'Bharat Vibhuti Samman' will be awarded to 31 eminent personalities

New Delhi, 31 March 2023 (Agency ) 'Bharat Vibhuti Samman'  will be awarded to 31 eminent personalities this year. The personalities from different fields will be included in this. 

This award will be given on behalf of 'Amrendra Foundation' an organization playing a significant role in the field of social service, at a grand function to be organized in June at Constitution Club of India in the national capital. Presently, the entries are being invited. 

This information was given by the co-founder of foundation and senior journalist Navesh Kumar here today.  He informed that a committee of experts has been formed for the selection, which includes social workers, former judges, senior journalists and educationists. 

He also said that along with this, special category awards will be given to those youths who have made special contribution to social service in various fields.  (L.S)

 Jharkhand's renowned philanthropist Luthfal Haque received twin honors in Malaysia for his commercial success and outstanding contribution to social service

TNINS 

He is already at the pinnacle of fame. He has been awarded various honors from different parts of India. Now a new feather has been added to his crown. He got two honors together. He was awarded the Indo Global Excellence Award 2023 by the US organization Global Human Rights Council for his outstanding contribution to social service. 

Commonwealth University also awarded him an honorary doctorate for commercial success. The event was organized by the Commonwealth University at a five-star hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Former Education Minister of Malaysia, renowned educationist, entrepreneur Mr. Dr. Majli Malik was present as the chief guest on the occasion. On this day Mr. Luthfal Haque was presented with an honorary doctorate degree and Indo Global Excellence Award 2023 by the Commonwealth University by Dr. Majli Malik, the former Minister of Education of Malaysia.

Mr. Luthfal Haque was born in a very poor family. To earn a living, he started working as a day laborer in a stone quarry. He started his career as a day laborer but had big dreams in his eyes. Mr. Luthful Haque dreamed of being successful one day in life. Through long hard work and dedication, he is currently working with a reputation as a successful businessman across the country. Due to his hard work and never looking back habit, Luthfal Haque is not only in Jharkhand, but his commercial success and humanitarian service is being talked about all over the country outside of Jharkhand. This is the first time Dr. Malik Luthfal Haque's humanitarian service in foreign soil. Dr. Malik said, Mr. Luthfal Haque has become a hero from zero. He struggled with poverty as a child and teenager. Today he is a successful businessman on a large scale. But he did not forget about the poverty of his childhood. So he is still engaged in the service of thousands of poor and distressed people. Mr. Malik said, Luthfal Haq's social service will inspire many people. The event was organized at the five-star hotel Swiss Garden Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Many dignitaries from India including America, Australia, Philippines, New Zealand, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia were present. It may be noted that Lutfal Haque was previously honored for his outstanding contribution to society by the All India Journalists Protection Committee in Mumbai in the field of social service, where his social service was published in various Mumbai newspapers and TV channels. Moreover, a couple of months ago, Lutphal Haque was honored with the Bengal International Excellence Award for his selfless work in social service at a five-star hotel in Kolkata. Bollywood's legendary actress Sharmila Tagore presented this prestigious honor. Luthfal Haque received two awards on the soil of Malaysia today, there is a flood of praise throughout Jharkhand and Bengal.  Many luminaries of society have congratulated Luthfal Haq on receiving this award. Meanwhile Luthfal Haque in his characteristic manner says, I have struggled with poverty in my childhood, I have seen poverty very closely. Today I am successful as a businessman, so I have not forgotten the poor people. Luthfal said, as long as I live on earth, I will serve the poor and helpless people.

Discussed the action plan for the G-20 group meeting to be held in Chhattisgarh

The Prime Minister mentioned the Holi festival organized at CM House to the Chief Minister

Raipur, TNINS

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday and discussed about several pending issues including speedy census, GST compensation and coal royalty.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister mentioned the Holi festival celebration organized at CM House. The Prime Minister said that we saw you singing Fag on Holi.

Chief Minister Mr. Baghel said that he has urged the Prime Minister to conduct the census as soon as possible. He said that there is a problem in the selection of beneficiaries due to lack of census after 2011. Many eligible beneficiaries are being deprived of the benefits of the schemes. A letter was also written to the Prime Minister earlier in this regard.

During the meeting, CM Baghel presented a symbol of the Chhattisgarh state animal, ‘The Indian Wild Buffalo’ to the Prime Minister.

CM also discussed the action plan for the G-20 group meeting to be held in Chhattisgarh with the PM. 

CM Bhupesh Baghel informed that the fourth permanent finance working group meeting of G-20 is going to be held in Chhattisgarh in September. A discussion was held with PM Modi regarding its preparation. He told that guidance has also been received from the Prime Minister regarding the meeting.

CM Baghel said, "I have assured the Prime Minister of providing world-class arrangements for the guests of G-20."

According to CM Bhupesh Baghel, by hosting G-20, Chhattisgarh will get an opportunity to showcase the art and culture of the state in front of dignitaries across the world.

While appreciating the ongoing Millet Mission, Chief Minister also informed PM about starting of Millet Cafe in Raipur and other cities of Chhattisgarh following the suggestion given by him in the last meeting.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister also discussed with the Prime Minister the provisions of the budget presented in Chhattisgarh recently, in which light metro service from Nava Raipur to Durg, construction of Aerocity in Raipur was discussed with the Prime Minister. 

CM also discussed various pending demands including, GST compensation and coal royalty.

CM Baghel said that the recovery of additional levy from the coal blocks canceled by the Supreme Court in 2014 has been received by the Central Government. The Central Government has been requested several times to transfer the amount of Rs. 4170 crores recovered from the coal blocks of Chhattisgarh state to the state, but the amount is yet to be received. He requested the Prime Minister to transfer the amount to the state at the earliest. 

During the meeting, Mr Baghel told PM Modi that like other producing states, Chhattisgarh is also facing shortfall in commercial tax revenue after GST implementation. 

Rs 1375 crore is yet to be payable to the Chhattisgarh from the date of implementation till June 30, 2022. This amount should be given to the state soon, CM said.

Chhattisgarh CM presents 'budget of trust’, gives unemployment allowance of Rs 2500 per month

Announcement of Light metro service from Nava Raipur to Durg in the budget

Bhupesh Baghel gives gifts for farmers, laborers and youth in the budget

Raipur, 06 March 2023 TNINS 

Chief Minister Mr Bhupesh Baghel reached the Vidhan Sabha premise with a briefcase. The briefcase had a portrait of Chhattisgarh Mahtari and Kamdhenu on it, made from cow dung paint made in Gauthan. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Mr Bhupesh Baghel presented a budget of more than Rs one lakh 120 thousand crores for the year 2023-24 for the state.

While presenting the budget in the assembly, Chief Minister mentioned the Chhattisgarh model. He said that this budget is a strong step towards fulfilling the objectives included in the Chhattisgarh model based on agriculture and rural economy.

Four new medical colleges will be opened in the state

Four medical colleges have been announced to promote health facilities in the state. New medical colleges will be established in Manendragarh, Gidam, Janjgir Champa and Kabirdham districts. A provision of Rs 200 crore has been made for this in the budget.

101 New Swami Atmanand English medium schools

Swami Atmanand English Medium School Scheme started in the year 2020-21 with the aim of providing excellent education in English to the students of government schools. At present, 02 lakh 38 thousand 961 students are studying in 247 English medium and 32 Hindi medium Swami Atmanand schools. A proposal has been made to open 101 new Swami Atmanand English medium schools with a provision of Rs 08 hundred 70 crores for the scheme.

Chhattisgarh Budget Highlights:

 Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Bhoomiheen Krishi Mazdoor Nyay Yojana will be extended to the rural areas as well as the Nagar Panchayat areas this year.

A new scheme will be started to give unemployment allowance to the educated unemployed.  12th pass youth between the age group of 18 to 35 years registered in employment and registration Center, whose family's annual income is less than Rs 2, 50,000 will get Rs 2500 per month for a maximum period of 02 years. For this provision, 250 crores have been made.

The amount of monthly pension given under the Social Security Pension Scheme to elderly, disabled, and widow and abandoned women has been increased to Rs 500 from Rs 350 per month.

For the nutrition and vaccination of women and children, the amount of monthly honorarium given to Anganbadi workers working in 46,666 Anganwadi centers across the state has been increased to Rs 10,000 from Rs 6,500 every month. Honorarium of Anganbadi assistants has been increased from Rs 3,500 to Rs 5,000.

The honorarium of mini Anganbadi workers has been increased to Rs 7, 500 from Rs 4, 500 every month.

Additional Rs. 2,200 will be given per month to Mitanin Sisters, who  cooperate in the implementation of every major-minor scheme of the health department, promote institutional delivery and provide healthcare to pregnant women.

Village Kotwars are given honorariums at different rates according to the size of the service land. The amount of pre-existing honorarium has been increased from Rs.2250 to Rs.3000, from Rs. 33075 to Rs.40500, from Rs.4500 to Rs.5500, and from Rs.4050 to Rs. 6000 per month. The amount of the monthly honorarium being given to  'Patel' of a village will be increased from Rs 02 thousand to Rs 03 thousand. The government has made a provision to give Rs. 3,000 to Gram Patels.

Under the mid-day meal programme, the honorarium being given to cooks who prepare mid-day meals in schools has been increased from Rs One thousand 5 hundred to Rs One thousand 08 hundred per month. The honorarium of sanitation workers working in schools will also be increased from Rs 2500 to Rs 2800 per month.

The honorarium of Home Guard jawans who assist in maintaining law and order during state festivals, calamities and various administrative works has been increased from a minimum of Rs 6 thousand 300 to a maximum of Rs 6 thousand 420 per month.

An honorarium of Rs.750 and Rs.500 will be given to the members of the steering committee of self-supporting Gauthans. Only non-official members will be eligible for this honorarium.

The amount of assistance given under ‘Mukhya Mantri Kanya Vivah Yojana’ will be increased from 25 thousand to 50 thousand. A provision of Rs 38 crores has been made in the budget for this.

Priority will be given to the works of infrastructure development for the development of modern and high-quality basic facilities in the urban areas of the state. A provision of Rs 1 thousand crore has been made for various urban infrastructure construction works in urban areas.

On the lines of Mahatma Gandhi Rural Industrial Park, industrial parks will be established in urban areas as well. A provision of Rs 50 crores has been made for encouraging the establishment of small-scale and cottage industries in industrial parks.

Proposal to start light metro service from Nava Raipur, Atal Nagar to Durg to provide easy, cheap and modern means of transportation to the people of the state.

Swami Atmanand English Medium School Scheme was started in the year 2020-21 to provide an excellent education in English medium to the students in government schools. At present, 02 lakh 38 thousand 961 students are studying in 247 English medium and 32 Hindi medium Swami Atmanand schools. A proposal has been made to open 101 new Swami Atmanand English medium schools with a provision of Rs 08 hundred 70 crores for the scheme.

A provision of Rs 200 crore has been made to establish new medical colleges in Manendragarh, Geedam, Janjgir Champa and Kabirdham districts.  A new thermal power station will be set up in Korba West. For this, a provision of 25 crores has been made in the budget.

New Delhi, (PTI) AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain, both of whom resigned from the Delhi cabinet on Tuesday, were key faces of the city government and were instrumental in steering the national capital through the COVID-19 crisis.

AAP's second-in-command, Sisodia was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation on Sunday in connection with alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi excise policy for 2021-22.

Jain was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in May last year in a money laundering case.

Number of MFP collectors increased from 1.5 lakh to over 6 lakh

Quantity of purchase of minor forest produce has increased by more than 78 times

Chhattisgarh government procuring Kodo, Kutki, and Ragi at support price

Raipur TNINS 

Chhattisgarh Government has done unprecedented work in the areas of employment, self-employment, better management of local resources, and entrepreneurship development. Over the past four years, the benefits of government schemes have reached the needy people residing in rural and remote forest areas, resulting in significant benefits to the state's tribal communities and people belonging to rural, farmer, labor, and artisan categories. The result of the Chhattisgarh government's welfare policies is that every section of society in the state is becoming economically empowered and prosperous. Several significant works have been undertaken in the direction of strengthening the rights of forest dwellers and tribal people living in the forest areas of Chhattisgarh. This includes boosting their income through minor forest produce and forest-based activities.

In a first, Kodo, Kutki, and Ragi has been procured at support prices in the state. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel, the Millet Mission is also being implemented to promote minor cereal crops. In Chhattisgarh, 74 per cent of the country's minor forest produce is collected. In the interest of the MFP collectors, the state has decided to increase the number of minor forest produce purchased at support price from 7 to 65, which is nine times more, resulting in more than a four-fold increase in the number of collectors over the past four years. In 2018-19, the number of MFP collectors was 1.5 lakh, which has now increased to 6 lahks. The quantity of minor forest produce purchased has also increased by more than 78 times, with a total of 42,000 metric tonnes purchased in 2021-22, compared to just 540 metric tonnes in 2018-19.

Among all the states in the country, Chhattisgarh has the highest participation in minor forest produce collection. This year, the state government has paid Rs 120 crore to the MFP collectors. In the last four years, nearly 13 lakh Tendupatta collectors and 06 lakh minor forest produce collectors have earned an additional annual income of Rs 250 crore as a result of the public welfare schemes of the Chhattisgarh government. Along with the collection, processing of minor forest produce is being done through 129 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras. Besides, a total of 6 C-Marts and 30 Sanjeevani Kendras have been established on the initiative of the Chief Minister for the sale of 134 herbal products under the brand name 'Chhattisgarh Herbals'. 

Chhattisgarh government has created better provisions regarding the PESA law in comparison to other states so that local self-governance can be strengthened in forest areas and people living in the forest can receive more rights. The government has made numerous efforts to increase employment and self-employment opportunities for tribals and boost their income.

Keeping in view the interest of the collectors, the collection rate for tendu leaf has been increased from Rs.2500 to Rs.4000 per standard bag. A remuneration of Rs.2146.75 crore has been paid to tendu leaf collectors and Rs 339.27 crore as incentive remuneration in 4 years. Under the Shaheed Mahendra Karma Tendupatta Sangrahak Samajik Suraksha Yojana, assistance worth Rs 71.02 crore has been provided to 4692 beneficiaries. Chhattisgarh is also the leading state in the country in the implementation of forest rights. Chhattisgarh government has given the status of agriculture to lac production and has also implemented a scheme to provide short-term loans to lac farmers, as a result of which today they are becoming financially strong.

People upset due to  piles of garbage everywhere in Delhi.

-------------------------------------

Dr.Samrendra Pathak

Senior Journalist.

New Delhi, 9 February 2023(Agency).The cleanliness system has broken down in many areas of the capital Delhi. Despite millions of efforts, there is heaps of garbage everywhere. Especially the situation around the garbage houses is very bad. Complaints are also being made to the officials of the corporation everyday.

Especially the condition of some areas of East Delhi is very bad. The condition of densely populated Seelampur, Jafrabad, Gokalpuri, Seemapuri etc. is very bad. The condition of Laxminagar, Pandavnagar, New Ashoknagar etc. is also not good. Vehicles do come, but the conditions around the garbage houses are very bad.

Begum Shakeela Afzal, corporator of Seelampur Ward 225, said that in this regard, she has complained several times to the top officials of the corporation. Earlier, the corporation personnel were responsible for the disposal of garbage. Action was taken against their negligence, but now this responsibility is with a private company.

Begum Shakeela told that the condition of her ward is even worse. Because it is a densely populated area. People have to face a lot of difficulties due to the garbage and construction works at various places. She complains about these problems daily to the corporation. from the top officials of All Municipal Corporation Sanitation Supervisors Union Regd. Mukesh Kumar Vaidh, Founder President, told that the cleaning workers are not being given any necessary equipment. On the other hand, instead of improving, the situation has worsened due to the award of the contract to a private company in the year 2019.

Seelampur Ward 225's ASI Mr. Kumar said that we have to send photos and reports about the kudos to the authorities on a daily basis. Information about these situations has been given to the corporation commissioner and other senior officials several times.

Supreme Court lawyer Keshav Chaudhary told that if the condition of the country's capital is like this in the matter of cleanliness, then what will happen to other places? This campaign has become like a mask. The court has expressed concern about this issue many times.LS.

Write to Diya Mali

Huge disappointment  for people in every segment, says CM

Raipur, TNINS 

Describing the budget as disappointing, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel said that through this budget, the central government has once again shattered the dreams, hopes and aspirations of the common people as the Union Budget has no special provisions for the youth, farmers, laborers and women of the country.

The government at the center has opened a box of empty promises for the upcoming elections in many states. Neither the MSP of the farmers has increased, nor has the youth got an employment guarantee.

He said that there is recession, poverty, unemployment and inflation in the economy. Instead of immediate and quick relief, the government wants to divert people's attention from the problems of the present by showing hollow dreams of the future.

He said that this budget has been prepared keeping in view the upcoming elections only. An attempt has been made to woo the voters of Karnataka with this budget.

CM Baghel said that the people of Chhattisgarh have also been disappointed by the budget. New train routes were expected from Ambikapur, Jagdalpur, but nothing was given in the budget.

Various trains from Chhattisgarh were canceled for months, many stoppages were removed, and due to the closure of the services of these trains, passengers faced a lot of inconveniences but no provision was made for this. Moreover, nothing was announced by FM Sitharaman for the welfare of the tribals.

The Finance Minister did not specify any measure relief in the field of agriculture. 2023 has been announced as Millet year, but MSP on Millet was not talked about in the budget, while on the other side, Chhattisgarh has declared a minimum support price on 52 crops.

It would not be wrong to say that the Central government has forgotten about the welfare of the farmers.

CM further said that giving Railways the highest-ever capital outlay hike of 75 percent with an allocation of Rs 2.4 lakh crore is surprising. Maybe before privatizing railways, the government is trying to give railways some makeover just like they did with the airports, he asserted.

Chief Minister Baghel said that today the prices of gas and oil have increased so much, no concrete steps have been taken in the budget for alternative energy. The problem of those states is not being taken care of, where alternative energy can be prepared by making ethanol from stubble.

He said that he has been writing to the Prime Minister since the beginning in this regard.

New Delhi, Feb 1 (PTI) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday announced hiking the capital expenditure by 33 per cent to Rs 10 lakh crore for infrastructure development for 2023-24 and will be at 3.3 per cent of the GDP.

Presenting the Budget for 2023-24, she said the newly established infrastructure finance secretariat will assist in attracting more private investment.

An expert committee will also be set up to make infrastructure classification and financing framework suitable for Amrit Kaal, she added.

Director Mr. Chaubey unfurled the National Flag in the Directorate of Public Relations*

Raipur, TNINS

On the occasion of Republic Day, Mr. Saumil Ranjan Chaubey, the Director of Public Relations, unfurled the national flag in the Directorate office premises located in Chhotapara. He extended his best wishes of Republic Day to all the officers and employees.

The Additional Director Mr. J.L. Dariyo and Mr. Sanjeev Tiwari, Joint Director Mr. Alok Dev, Mr. Pankaj Gupta, Mr. Santosh Maurya, Joint Director (Finance) Mr. Prabhat Lakra, and other officers/employees of the Directorate were present on the occasion. 

*We have inherited unshakable courage for justice: Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel*

*Chief Minister's announcement: Fortified rice will now be available in all the districts of the state from the month of April*

Chhattisgarh is the leading state in the country in terms of procuring paddy from maximum number of farmers*

Bastar is riding high on the wave of development*

TNINS

Raipur 26 January 2023 / Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel has said that every word of our constitution is written with the unwavering intention of ensuring justice for all. With this unshakable courage that we have inherited for justice, we have made it the main mantra of our state government. We have considered it our first duty to provide justice to the weakest sections of the society and to empower them. It is because of this faith in justice, we have been able to serve Chhattisgarh Mahtari and all the sections of society with dedication.

On the auspicious occasion of the 74th Republic Day, Mr. Baghel hoisted the National flag amidst an atmosphere of joy and gaiety in the main function organized at the Lalbagh Maidan of Jagdalpur, Bastar district headquarters. On this occasion, Chief Minister Mr. Baghel has extended best wishes to the people of the state and a guard of honor was also given by the Armed Forces personnel on the occasion.

Taking another big step to ensure nutritional security in the state, on this occasion, Chief Minister Mr. Baghel made an announcement regarding the nutritional fortified rice which contains iron folic acid. This fortified rice is being distributed in 12 districts under Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Supplemental Nutrition Diet Scheme. Mr. Baghel announced that the distribution of fortified will be commenced for all PDS ration card holders in all the districts from April 2023. Mr. Baghel also announced free distribution of monthly entitlement rice from January 2023 to December 2023 to Antyodaya, priority, single destitute(ekal nirihkshit) and disabled(nihshaktjan) ration card holders.

Addressing this occasion, Chief Minister read out a message focusing on the works, policies, plans and achievements being made by the state government for the constant development of Chhattisgarh. AT the onset, he respectfully paid homage to the great sons of Chhattisgarh Mahtari, namely Amar Shaheed Thakur Gaind Singh, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, and Veer Gundadhur. He said that these brave sons living in remote forests of Chhattisgarh contributed significantly in our national movement and linked the honor of Chhattisgarh Mahtari with the honor of Mother India. It is our ultimate duty to remember the martyrdom of lakhs of such sons and daughters who fought for the freedom of Mother India. The country will forever be grateful to the freedom fighters like Mangal Pandey, Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Ramprasad Bismil, Ashfaqullah Khan, Rani Laxmibai, Rani Avantibai Lodhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Lal-Bal-Pal and their companions.

Chief Minister said that we are descendants of great freedom fighters and the makers of the Constitution. Our forefathers have given numerous sacrifices in the freedom struggle in order to maintain the unity and integrity of the country by preserving the values and virtues of harmony in the country. Those who see themselves by joining this collective spirit, only those people can understand the importance of our heritage. That's why I would like you all to inform the new generation about the freedom struggle and the values of the Constitution. As long as the country continues to run according to this constitution, only then the freedom of every individual in the country will be achieved. It is because of our constitution that our country is called a democratic republic. It is the constitution that ensures the boon of justice, liberty, equality, dignity, and fraternity to all the citizens. He further said that the contribution of personalities like Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, First President Dr. Rajendra Prasad, First Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, First Minister of Law and Justice, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, First Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,  first education minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi can never be forgotten.

Here many freedom fighters like Pt. Ravishankar Shukla, Thakur Pyarelal Singh, Babu Chhote Lal Srivastava, Dr. Khubchand Baghel, Pt. Sundarlal Sharma, Dr. E. Raghavendra Rao, Krantikumar, Barrister Chhedilal, Lochan Prasad Pandey, Yatiyatan Lal, Dr. Radhabai, Pt. Vamanrao Lakhe, Mahant Lakshminarayan Das, Anantram Barchiha, Maulana Abdul Rauf Khan, Hanuman Singh, Rohinibai Parganiha, Kektibai Baghel, Mrs. Belabai, Indru Kenwat, Udayram Verma, Khilawan Singh Baghel, Ghasia Mandal, Banshilal Baghel, Ramlal Verma, Ayodhya Prasad Kashyap, Dorilal Baghel, Sakharam Tiwari, Khubiram Kashyap, Ramakant Dubey, Ramprasad Potai, Dhaniram Verma, Parasram Soni, Lal Kalendra Singh, Hedma Manjhi, Dhurvaram Madia, Aswaram Verma, Kejau Kotwar, Daulat Ram Sahu, Rameshwar Verma, Chuganuram Verma, Lakhan Ram Verma,  Sirasingh Nirmal had ensured Chhattisgarh's active participation in the national movement, and I salute all of them for their valor.

Chief Minister said that we were sure that with the formation of Chhattisgarh, new avenues would be created to provide benefits of the precious resources of tribal-dominated areas to the local people, but ironically this could not happen earlier. Beautiful dreams were shown in the name of bringing big investments, neither the investment happened, nor the dreams were fulfilled. We have proved that stopping the development of tribal areas in the name of big investments was never a good idea. Natural resources, forest resources and the power of local human resources can make a big difference. After joining the state government, we made numerous sincere efforts for change from day one, the result of which is in front of all of you.

Chief Minister said that all the important rights that were given to the general public and justice was provided in an independent India, all these steps were possible due to the great thinking of those who led the freedom movement and their descendants. The Forest Rights Act is also one such law which was implemented by our leaders in the country, which could have improved the lives of Scheduled Tribes and traditional forest dwellers, but this law was not implemented in the state with the right will. Forest rights claims were largely denied and many provisions were not implemented at all.

*Leased forest land became a means of livelihood for 5 lakh families*

Chief Minister further said that today I am happy to say that we have increased the total area of the land given under forest rights letters from 11 lakh to 40 lakh hectare in just four years. For the first time in the state and the country, we took the initiative of giving community forest resource rights letters and forest rights letters in urban areas as well. In this way, with dedicated efforts, we have freed more than 5 lakh families from uncertainty, and provided them employment opportunities along with the benefits of various schemes. We have given eligibility to forest rights holders for various welfare schemes. For effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 13 thousand 586 village level forest rights committees and subdivision and district level committees have been constituted. Similarly, we have also started giving habitat rights to especially vulnerable tribes from Dhamtari district.

*Procurement of 65 forest produce at support price*

Chief Minister said that he was very sorry to see that the people who have been protecting nature and forest produce were deprived of their own rights. We have worked on all the aspects of minor forest produce to provide justice to the tribal populace. Earlier, only 7 kinds of forest produce were being procured at support price, we have increased this number to 65 while also increasing the minimum support price. We have also ensured proper arrangements in the procurement centers, and now we are procuring 75 percent of the country's minor forest prod

*Tendupatta collection remuneration increased to Rs.4000 per standard bag*

Tendupatta collection remuneration was increased from Rs. 2500 to Rs. 4000 per standard bag, as a result the total amount paid to the tendupatta collectors increased from Rs. 1 thousand 500 crore to Rs. 2 thousand 521 crore. We have also inspired the tribal families to take the cash crops with high demand in the market, and in this way we are promoting advanced farming among the tribal communities.

*562 food processing units established in the state*

Besides returning the land in Lohandiguda, we decided to set up forest produce processing centers in the entire state. Presently, 134 types of herbal products are being produced in 50 such centers in the state, which are being sold through e-commerce platforms as well as in Sanjeevani Kendra, C-Mart etc. established in the state. In just four years, various plots of lands have been identified for the establishment of food parks in 112 development blocks of the state and land transfer has been done in 52 development blocks till now. In this way, 562 food-processing units have been established in the state.

*Procurement of Kodo, Kutki, Ragi at support price*

*Millet Farmers are also availing the benefits of Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana*

Chief Minister informed that maximum cultivation of millets takes place in the forest areas, but due to lack of proper pricing and marketing facilities, tribal and rural farmers could not reap the benefits from Millet farming. We have provided assistance to the farmers who cultivate millets and other crops. We have declared support price for Kodo, Kutki, Ragi procurement, and have brought these crops under the scope of 'Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana'. We have launched 'Chhattisgarh Millet Mission' to promote the cultivation and consumption of millets in the state.  An MoU was also signed to initiate  necessary  research in the sector to boost productivity of millets in 14 districts. 

*New measures for the development of all classes*

We have taken new measures for the development of scheduled tribes, scheduled castes and other backward classes in the state. Many initiatives such as 'Adarsh Hostel Scheme', 'Eklavya Adarsh Residential School Scheme', Scholarship Scheme', 'Chaatr Bhojan Sahayta  Yojana, 'Rajiv Yuva Utthan Yojana', 'Rajiv Gandhi Bal Bhavishya Suraksha Yojana, 'Jawahar Vidyarthi Utkarsh Yojana' have been taken in this direction. These schemes have significantly improved the education facilities in the state and provided the required support to the students. Initiatives like 'National Tribal Dance Festival', declaration of public holiday on 'World Tribal Day' and establishment of 'Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Museum' have played an important role in promoting the cultural heritage of these sections of the society.

Chief Minister said that imbibing the importance of Devguri and Ghotul, we have increased the financial provision for their development. Mandals have been formed to take appropriate initiatives for increasing the income of the communities engaged in various traditional works. Under 'Chirag Project', work has been started in 14 tribal-dominated districts to provide benefits of agriculture and to create agriculture related opportunities for the local people. The laws of the country, which were not used earlier to provide relief to the tribal communities of the state, are now being implemented effectively in the state on the initiative of Chhattisgarh Government. We have become the fifth state in the country to frame rules for the PESA Act. We have also fulfilled the promise of providing relief to tribal families by releasing the tribesmen who were in jail due to unnecessary litigation.

Chief Minister said that we have adopted a special strategy to meet the basic needs like electricity, water, education, health, ration, nutrition, employment, road construction, as well as the recruitment in the 'Bastar Fighters' force in tribal-dominated areas. Objective of this strategy is to immediately resolve the grievances and to reduce the gap between people and administration. Strategic efforts of the government and the administration have helped in curbing Naxal activities in the region. As a result, people here now have a peaceful normal life. And now with renovation and reopening of 300 schools after 13 years, Bastar is no more a ‘Naxalgarh’ but has rather become a 'Vikasgarh'.

*Every year, new records of paddy procurement are being made every year *

Chief Minister said that with the formation of Chhattisgarh state, farmers and villagers had hoped that they would get their due respect along with financial empowerment, but in reality they were cheated. Four years ago, we took the pledge that 'Dhani Dharti ke Dhanwan Kisano Ko Dhanwan Banaenge' (we will make farmers rich and prosperous). I am happy to mention that record breaking quantity of paddy is being procured every year. From 56 lakh 88 thousand metric tons to more than one crore metric tons in just four years we have set a new record every year in paddy procurement. This is because of hard work and determination. For example, four years ago only 15 lakh 77 thousand farmers had registered, which has now increased to 25 lakh. Earlier the registered area for selling paddy was only 24 lakh 46 thousand hectare, which has now increased to more than 32 lakh.

*Chhattisgarh is leading in terms of deposition of rice in central pool*

Chief Minister said that earlier the number of procurement centers were only 1, 899, which has now been increased to 2, 497. Besides, to resolve the problems like shortage of gunny bags, token, weighing, payment, we introduced an online token system and made several arrangements to make the process of paddy procurement more dignified, peaceful and systematic for the farmers. With this, Chhattisgarh has become the leading state in the country in terms of procuring paddy from maximum number of farmers in the country. We have also introduced a new system of sending the collected paddy directly for milling, which has curbed the wastage of paddy, while increasing the milling capacity.

Chief Minister said that it is everyone's individual responsibility to save and serve Mother Earth. Save the purity of soil from chemical poison. We have identified 'Narva-Garuva-Ghuruva-Bari' as the four symbols of Chhattisgarh and under 'Suraji Gaon Yojana' works are being done to preserve and promote these symbols.

I am happy that this work of ours is progressing in the right direction and at the right pace. There are reports of rise in ground water level from various places. Exemplary work has been done in the organic farming sector. With the production of about 28 lakh quintals of vermicompost, our Gauthans have created such a huge record. We had set a target to make Gauthan the center of socio-economic activities. Out of 11, 267 Gauthans, construction of 9, 716 Gauthans has been completed. Around 4,000 Gauthans have become self-supporting and foundation stone has been laid for setting up of 'Rural Industrial Park' in more than 300 Gauthans. All these are complete success stories in themselves.

*Vision of Mahatma Gandhi, Our Father of Nation, is coming true*

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said- I am extremely happy that we are realizing the dream and vision of Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to make the villages more self-reliant and empowered republic. When the thousands of gauthans developed as ‘rural industrial parks’ will produce electricity from cow dung, manufacture paint and various other products, operate various small industrial units such as oil mills, pulses mills, flour mills and mini rice mills, our villages will emerge as a powerful force, transforming the entire economy. I consider this to be one of the biggest achievements of my government and my public life.

*People are learning about the cultural and economic significance of cow dung*

Mr. Baghel further said that our 'Godhan Nyay Yojana' has not only boosted the livestock development but has also underlined the cultural and economic significance of cow dung. This scheme has generated additional sources of income for more than three lakh people of the state. So far, they have earned Rs 362 crore as income under Godhan Nyay Yojana. Beneficiaries are utilizing this income for various personal purposes including home, vehicle, health, improved living standard, assets, property, wedding and other family functions, livelihood activities etc. This scheme has created a positive environment of enthusiasm and entrepreneurship in rural areas.

*Financial aid of Rs 1.50 lakh crore to farmers and underprivileged section*

Chief Minister said that we have provided more than Rs 1.50 lakh crore to farmers and beneficiaries of various public welfare schemes, making the series of Nyay Yojana a resounding success. We have made proper arrangements to transfer this financial aid directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. Over the years, the number of Kisaan Credit Cards issued has increased by 50 per cent to 82 lakh 22 thousand at present. Moreover, the banking facilities in rural and tribal areas have been expanded significantly. Till March 2021, the number of 'Bank Mitr' was only 18 thousand 323, which has increased to more than 35 thousand at present. Number of bank branches has also increased by 22 per cent to 573.

*Strict action on chit fund companies: amount of Rs 25 crore return to the investors*

Chief Minister said that our government has opened a front against the chit fund companies to protect and recover the hard earned money of the people of the state. In last 4 years, 207 chit fund companies have been booked and more than 650 directors and officials of such companies have been arrested in Chhattisgarh. Till date, honourable court has ordered seizing, auction and recovery of the property worth Rs 73 crore 24 lakh in 82 cases against 43 companies. Likewise, an amount of Rs 24 crore 87 lakh has been returned to 36 thousand 239 investors. Another major part of the amount will be returned to the investors in the near future. Chhattisgarh Gambling (Prevention) Bill-2022 has been passed to prevent online gambling in the state.

*Input Subsidy of Rs 16442 crore provided to the farmers*

Chief Minister said that certainly, Rajiv Gandhi Kisaan Nyay Yojana has brought joy and prosperity into the lives of all kinds of farmers. Under this scheme, input subsidy of Rs 16 thousand 442 crores has been provided in the past three years. Implementation of this scheme has resulted in rapid expansion of vegetables and fruit production. And in the same sequence, cold storages are being set up, and fruit and vegetable mandis are being established, besides developing the processing units. 'Kisaan Kutir' are being established in Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies. All these efforts are yielding positive results, making Chhattisgarh a state of prosperous farmers. We are also keeping the promise of procuring pulses at support price this year.

*Minimum financial help to rural landless agricultural laborers*

Chief Minister said that we have achieved the goal of providing assured minimum financial aid to more than 4 lakh 66 thousand people in a year by implementing 'Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Bhoomihin Krishi Mazdoor Nyay Yojana'.  In the last four years, we have started a number of schemes which directly benefit the labourers engaged in different types of work and we have also increased the scope of benefits under these schemes. We have brought a major relief to the labourer families through 'Chief Minister Labour Assistance Center Scheme', 'Chief Minister Construction Workers Free Card Sche 

 PTI | New Delhi

The Delhi Police on Tuesday filed a 6,629-page charge sheet against Aaftab Amin Poonawala in the Mehrauli murder case in the Saket court here which extended his judicial custody by two weeks to February 7.

Poonawala is accused of strangling his live-in partner Shraddha Walkar and chopping her body into pieces before dumping them in different parts of the city across several days.

When Metropolitan Magistrate Aviral Shukla asked how many pages were there in the charge sheet, the investigating officer said it has 6,629 pages.

"It is voluminous," the judge said.

"The charge sheet has finally been placed before the court today," he added.

The court extended Poonawala's judicial custody by 14 days till February 7.

Poonawala was produced before the court through video conferencing on expiry of his judicial custody on Tuesday.

He informed the court that he wanted to change his present advocate M S Khan.

 Aligarh : In Aligarh, a 32-year-old RTI activist was allegedly beaten to death by eight men, including the village chief and his son, on Sunday after raising concerns about the calibre of ongoing public projects in the region. His brother is now in critical condition.