Raipur, Feb 25: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, while expressing gratitude on the Governor’s Address in the Assembly, stated that the state government is moving forward with a firm resolve towards good governance, development, and security. He emphasised that the government has taken stringent action against corruption, resulting in several high-profile individuals being behind bars.

The Chief Minister announced that the state is fighting a decisive battle against Left Wing Extremism and expressed confidence that Naxalism would be completely eradicated from Chhattisgarh by 31 March. He noted that former conflict zones in Bastar are now witnessing the functioning of schools and hospitals, with a significant number of Naxalites surrendering due to effective rehabilitation policies.

On the agriculture front, Sai confirmed that paddy has been procured at ₹3,100 per quintal for up to 21 quintals per acre. He assured farmers that the differential bonus amount would be credited to their accounts before the Holi festival. Furthermore, under the new ‘G-RAM-G’ Yojana, the government will provide 125 days of employment, surpassing the 100-day limit of MGNREGA.

Highlighting infrastructure and housing, the Chief Minister said over 5 lakh houses have been completed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in the last 10 months, the highest in the country. To bolster irrigation, the government has sanctioned ₹10,700 crore over the last two years, a significant increase compared to the ₹5,700 crore approved by the previous administration.

Regarding environmental conservation, Shri Sai cited a Forest Survey of India report stating that Chhattisgarh’s forest and tree cover has increased by 683 sq km. Under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, approximately 7 crore saplings have been planted. He added that compensatory afforestation is being strictly implemented to balance trees felled for industrial growth.

The Chief Minister also touched upon healthcare and connectivity, noting that five new medical colleges are being established in Manendragarh, Kabirdham, Janjgir-Champa, Dantewada, and Kunkuri. He highlighted that railway projects worth over ₹51,000 crore are currently underway in the state, including the modernisation of 32 stations under the Amrit Station Scheme.

To ensure transparency, a new Department of Good Governance and Convergence has been created. The e-Office system is being expanded to the district level to ensure time-bound file movement. Shri Sai concluded by stating that recruitment for 32,000 government posts is currently underway to harness the energy of the state’s youth for Chhattisgarh’s progress.