960 lakh, 4 works worth Rs 2191.020 lakh under Nagar Panchayat Chandrapur, 7 works worth Rs. 761.030 lakh under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, a total of 20 works worth Rs. 217.970 lakh under Janpad Panchayat Sakti, 17 works worth Rs 164.830 lakh under District Panchayat Jaijaipur, 2 works worth Rs 986.360 lakh under Public Works Department (Bridge), 6 works worth Rs 4112 lakh under Health and Family Welfare Department, 26 works worth Rs 2547.710 lakh under Nagar Panchayat Dabhra, and 25 works under Nagar Panchayat Jaijaipur worth Rs. 333.640 lakh. Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Dr. Charandas Mahant, Chhattisgarh Gau Seva Aayog Chairman Mahant Shyam Sundar Das, MLA of Chandrapur Assembly constituency Mr. Ramkumar Yadav, Collector Mrs. Nupur Rashi Panna, Superintendent of Police Mr. M.R. Ahire, and other concerned public representatives and officers were present on the occasion.

 Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel will launch the 'Swami Atmanand Coaching' scheme on October 3

SCERT will conduct coaching for pre-medical and pre-engineering in 4 cities, namely Durg, Raipur, Bilaspur, Korba, and 146 development blocks

SCERT will conduct coaching for the students pursuing 12-grade classes in Swami Atmanand schools and government schools

Student should have at least 60 percent in the 10th grade to be selected for coaching

Allen Career Institute will provide coaching at no charge to the students

Raipur , TNINS 

Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel will launch the innovative 'Swami Atmanand Coaching' scheme of the School Education Department on October 3 at 11 am from his residence office through video conferencing. The coaching will offer classes for the preparation of competitive examinations for engineering and medical.

School Education Minister Mr.Ravindra Choubey and senior officials of the department will attend the program. Under this scheme, the renowned Allen Career Institute has agreed to provide free coaching under CSR.

Chhattisgarh Government and Allen Institute will sign an MoU to offer online coaching to top-performing 12th-grade students in state-run schools for competitive exams. Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel announced this initiative during Independence Day celebrations, aiming to support government school students in engineering and medical entrance exams. This partnership aims to enhance educational opportunities for these students, addressing critical exam preparation needs.

The School Education Department will initiate the Atmanand Coaching Scheme, offering coaching to students who achieved a minimum of 60 percent marks in 10th grade and are pursuing 12th grade. This program will be accessible through 140 coaching centres spread across 146 development headquarters and four cities, including Raipur, Durg, Bilaspur, and Korba. It aims to provide online coaching for comprehensive preparation for pre-engineering IIT and pre-medical NEET exams, facilitated by the SCERT. District education officers, under the guidance of the Department of Public Instructions, have started establishing coaching centres to implement this initiative effectively. 

The 'Swami Atmanand Coaching' Scheme will admit students based on merit. Eligible candidates must be regular 12th-grade students in government schools within their development block or city. Specifically, those in the biology and mathematics streams at development block headquarters schools are eligible. Each coaching centre will enrol 75 to 100 students, with a maximum of 50 students selecting for pre-medical and pre-engineering courses, emphasising academic excellence in these fields.

Online classes, to be conducted by the SCERT in Raipur, are scheduled from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Detailed guidelines have been provided to the subject expert, nodal officer, and principals. These classes will feature regular student assessments and teacher observations. Parental feedback will also be provided to them. Notably, the online classes will facilitate two-way communication, allowing students to engage with subject experts by asking questions, enhancing the learning experience.

Specialised classes for the JEE and NEET exams will be held at Atmanand Schools and various state-run schools. Each coaching centre will feature dedicated teachers and a chief nodal officer or senior lecturer for subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. The program will involve online coaching institutes, analysis of student report cards, and feedback from both students and parents. Additionally, monitoring officers will oversee and intensively monitor the program's implementation for optimal results.

 Women's safety is top priority in Chhattisgarh : Chief Minister Mr Bhupesh Baghel

Effective Law and Order has made Chhattisgarh  a bastion of peace

Significant decline in Naxal activities, Chhattisgarh is the only state in the country to have recovered and returned the money duped by chit fund companies

Raipur, TNINS 

Moving forward on the basic mantra of justice (NYAY), trust (Vishwas) and security (Suraksha) in the state to attain the goal of "Gadbo Nava Chhattisgarh", Chief Minister Mr Bhupesh Baghel has maintained the policy of zero tolerance against crimes in the last five years.  Under the direction of Chief Minister Mr Bhupesh Baghel, the basic policing of the state has won the trust of the public and crimes have been curbed in the state with zero tolerance.

 Women's safety top priority

 In Chhattisgarh, there has been a 40 percent decrease in crimes against women from 2019 to now, as compared to year 2015 to 2018.  Paying special attention towards women's safety, Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel has recently made a major announcement of banning the people accused of raping women from government jobs.  To curb crime against women, separate women police stations have been established in 4 districts of the state.  Also, women cells are being operated in 455 police stations and posts.

Decline in Naxal activities

Chief Minister Mr Baghel's leadership has rejuvanted the confidence and morale of Chhattisgarh Police. Consequently,  there has been a decline of 52 percent in the Naxal incidents from the year 2018 to the year 2022.  As many as 314 schools that remained shut down  for one and a half decades due to Naxalite violence have been renovated and reopened.  Total 589 villages have become Naxal free and more than 5.74 lakh people have been freed from violence and terror.

 Crack down on online gambling, the only state in the country to recover and return chit fund money

 To prevent the influence of gambling and betting in Chhattisgarh, strict provisions have been included in the Gambling Prohibition Act in the state. This includes a provision of punishment for online gambling as well.  Chhattisgarh Police is conducting a special campaign against narcotics, due to which drug smuggling has been effectively controlled.  Chhattisgarh is the only state in the country to ensure justice to those who lost their hard-earned money to fraud chit fund companies. Chhattisgarh Government took strict action against such companies, recovered the money and returned it to the investors.

 Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel commends new generation's enthusiasm in sustaining annual tradition of 'Jhankis'

Joins the grand 'Jhanki' event at Jaistambh Chowk

Wishes for happiness and prosperity from Lord Ganesha for state residents'

Raipur, TNINS 

Every year during Ganeshotsav, the capital's residents eagerly await the beautiful Lord Ganesha 'Jhankis' (tableaux). This tradition holds great significance in Raipur, with the entire city staying awake at night to see these captivating representations of Lord Ganesha in the grand 'Jhanki' event. Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel, along with fellow Raipur citizens, immersed himself in the religious fervor, enjoyed the display of 'Jhankis,' and offered prayers to Lord Ganesha.

He extended his heartfelt congratulations to the committee members, commending them for creating a stunning 'Jhankis'. He emphasized that this initiative would provide the new generation with valuable insights into their cultural heritage. Lauding the efforts of the committees, Shri Baghel stated that they had faithfully upheld this tradition for years, which was possibly initiated by older generations in their respective localities. This is truly a welcoming move.

During this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Baghel took a glimpse of various forms of Lord Ganesha presented in the 'Jhankis'.

The prominent Jhankis showcased representations of Lord Vishnu and the iconic 'Dahi-Handi' ceremony encapsulating the playful and adventurous spirit of Lord Krishna, among others.

Present on the occasion were Parliamentary Secretary Shri Vikas Upadhyay, Raipur Mayor Shri Aijaz Dhebar, and Chairman of Mineral Development Corporation Shri Girish Dewangan, along with other dignitaries and a large number of citizens.

 International Day of Older Persons : "Senior citizens are the pillars of society, their experiences illuminate the path for future generations": Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel

Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel honours senior citizens with shawls and fruits basket

Chief Minister distributes 825 assistive devices to senior citizens 6500

Raipur, TNINS 

On the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel honored senior citizens at the Sardar Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur. Chief Minister Shri Baghel personally Interacted with the elderly with empathy, and honoured them. On this occasion, he also provided 825 assistive devices, including electronic wheelchairs, glasses, and hearing aids, to More than 6500 senior citizens from all districts were present at this event.

On the occasion of International Day of Older Persons, Chief Minister Shri Baghel greeted the people and stated that human life has three main stages - childhood, youth, and old age. The old age of a person is the culmination of their lifelong knowledge and experiences, it is the accumulation of their lifelong perseverance. That is why elders are the pillars of the society. The gleam of their experiences is what guides the younger generations forward. It is mentioned in the Shastras that serving elders increases life span, knowledge, fame and strength.

Shri Baghel stated that in the new era, traditional values are gradually eroding. Those who have worked hard and sacrificed throughout their lives are often neglected in today's society. The state government has initiated a SIYAN Helpline number to provide assistance to senior citizens. This helpline can also be used by differently-abled individuals, widows, and transgender persons. An allocation of Rs. 1 crore has been made in the budget for the setup of this Help Line Center and toll-free number. Till now, more than 76,000 calls have been received on the helpline, out of which 1493 calls have been made by senior citizens. He stated, "We are pleased that through this helpline center, we are able to assist senior citizens"

Shri Baghel has mentioned that the state government has increased the monthly pension amount under the Social Security Pension Scheme for the destitute, senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, widows, and abandoned women from Rs. 350 to Rs.500 per month. More than 13 lakh senior citizens in the state are benefiting from the Monthly Pension Scheme. In addition to this, the state government has also distributed 49,000 essential assistive devices to senior citizens. A separate pension scheme for state government employees has been initiated to provide support to them in their old age.

The Chief Minister stated that the state government is operating the SIYAN Jatan Clinic for the healthcare of senior citizens. Special OPD and Panchakarma services are also being provided for senior citizens in the state's Ayurvedic hospitals. In the state, Sri Dhanwantari Generic Medical Stores are offering quality medicines at up to 72% lower prices. He further said that this scheme is benefiting our senior citizens as well.

Shri Baghel has made an appeal to everyone to make an effort to understand the issues and concerns of senior citizens within their families and communities. He emphasizes that serving the elderly is more significant than any form of worship or devotion. Their blessings are indeed the most valuable reward. Senior citizens hope for the same love from us that they have given us throughout our lives.

Minister for Social Welfare Mrs. Anila Bhediya, while extending her best wishes for International Day of Older Persons, mentioned that Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel is diligently addressing the concerns of senior citizens, the destitute, differently-abled individuals, farmers, and every section of society. Despite the Central Government not providing funds, the state government has given advance approval for various schemes, which has ensured the smooth functioning of these initiatives.

During the program, 825 assistive devices were provided to senior citizens, including 25 electronic wheelchairs, 600 hearing aids, and 200 pairs of glasses. Children from the Divyang Mahavidyalaya in Raipur presented patriotic songs during the event. A free health camp was set up for senior citizens, where hearing and eye examinations were conducted, and glasses were distributed. Additionally, the Department of Social Welfare had set up a stall to provide information about various schemes for senior citizens.  Parliamentary Secretary Smt. Rashmi Ashish Singh, Parliamentary Secretary Shri Vikas Upadhyay, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Yoga Commission Shri Gyanesh Sharma, MLA Shri Satyanarayan Sharma, District Panchayat President Mrs. Domeshwari Verma, and the Secretary of the Social Welfare Department Shri Amrit Khalho, along with a large number of senior citizens were present.