July 19, 2022
The Chhattisgarh Government has put money in the pockets of people, by providing the right price to the farmers for their produce, by creating employment under MNREGA for the labourers and by starting the landless rural agricultural labour scheme for the poor and economically weaker sections.
“The development model we have brought to Chhattisgarh is a model that puts money in people’s pockets. We did the work of making farmers, labourers, tribal people financially empowered. We have worked for the empowerment of common people. The model of Nava Chhattisgarh is a model of giving economic prosperity to the people.” Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel expressed these views at News 18 event “Rising Chhattisgarh” on 18th July 2022. At the program, CM was asked a number of questions, ranging from the development model of Chhattisgarh to his personal life, to which he answered with ease and grace. A documentary film based on the Changing Face of Chhattisgarh was shown at the beginning of the discussion.
During the “Ghadat He Nava Chhattisgarh” session of “Rising Chhattisgarh” program, Chief Minister Bhupesh Bhaghel was asked several questions regarding the Nava Chhattisgarh model. CM said that the State Government has put money in the pockets of people, by providing the right price to the farmers for their produce, by creating employment under MNREGA for the labourers even during the Corona period, and by starting the landless rural agricultural labour scheme for the poor and economically weaker sections. Besides, the state government has done the work of empowering the people of Chhattisgarh through many welfare schemes and has also made them financially prosperous. This is the new development model of Chhattisgarh. Representatives of Centre also have come all the way to Chhattisgarh to observe and understand our Chhattisgarh model.
In response to the question regarding Godhan Nyay Yojana, Chief Minister Baghel said that stray cattle have been a big problem across the country, but no state could come up with an effective solution to this problem. Our government in Chhattisgarh understood this problem and formulated a multi-dimensional approach to solve this problem. Now cattle are being kept in houses. Arrangements have been made to provide fodder to cattle. Today, a large section of Chhattisgarh is becoming financially prosperous by selling cow dung. This is helping them to not only make their ends meet but also improve their living standard. Now other states of the country are also showing interest in implementing the scheme of procurement of cow dung. The committee of Lok Sabha has also recommended implementation of Chhattisgarh’s cow dung scheme across the country.
Regarding the idea of restoring the old pension scheme, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that pension becomes a basis of respect in future. And we care about not only the youngsters-the future of the nation, but also the senior citizens- the elderlies of our society. Our government is working on the goal of justice for all and respect for all. At the same time, the Chief Minister said that we are the people who carry out the traditions of India. Gautama Buddha had spoken about non-violence before Mahatma Gandhi. Mahavira gave the principle of Anekantavada. Gandhiji carried forward those traditions and we are the people following the path shown by Gandhiji.
On the question of looking at Lord Ram and nationalism from different perspectives, the Chief Minister said that everyone perceives Ram differently. This land is the birthplace of Mata Kaushalya. In this sense, Ram is the nephew of our Chhattisgarh, so for us in Chhattisgarh we have a deep connection with Lord Ram. Our nationalism is traditional nationalism, he said. At the heart of this nationalism are the philosophies of Buddha, Mahavir Swami, Shankaracharya and Gandhi.
In the end, a young artist from Bengaluru, Vishal Nayak, made a portrait of CM within 6 minutes. The Chief Minister was amazed by the talent of the young artist. He asked him how he made his portrait without looking at him. He replied that he remembered his face well.
I am a common Chhattisgarhi.
During the discussion,CM Bhupesh Baghel was asked, what sets you apart from others? To this he said, this is the most difficult question for me. Others can tell this much better. By the way, I am a common Chhattisgarhiya. I have done everything that a common Chhattisgarhiya villager does in his daily life. My lifestyle has been like that of a common man and still the same common man is inside me. Chhattisgarhiyapan has always been and will be in my conduct and behaviour. During the program, CM interacted with the young artist Aaru Sahu. He sang the song “Chana Ke Dar Raja…” in a rhythmic manner and with full melody. During the program CM Bhupesh Baghel praised the talents of young artists Sahadev Dirdo and Aaru Sahu. The CM also joined artists of Raut Nacha in reciting couplets in their style.