People’s confidence in Ch’garh govt helping curb Naxalism: Governor

Raipur, Jan 27:

People living in remote areas of Chhattisgarh have gained confidence in the state government which is helping in curbing Naxal menace in the state, Governor Anusuiya Uikey said on Tuesday.
Greeting people on the occasion of the Republic Day, the governor hailed the state’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis with “alertness and patience”. She said the selfless service of health care personnel and social workers in this period of crisis will be etched in history.
Twenty five ‘corona warriors’ were also felicitated during the function held at the state police parade ground in the state capital Raipur.
In her address, Uikey said, “The confidence of youth and people living in remote and inaccessible areas (of the state) has strengthened in the government which is benefitting in containing the spread of Naxalism.” Chhattisgarh, particularly its Bastar region, has been fighting the Naxal menace over the past three decades. The Governor said the state police received all-round appreciation for their service during the pandemic.
“At the same time, several measures, including response allowance, grievances redressal progammes and compensatory appointments to address the problems of security forces, have boosted their morale,” she said.
“The entire world, including our country, faced an unprecedented challenge in the form of the coronavirus pandemic, and Chhattisgarh’s response to the crisis with patience, alertness, unity and courage is highly appreciable,” she said. Hailing the Chhattisgarh government’s welfare measures for farmers, Uikey said the state has set a record by disbursing interest free loans to the tune of Rs 4,700 crore to around 12.66 cultivators this year.
Under the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojna, the state government has been giving cash benefits as input support to farmers for paddy and 13 other crops. Besides, Chhattisgarh became the top state in terms of procuring minor forest produce at minimum support price, the governor said. She said the Godhan Nyay Yojna has become a new ray of hope for weaker sections and landless farmers as under the scheme they have been selling cow dung at Rs 2 per kg to the state and collectively earning Rs 15 crore each month.
Highlighting the steps taken in health sector, Uikey said the state government has launched a decisive battle against malnutrition and anemia, and in the last one year, 99,000 children got rid of malnutrition and 20,000 women overcame anemia. “During the coronavirus-induced lockdown, door-to-door delivery of nutritious food to beneficiaries under anganwadi and distribution of free rice to 57 lakh beneficiaries is an example of commitment,” she said. The state government, in a short span of time, has set up 52 English medium schools where 31,000 students have so far taken admission under the Swami Atmanand Utkrist English Medium School Scheme, Uikey informed.
The state government has formulated a new policy for the development of tourism and other industries which has ensured investment of about Rs 40,000 crore for setting up new industries and employment generation for 64,000 people, she said. “The state government’s three-tier strategy of trust, development and security is yielding results,” she added. Earlier, the governor unfurled the national flag at the police parade ground.
No cultural programmes were held and school students were not invited at the function, in compliance with COVID-19 prevention protocols.