Raipur, The Chhattisgarh Assembly commenced its winter session on Sunday, marking the first time the state’s legislative proceedings are being held in the new Assembly building. The session is scheduled to run from December 14 to 19. Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh inspected the new premises before the commencement of the proceedings.

On the inaugural day, Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary presented the outline of the state’s ‘Vision Document 2047’ to the members, asserting the government’s commitment to achieving the goals of a Developed India and a Developed Chhattisgarh.

Minister Choudhary detailed several ongoing initiatives for social and economic upliftment. He confirmed that the government is purchasing paddy at the rate of ₹3,100 per quintal from every farmer, with a procurement limit of 21 quintals per farmer. He stated that payments are being promptly transferred to the accounts of farmers who have already sold their paddy, and efforts are underway to streamline the procurement process further.

He also confirmed that the benefits of the Mahtari Vandan Yojana are being extended to 70 lakh women in the state, reflecting the government’s commitment to women empowerment and self-reliance.

Choudhary heavily criticised the previous government for halting work on the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for five years, claiming this affected about 18 lakh people. He stated that the current government immediately resumed the scheme upon taking power. The government has set a target to build 24 lakh houses and has conducted the “Awas Plus Plus survey” to rapidly meet this goal, aiming to convert existing temporary mud houses into permanent concrete structures.

He further highlighted efforts to promote organic farming, particularly in the Bastar region, encouraging farmers to adopt traditional methods. He noted that 70 per cent of the farming in Dantewada district is already organic, a figure the government intends to increase under its good governance policy. The proceedings noted the absence of several senior Congress leaders who had reportedly travelled to Delhi to attend a large Congress rally being held today at Ramlila Maidan.