Raman Says ‘Irreplaceable Loss,’ Sai Calls Him ‘A Gem Lost by the Nation’
Raipur – The second day of the Chhattisgarh Assembly’s budget session began with tributes to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away recently. Speaker Raman Singh called his demise an “irreplaceable loss,” while Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described him as “a gem lost by the nation.”
Sai highlighted Singh’s invaluable contributions to public service, recalling his tenure as RBI Governor, Finance Minister, and Prime Minister. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel noted that during Singh’s ten-year tenure as Prime Minister, the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy was doubled from ₹450 to ₹900 per quintal. He also credited Singh for launching MGNREGA, which significantly boosted rural employment. The Assembly observed two minutes of silence in his memory before adjourning for five minutes as a mark of respect.
Assembly Proceedings and Key Discussions
Finance Minister Seeks ₹19,762 Crore in Supplementary Budget
Finance Minister OP Chaudhary is set to present a supplementary budget demand of ₹19,762 crore in the Assembly.
Question Hour
State Administrative Service Officers Under Investigation
BJP MLA Dharamlal Kaushik sought details on pending investigations against State Administrative Service officers by agencies such as the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).
In response, CM Sai emphasized the government’s “zero-tolerance policy” on corruption and stated that a Department of Good Governance and Convergence has been established. He assured the Assembly that no guilty officials would be spared.
Concerns Over Sports Facilities in Durg Division
Congress MLA Kunwar Singh Nishad raised concerns over inadequate sports facilities in Durg and questioned the accuracy of official reports.
Sports Minister Tankaram Verma clarified that under the Khelo India initiative, sports training centers are operational in 31 districts, with two additional districts approved for the program starting in April.
Forest Division Construction Projects
MLA Premchand Patel inquired about the number of approved and completed construction projects under the Katghora Forest Division for 2023-24 and 2024-25.
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap stated that out of 5,346 approved projects, 3,019 have been completed, while 2,327 are still in progress.
Congress to Corner BJP Government on Key Issues in Budget Session
Leader of Opposition Charan Das Mahant accused the BJP government of failing to fulfill its previous budget promises, particularly in housing and welfare schemes. Congress plans to raise multiple concerns, including:
- Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana: 18 lakh beneficiaries have received only the first installment, leaving many unable to start construction.
- Mahatari Vandan Yojana: Funds were disbursed to deceased beneficiaries, while 30,000 eligible women remain excluded.
- Tendu Leaf Collectors’ Bonus: The promised ₹4,500 per standard bag has yet to be provided.
- Paddy Procurement Payments: Farmers were promised lump sum payments but are receiving funds in installments.
- Teacher Recruitment: Despite approving 35,000 teaching positions, recruitment advertisements have not been published.
- Law & Order Deterioration: Rising gang wars, open gunfights, and increasing drug and illegal alcohol trafficking are raising safety concerns.
- Sexual Assault in Educational Institutions: Rising crimes against female students in colleges and tribal hostels have sparked outrage.
- Privatization of Resources: Congress has accused the government of selling off state resources, including water, forests, land, and industries, to private entities.
The Congress party plans to challenge the BJP government on its financial management, demand transparency in budget allocations, and highlight the alleged reduction in central financial assistance. It has vowed to confront the government both inside and outside the Assembly through adjournment motions and strategic protests.
