Land to be reserved for artisans in areas with higher population of ‘Kumbhkar’ community: CM

Raipur, Sept 25: Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel made several important announcements today, while addressing the delegation of OBC community at his residence office. Chief Minister said that ‘Kumbhkar’ (artisans/potters) need good quality clay for making utensils and artefacts. This is why we have decided to reserve land for artisans in the areas with higher population of Kumbhkar samaj (artisan/potters community). Baghel also announced that a training center will be opened in Jagdalpur, district headquarters, Bastar Division to provide training in traditional crafts and skills to the youth of Kumbhkar samaj.
On the request of OBC Community, Chief Minister assured to include the proposal of opening hostels at district and block headquarter-level in the upcoming budget. He said that the suggestion of reserving 10 percent seats for OBC students in the presently operated hostel-ashrams in Bastar Division would be considered in the cabinet. He said that for the convenience of the students coming from far and wide, hostels will be opened in the places where Swami Atmanand English Medium Schools have been started in Bastar region.
Mr. Baghel said that the eligible people of Other Backward Classes, who have not yet received the Forest Rights Recognition letter, should apply in the prescribed format to the SDM office. Forest Rights Recognition letters will also be provided to such people. Baghel has asked the community heads to submit a district-wise list of the applicants. Chief Minister said that 1053 people of OBC communities have been provided Forest Rights Recognition Letters in Bastar region, and remaining will also be provided Forest Rights Recognition Letters soon.
While speaking with the delegation, Chief Minister informed them about state government’s future plan to generate electricity from cow dung and to prepare ethanol from paddy. He said that the state government is seriously considering the plan to generate electricity from cow dung. Its technology and benefits are being studied. He said that this step would further increase the income of women preparing vermi compost. He said that State Government is still waiting for Central Government to give permission for production of ethanol from paddy. State government has made all the preparations to start the production of ethanol from paddy. MoUs have also been signed with 06 industries to set up ethanol plants in the state. Indian Oil Corporation has also signed an MoU with the State Government. An ethanol plant will consume about five lakh metric tonnes of paddy in a year. Ethanol plants will also generate employment opportunities. This will also help farmers to get fair value of their produce.
Chief Minister informed the delegation in detail about various schemes of state government including Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana, Godhan Nyay Yojana, Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Bhumiheen Krishi Mazdoor Nyay Yojana. Chief Minister also took their feedback on the welfare schemes of state government. He requested them to come forward to take maximum benefit of education, health and employment-related schemes.