Raipur
Education and Religious Trusts and Endowment Minister Brijmohan Agrawal declared the impending introduction of legislation aimed at thwarting illegal conversions within Chhattisgarh. During a debate on the departmental allocations, Agrawal underscored the urgency of this measure, citing the pervasive threat to the state’s demographic integrity posed by various external forces. Agrawal affirmed that the proposed law not only seeks to curb illicit conversions through legal channels but also targets those clandestinely carried out through unlawful means.
Agrawal outlined ambitious initiatives, including the implementation of the Five Shakti Peeth project and the revival of the Rajim Kumbh. He lamented the truncation of the latter under the previous Congress administration and emphasized the imperative of preserving Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage. Agrawal elucidated plans for fostering a robust cultural identity, encompassing the establishment of Chhattisgarh Dhams in significant pilgrimage sites and the organization of events like the Prime Minister’s Lok Kala Mahotsav.
Transitioning to educational reforms, Agrawal announced the recruitment of 33,000 teachers and the introduction of English-medium instruction in 25,000 schools across the state. He condemned corruption in the Aatmanand School Scheme, highlighting misappropriation of funds and affirming a commitment to rectifying past injustices. Agrawal pledged to elevate 25,000 schools to English medium within five years, expanding access to quality education.
Addressing concerns over teacher recruitment practices, Agrawal decried the politicization of appointments and vowed to restore trust in the process. He criticized the previous administration’s failure to promote deserving educators and pledged prompt action to rectify disparities in salaries. Agrawal outlined plans to leverage AI technology for educational enhancement and announced the establishment of a real-time monitoring system, the Vidya Operating System. Additionally, he assured the implementation of regular typing examinations to streamline recruitment processes.
Agrawal concluded his address by emphasizing the holistic development of Chhattisgarh’s youth, advocating for increased participation in extracurricular activities such as NCC, Scouts, NSS, and the Red Cross. He underscored the importance of physical activity, announcing a dedicated hour of play every Saturday in schools. Agrawal affirmed the government’s commitment to instilling values of yoga and spirituality, earmarking a half-hour period for such pursuits in educational institutions.
