Supplementary Budget of Over Rs 12 Trillion Passed in Chhattisgarh Assembly; CM Vishnudev Sai Highlights Inclusive Provisions

Raipur In a conclusive move on the closing day of the winter session on Thursday, the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly ratified a supplementary budget of Rs 12,09,92,70,98,800. Chief Minister Vishnudeo Sai, emphasising the BJP government’s policy declaration, underscored its extensive and beneficial provisions across all sectors. The allocation breakdown unveiled by the Chief Minister delineates a commitment of Rs 3,800 crore towards clearing pending paddy bonuses spanning two years for farmers. Additionally, a substantial sum of Rs 1,200 crore has been earmarked for the Mahatari Vandana scheme. Sai reiterated the government’s dedication to encompassing every category within its welfare ambit. Addressing the pressing need for accessible tap water, Sai detailed an allocation of Rs 1,230 crore aimed at ensuring every household’s access to clean water. Further enriching the supplementary budget, an added provision of Rs 1,102 crore has been allotted to the Krishak Jeevan Jyoti scheme. Additionally, Rs 255 crore and 25 lakhs have been allocated to bolster Central health schemes. However, the proceedings witnessed fervent demands from BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar, advocating for a CBI investigation into the Biranpur violence. Chandrakar accused the previous administration of thwarting CBI investigations to conceal corrupt practices, specifically referencing the Narva-Garva-Ghurva scheme as a hub of misappropriated funds. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, amidst the political discourse, cautioned against premature accolades to potential ministers, asserting the need for adaptive strategies for political success. Responding to Baghel’s remarks, Chandrakar cynically dismissed the idea, emphasizing the immediacy and complexity of the current situation. In a rebuttal, Congress MLA Umesh Patel raised concerns over the abrupt halt of the half-electricity bill scheme, accusing the government of duplicity. The opposition fervently protested before the session began, focusing on a tragic farmer suicide case. However, after the adjournment motion was denied, the opposition staged a walkout amid intense debates between the ruling and opposition factions. Brijmohan Agrawal stepped in to address the queries posed by Congress members, elucidating the essence of a supplementary budget in the context of Chhattisgarh’s governance. He emphasized its necessity to fill fiscal gaps during the budget session, ensuring operational continuity before the financial year’s closure.