Appreciated the minor forest produce products and the excellent artwork created by local artisans
During their visit, goods and funds worth Rs 6 crore were distributed to nearly 13,000 beneficiaries
Raipur 06 October 2023// Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel and Smt. Priyanka Gandhi, during their visit to Kanker in the Bastar division, visited various departmental stalls set up at the Nagariya Nikay evam Panchayati Raj Mahasammelan event. During their observation, Smt. Gandhi particularly commended the innovative schemes implemented by the Chhattisgarh Government, describing them as exemplary for the welfare of the general public, including tribals and forest dwellers. On the occasion, they also distributed goods, approved loan sheets, cheques, financial grants, and forest rights recognition letters, among other items, worth a total of Rs 5 crore 78 lakh 31 thousand to 12,730 beneficiaries under various welfare schemes of different departments.
Shri Baghel and Smt. Gandhi were deeply impressed by the model of connectivity revolution in the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected area, during a stall visit. Under this, over the last 5 years, a total of 1460 roads spanning a total length of 4599 kilometres have been constructed, connecting Bastar, Kondagaon, Kanker, Dantewada, Sukma, Narayanpur, and Bijapur.
Furthermore, the distinguished guests visited the traditional art stall of the Bastar division. In the last three years, 105 women groups have been trained and provided employment opportunities through the handloom weaving training center. During this, Smt. Gandhi personally engaged in spinning yarn using the charkha and participated in artistic colouring at the Matikala stall. She also observed the products crafted from bell metal, a famous art form in North Bastar, which has enabled women’s groups to achieve self-employment through bell metal craftsmanship.
While inspecting the stall, students from Swami Atmanand English Medium School welcomed Smt. Gandhi presented her with a garland made of bamboo. Girl students of the 11th and 12th grades also had the opportunity to take photos with Smt. Gandhi. Encouraging the students, Smt. Gandhi conveyed her best wishes and expressed pride in their achievements. Additionally, the government’s special scheme has employed eight individuals from the TG community as constables in the district. Smt. Gandhi engaged in discussions with these constables Ratnu, Divya Nishad, and Suraj Kumar and praised this government initiative.
Smt. Gandhi visited the Health Department’s stall, where she took a closer look at the Hub and Spoke Model Hamar Lab and received information about the lab’s activities. Smt. Gandhi expressed her appreciation for the Malaria-Free Bastar campaign, which has been conducted in eight phases and has resulted in a significant reduction in positive cases, mortality rates, and API rates.
Meanwhile, beneficiary Tandia stated that she has earned an income of Rs 3 lakh from cow rearing. It is worth mentioning that RIPAs (Rural Industrial Parks) are being operated in 14 Gauthans here, where 39 livelihood activities are being conducted. So far, the group has sold products worth Rs 51 lakh. Income-generating activities have provided employment to 430 people, and Rs 7.22 crore has been paid to cow dung sellers.
During the stall visit, Smt. Gandhi and Chief Minister Shri Baghel also expressed appreciation for the local products and the outstanding artwork of the artisans here. They observed 133 types of herbal products and 21 types of millet products, with the raw materials collected from forests and manufactured by tribal women under the brand name ‘Chhattisgarh Herbals’. Handmade items were presented as gifts to the guests on this occasion. While observing the employment and income boost through Forest Produce Processing Unit, Millets Mahtari Cafe, Kodo Kutki and Ragi Processing, and Maize Processing Centre, Smt. Gandhi interacted with the beneficiaries and commended the quality of the products.
