Central Parliamentary Committee heaps praise on Chhattisgarh Government for the works of welfare for Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste
Raipur: Chief minister Bhupesh Baghel, during his courtesy meeting with the members of the Central Parliamentary Committee headed by Dr. (Prof.) Kirit Premjibhai Solanki, at his residence office today, demanded to return the vacant land of empty coal mines to the state government, requested for the extension of railway line till Jagdalpur via Raoghat in Bastar region, besides urging for the amendment in the provisions of Forest Act to facilitate the development work in forest areas.
Baghel also demanded re-starting of closed trains on Mumbai-Kolkata route. The members of the Central Parliamentary Committee, who were on a two-day stay in Chhattisgarh, paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Mr. Baghel at his residence office today. Meanwhile, the Central Parliamentary Committee appreciated the work being done by the State Government for the upliftment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Chhattisgarh. The members also shared the experiences they had during Chhattisgarh tour with the Chief Minister.
Chief minister felicilitated the members with state scarf and memento. Meanwhile, Central Parliamentary Committee is in Raipur on a two-day visit to study the social and educational status of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in Chhattisgarh.
Baghel provided detailed information to the members of the Central Parliamentary Committee about the steps being taken for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes in Chhattisgarh. He said that besides the better facilities for education and health, efforts are being made to provide maximum employment opportunities in the scheduled areas. State government is determined to bring positive changes in the socio-economic condition of the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes through its various welfare schemes.
He urged the Parliamentary Committee to return the vacant land of empty mines in scheduled areas of the state to the state government. He said that the state government intends to develop water bodies and conduct various development work to promote tourism activities in these areas. Chief Minister urged for the extension of the railway line up to Raoghat-Jagdalpur to provide smooth transport facilities to the people of Bastar region. He also requested to take necessary initiative to restart the trains passing through Chhattisgarh via various rail routes including Mumbai-Kolkata rail route.
Chief Minister told the members of the Central Parliamentary Committee that about 44 percent of Chhattisgarh’s land area is forest covered. And these dense forests in scheduled areas hinder the development works. In this context, stating the need for amendment in the provisions of the Forest Act, Mr. Baghel urged the committee to initiate necessary amendments in the provisions of the Forest Act.
The 31-member parliamentary Committee headed by Dr. (Prof.) Kirit Premjibhai Solanki will have a meeting with the Chief Secretary and senior officers of Chhattisgarh. The parliamentary committee will also hold meetings with various institutions to discuss the representation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and the welfare measures being taken for them.
