Raipur: AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi and Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel attended the “Nagariya Nikay evam Panchayati Raj Mahasammelan” organized at Govindpur Sports Ground in Kanker district on October 6.
Addressing the gathering, Priyanka Gandhi commended Chhattisgarh’s unique commitment to agriculture despite the nationwide trend of decreasing interest in farming due to unprofitable returns. She attributed this shift to the state government’s dedication to ensuring fair prices for farmers’ produce. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel honored her with a ‘Gaur Sing Mukut,’ reflecting the recognition of her support.
Priyanka Gandhi also took a moment to reminisce about the deep-rooted connection her family, including former Prime Ministers late Jawahar Lal Nehru, late Indira Gandhi, and late Rajiv Gandhi, shared with the Bastar region. She echoed her grandmother’s sentiment that the tribal people in Bastar possess a profound respect for nature.
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in his address, announced several significant initiatives. These included the reinstatement of the old pension scheme for Chhattisgarh State Power Company employees, an increase in the promotion ratio for police sub-inspectors from 33 percent to 40 percent, the appointment of teachers to teach in local dialects such as Halbi, Gondi, Surgujiha, and Bhatari, and the naming of Agriculture College Pakhanjur after the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
In a commitment to the development of Kanker district, they dedicated a multitude of projects worth Rs. 866 crore. They also conducted the bhumipoojan for the Kanker Medical College, a significant endeavor to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 321.71 crore.
Priyanka Gandhi highlighted the historical evolution of governance in India, emphasizing the transition from a limited number of public representatives and centralized decision-making to the decentralized Panchayati Raj system. She stressed the importance of bringing democracy directly to the people and executing village-level work within the villages themselves.
Priyanka Gandhi praised the foundational role of panchayats and urban bodies in India’s governance system, recognizing the dedication with which these responsibilities are fulfilled. She also acknowledged that the Chhattisgarh Government’s success is rooted in the continuation of the state’s traditions and the trust built with the community. She fondly recalled the historical engagement of leaders like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi in understanding the people’s issues during their visits to the region.
Priyanka Gandhi emphasized the legacy of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, acknowledging Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel’s efforts in establishing Swami Atmanand schools, making English education more accessible, and improving the prospects of underprivileged children. She praised Chhattisgarh’s growing reputation nationally and internationally, underlining the happiness of both farmers and villagers as evidence of the state’s progress and development.
Priyanka Gandhi noted that Chhattisgarh offers the highest paddy procurement prices in the country and has provided property rights to the people. The state government’s welfare-oriented schemes have lifted 40 lakh individuals out of poverty in just five years. She commended the success of the Gauthan Scheme, which addresses the issue of stray animals, and highlighted women-centric initiatives, including increased honorarium for Anganwadi workers and Mitanins, as well as improved education for girls.
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel recognized the pivotal role played by the late Rajiv Gandhi in introducing the Panchayati Raj system, emphasizing the state’s commitment to improving the lives of women, granting them dignity and opportunities for advancement. He highlighted Chhattisgarh’s commitment to gender equality through the recent voter list publication, revealing that 57 constituencies now have more women voters.
Bhupesh Baghel also emphasized the state government’s efforts toward tribal development, including an increase in tendupatta collection, the purchase of forest produce at MSP, and the creation of employment opportunities for women. He mentioned the establishment of 300 industrial parks in the state, following the path paved by Mahatma Gandhi. Bhupesh Baghel reaffirmed the importance of public enterprises as national assets and the state government’s commitment to overall progress and prosperity.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Assembly Speaker Dr. Charandas Mahant, Deputy Chief Minister T.S. Singh Deo, former Union Minister Kumari Selja, and many others, signifying the significance of the occasion in advancing the state’s development and governance.
