Raipur, March 25: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai transferred over ₹495 crore to nearly 4.96 lakh landless agricultural labourers across Chhattisgarh under the Deendayal Upadhyay Landless Agricultural Labourer Welfare Scheme on Wednesday. The funds were disbursed during a state-level programme held in Balodabazar, aiming to provide economic empowerment and financial dignity to the rural workforce.
A total amount of ₹495.96 crore was credited directly into the bank accounts of 4,95,965 beneficiaries. Under this scheme, landless agricultural workers receive an annual assistance of ₹10,000 to support household needs, children’s education, and small livelihood activities.
Chief Minister Sai said that farmers had recently benefited from paddy procurement payments, enabling them to celebrate Holi with prosperity. He noted that financial support provided to women under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana on International Women’s Day has further strengthened their path toward self-reliance.
The Chief Minister also symbolically handed over house keys to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana during the event. More than 18 lakh houses have been sanctioned in the past two years, significantly improving housing security for the poor in the state, he added.
The state government is currently procuring paddy at ₹3,100 per quintal and has earmarked over ₹10,000 crore for expanding irrigation facilities. Other highlighted initiatives include increased procurement rates for tendu leaves, the revival of the Charan Paduka scheme, and pilgrimage schemes like Ramlala Darshan and Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan.
Regarding the Electricity Bill Resolution Scheme, the CM said rebates and instalment options are being offered for clearing pending dues from the COVID-19 period. Special camps are being organised across the state to facilitate these settlements.
Bastar is rapidly transitioning from a conflict-affected region to one of peace and growth, the CM said, adding that Naxalism is nearing eradication due to the coordinated efforts of the government and security forces.
Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma said the government has set new benchmarks in development through transparent implementation of welfare schemes and direct benefit transfers. Financial assistance reaching beneficiaries directly has strengthened public trust and ensured accountability, he added.
The programme was attended by Technical Education Minister Guru Khushwant Saheb, former Assembly Speaker Gaurishankar Agrawal, and other senior officials.