Raipur: A momentous event unfolded in Parsada, Bilaspur district, as Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel joined hands for the “Awas NYAY Sammelan” to launch the “Chhattisgarh Grameen Awas NYAY Yojana.” The programme marked the inauguration of a scheme aimed at providing housing to 10,76,000 homeless families in the state. In a significant statement, Rahul Gandhi likened a caste census to an “X-ray of India,” emphasizing its potential to shape inclusive growth plans for all segments of society.
During the ceremony, Rahul Gandhi virtually initiated the scheme and transferred the first installment of funds to 47,090 families based on the Socio-Economic Survey 2023. Additionally, 6,99,439 families from the permanent waiting list of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) received their first installment directly into their bank accounts.
House Sanction Letters were distributed to 47,090 beneficiaries, affirming their inclusion in the “Chhattisgarh Grameen Awas NYAY Yojana.” Furthermore, an amount of Rs 1 lakh was credited to the bank accounts of 500 beneficiaries under the “Mukhyamantri Nirman Shramik Awas Sahayata Yojana.”
The event served as a platform to dedicate 414 development projects worth Rs 669.69 crore to the Bilaspur district. Additionally, 2594 teachers received appointment letters, and 1117 individuals were granted forest rights letters for urban areas. A self-help group-operated garment factory was also inaugurated during the program.
Rahul Gandhi’s address highlighted the pivotal role of a caste census in shaping the nation’s development trajectory. He stressed the importance of understanding the population distribution among Other Backward Classes (OBCs), tribals, and the general category, coupled with an assessment of their socio-economic conditions. This data, he believed, would enable the government to formulate comprehensive and inclusive development plans. Rahul Gandhi expressed his longstanding support for a caste census, viewing it as a critical step forward.
The ease of fund transfer was also acknowledged during his speech. He noted that Chhattisgarh’s NYAY Yojana installments are promptly and seamlessly distributed, benefitting recipients within seconds. Rahul Gandhi commended the fulfillment of promises made to Chhattisgarh’s citizens, including reductions in electricity bills, a fair Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy, and loan waivers.
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel highlighted the significance of accurate census data in ensuring that the right beneficiaries receive housing scheme benefits. He recounted the initial launch of the housing scheme by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1985 as “Indira Awas,” aimed at aiding the underprivileged. The scheme’s limitations stemmed from the absence of precise census data. Presently, the allocation of houses is based on the 2011 census, guaranteeing more eligible beneficiaries access to the scheme’s benefits.
Expressing gratitude, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel praised Rahul Gandhi’s commitment to the welfare of farmers, the underprivileged, and tribal rights. He reminded the audience of Rahul Gandhi’s extensive march from Kanyakumari to Kashmir to address social injustices.
Baghel also announced forthcoming initiatives, including the distribution of the third installment of the “Rajiv Gandhi Kisan NYAY Yojana” and Unemployment Allowances, both scheduled for release on September 28. Additional installments for beneficiaries of the “Rajiv Gandhi Bhumiheen Krishi Mazdoor NYAY Yojana” and “Godhan NYAY Yojana” are also planned for the same date.
The event witnessed the participation of key dignitaries, including Deputy Chief Minister T. S. Singh Deo, School Education Minister Ravindra Choubey, Women and Child Development Minister Anila Bhediya, and MP Deepak Baij, who addressed the gathering.
Other notable attendees included former Union Minister Kumari Selja, Assembly Speaker Charandas Mahant, Home Minister Tamradhwaj Sahu, Forest Minister Mohammad Akbar, Excise Minister Kawasi Lakhma, UAD Minister Shiv Kumar Dahariya, Revenue Minister Jaisingh Agrawal, PHE Minister Guru Rudra Kumar, Higher Education Minister Umesh Patel, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Amarjeet Bhagat, Scheduled Caste and Tribal Development Minister Mohan Markam, Korba MP Jyotsna Mahant, Parliamentary Secretary Rashmi Ashish Singh, and MLA Shailesh Pandey.
