Dr. Khubchand Baghel was a leading minister who awakened the Chhattisgarhi self-respect and helped in propagating Chhattisgarhi culture: CM Baghel
Raipur: “Dr. Khubchand Baghel was a leading minister who had awakened the Chhattisgarhi self-respect and helped in promoting Chhattisgarhi culture. Dr. Khoobchand Baghel was the foremost among all the leaders who helped in promoting the food habits, lifestyle, language, and dialect of Chhattisgarh. He struggled all his life for the rights and development of the farmers and tribal people”, said chief minister Bhupesh Baghel.
He was addressing the celebration event for Dr. Khubchand Baghel’s anniversary in Raipur held in the Vyavsaik Parisar in Phool Chowk here. He paid his tribute by adorning the idol of Dr. Khubchand Baghel. Parliamentary Secretary Vikas Upadhyay, Raipur Mayor Aijaz Dhebar, Central President of the Chhattisgarh Manwa Kurmi Regional Society Chovaram Verma, former Rajya Sabha Member Chhaya Verma and many other officers were present on this occasion.
Baghel said that Dr. Khubchand Baghel was the first person to raise his voice for constituting Chhattisgarh state. He strongly opposed oppression and atrocity in society. He always spoke against the injustice done to tribal people, laborers, and farmers. He was Chhattisgarh’s first playwright. He wrote many works like Unch Neech, General Singh, and Karam Chharha. He not only wrote plays but also acted in them. He was also a good farmer and physician. He contributed in the field of the cooperative.
Referring to the contribution of Dr. Khubchand Baghel in the work of promoting the culture of Chhattisgarh, the Chief Minister said that Dr. Baghel had written a poem to overcome feeling of inferiority and hesitation related to ‘Baasi’ mentioning its nutritional value. He said that we have decided to celebrate May 1, Labor Day, as ‘Bore-Baasi Diwas’. The standard that Dr. Baghel has set for the upliftment of the farmer, laborer and tribal communities is relevant even today. He dedicated his life fighting for the rights and welfare of farmers.
Adding that the state government is also following his footsteps and working for the welfare of these aforementioned sections, Baghel said that our farmers are happy and are getting the highest price for their produce. Besides, an annual financial assistance of Rs 7 thousand is being provided to the landless laborers. For the upliftment of tribals, the number of minor forest produce purchased on support price has been increased from 7 to 65. The number of products made from these MFPs has increased from 150 to 600. The sale of the same has been started in the villages as well as in the cities through C-Mart. Now the products made by the women of Self Help Groups are being sold in C-Mart. Our basic objective is to boost the income of all sections of the society.
He added that Dr. Khubchand Baghel Swasthya Sahayata Yojana (DKBSSY) is being run by Chhattisgarh Government after his name. Under this scheme 65 lakh families of the state can take health benefits. So far 18 lakh families have taken advantage of this scheme. In this scheme, there is a provision to provide financial assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh to underprivileged families for treatment. The Central President of Chhattisgarh Manwa Kurmi Kshatriya Samaj Chovaram Verma, while presiding over the programme, threw light on the personality and work of Dr. Khubchand Baghel.
