Opposition walks out of Chhattisgarh assembly over pregnant students, rice ‘scam’

Raipur – The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly witnessed stormy scenes on Monday during the Zero Hour as the opposition targeted the Vishnu Deo Sai-led government over the reported pregnancy of three students from a Pota Cabin school in Bijapur’s Gangaloor.

The opposition moved an adjournment motion demanding a discussion on the matter. However, the chair rejected the motion following a statement from the Education Minister. The Minister informed the House that the three students in question were not residing in the school hostel. Dissatisfied with the response and the denial of discussion, opposition MLAs staged a protest, shouting slogans before walking out of the House.

Irregularities in rice procurement alleged

The assembly also saw heated exchanges over the procurement of sub-standard rice. Congress MLA Vyas Kashyap raised concerns regarding the purchase of poor-quality rice worth crores of rupees, alleging negligence in quality inspections. He demanded the registration of an FIR and strict action against those responsible.

Responding to the charges, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Dayaldas Baghel stated that approximately 8,153 quintals of rice were found to be below prescribed standards. He confirmed that a Junior Assistant and a Junior Technical Assistant have been suspended, and show-cause notices have been issued to other officials.

The opposition, however, termed the government’s action a “cover-up” and accused the administration of shielding senior officials and rice millers. Former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel questioned why FIRs were not being registered despite the government admitting sub-standard rice was accepted.

Paddy lifting delays and infrastructure gaps

The issue of delayed paddy lifting in Sakti district was also raised by MLA Ramkumar Yadav. He alleged that the decision to stop lifting paddy from 17 January led to significant losses as the stock was damaged by rain.

Minister Dayaldas Baghel clarified that the lifting was temporarily halted to prevent “recycling” of paddy. He assured the House that 44.25 lakh quintals out of the total 47.41 lakh quintals purchased in Sakti have already been cleared, and the remaining 3.16 lakh quintals will be lifted by 31 March.

Key highlights of the session

• Anganwadi Crisis: MLA Lakheshwar Baghel highlighted that 2,209 Anganwadi centres in the Bastar division are operating without dedicated buildings, while 1,021 structures are in dilapidated condition.
• Basic Amenities: Over 3,400 centres in Bastar lack drinking water facilities, and 4,200 centres do not have functional toilets.
• Government Assurance: Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Rajwade stated that approvals for construction and basic amenities have been granted and work will proceed based on budget availability.