Fake Gram Sabha row rocks Assembly: Opposition walks out over government’s reply
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly witnessed stormy scenes on the fourth day of the Monsoon Session, culminating in a walkout by the Opposition after heated exchanges over allegedly fake Gram Sabha resolutions used for setting up industries.
During Question Hour, former Chief Minister and Patan MLA Bhupesh Baghel questioned Finance Minister OP Choudhary regarding the establishment of industries based on fraudulent Gram Sabha proposals and demanded action against the culprits. Choudhary stated that the police are currently investigating the matter and appropriate legal action will follow the probe. Dissatisfied with the minister’s response, the Opposition staged a walkout.
Sharp exchanges over Sevagram project
Earlier, the House saw a sharp exchange of words between Bhupesh Baghel and BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar over the financial and physical progress of the Sevagram Project in Nawa Raipur. Chandrakar later expressed regret in the House for his remarks, which Baghel acknowledged with thanks.
Other lawmakers raised local governance and administrative issues during the session. BJP MLA Asaram Netam raised concerns over pending salary payments for employees deployed on deputation at the Swami Atmanand Excellent Schools. Meanwhile, MLA Raghavendra Singh sought details regarding the verification and conservation of ancient manuscripts and copper plates under the Gyan Bharatam Abhiyan.
New Fisheries Policy on the anvil
The Assembly also debated the state’s Fisheries Policy. Leader of the Opposition Charan Das Mahant stated that under the current framework, taxes are being levied on tribals for using ponds in forest areas, which violates tribal rights.
BJP MLA Ajay Chandrakar pointed out that the current policy, formulated by the previous Baghel Government in 2022, allowed contracts for 10,000 hectares to be given to registered individuals or organisations, thereby depriving local communities of their rights.
Responding to the concerns, Fisheries Minister Ramvichar Netam announced that the government is working on a new policy. The minister assured the House that all existing anomalies will be removed in the revised framework.
Row over fertilizer allocation
Congress MLA Daleshwar Sahu alleged irregularities in fertilizer distribution, claiming certain areas received stocks far exceeding their fixed targets while others faced shortages. He demanded an official inquiry into the disproportionate allocation, alleging that tribal areas received excess supply compared to plains.
Refuting the allegations, Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam stated that the distribution follows a plan set by the Central Government. The minister added that the state has allocated 14,06,555 metric tonnes of fertilizer so far, with 64% distributed through the cooperative sector and 36% through private channels to ensure farmers receive supplies based on actual requirement.
