In-Focus

Progress and Achievements

Chhattisgarh

Roads and Bridges

Prior to formation of the State there was only an average budget of Rs. 90 crore for road construction. After the formation of Chhattisgarh a provision of Rs. 1758.50 crore was made for the same within a short period of two and half years. Success in making Chhattisgarh known for beautiful roads by observing 2002-2003 as a year for road construction. Since the formation of the State till now, a total length of 13,361 km roads constructed. 3 new National Highways declared after the formation of the State. Work has already begun on the construction of 2960 km long roads at the cost of Rs. 300.33 crore. Commendable success in inviting private capital in construction of roads, under the B.O.T (Build, Operate and Transfer) system. Promulgation of Chhattisgarh Highway Act, 2003 to ensure maximum expertise for the development of National Highways and safety of road transportation along with the removal of encroachments.

Energy

Work in progress for the development of adequate infrastructure for the constant supply of electricity. Electricity connections for irrigation purposes were granted to more than 44,000 pump sets. Electrification of 1225 villages and 2237 Majra-tolis. Work in progress on installing new power houses with more than 1000 Megawatt capacity through the resources of the Chhattisgarh State Electricity Board.

In order to accelerate the pace of development, revive the closed industries, create employment opportunities with the help of available power in the State, special package and supply of electricity at concessional rates offered to important sectors. Concession for single connection raised from 10 units per month to 15 units per month.

Drinking Water

Under the Indira Gaon Ganga Yojana, every electrified village is to develop an integrated water source. Such integrated water sources developed in 8500 villages. The number of hand pumps which stood at 1,07,557 at the time of the formation of the State, have now grown to 1,43,180 thereby recording an increase of 32.2 percent.

Health and Medical Education

54,000 nurses selected for primary health facilities in 54,000 localities, 27,000 nurses under training. Under Rajiv Jeevan Rekha Kosh (Rajiv Life Line Fund), poor patients are provided financial assistance for medical treatment outside the State. 371 such patients given assistance worth Rs. 3.40 crore and financial assistance of Rs. 1.60 lakhs provided to 590 poor patients for treatment from Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Prior to the formation of the State, four districts of Chhattisgarh - Bastar, Raipur, Bilaspur and Sarguja were in the grip of a disease called Yaz. After the formation of the State, hectic efforts were launched to eliminate the disease and the State is free from its scourge. In 2000, 38 percent cases of Yaz were recorded and in 2001 its number was reduced to 15 and in the year 2002 not even a single case was reported throughout the State. After the formation of the State, with a view to prevent leprosy, during 2001-2002 Leprosy-Free Campaign was launched. Laudable progress has been achieved in the field of treating TB patients. For the prevention of AIDS and sex-related other diseases, mass mobilization campaigns were launched on a war-footing. For voluntary check-up and consultation, centres are being set up in all 16 districts and of these, centres in nine districts have already been established. From 26 January 2003, Indira Motherhood Safety Campaign has been launched and under it treatment and safe delivery facilities are provided to pregnant women. Jeevan Jyoti Mobile Hospital project has been launched in 48 Adivasi development blocks with a view to make health facilities available to the Adivasis.

Information Technology

Establishment of CHIPS society for comprehensive use of information technology for the betterment of the society and flexibility in public welfare plans. Establishment of Information Technology Park in Bhilai. Concessions to information technology enterprises. 50 percent grant to units established under CHIPS at Information Technology Park, Bhilai.

Minerals

Steps undertaken in support of granting right and share in mineral resources and income accruing from it to the local people, particularly scheduled castes and the tribals. Decision to end royalty on sand for encouraging employment opportunities and construction work. Formation of Mineral Development Corporation, apart from many minerals, the mining and appropriation of diamonds, bauxite and iron ore to be done by the Corporation. Special mining work undertaken in an area of 5,000 sq. km. Chhattisgarh ranks second in the country in terms of mineral production costs. A new mineral policy for the state has been formulated. Priority is being given to adivasis and weaker sections in the mining industry under the new policy. Chhattisgarh State Mineral Development Corporation has been formed.

Welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes

Formation of Chhattisgarh Adim Jati Mantrana Parishad. Formation of Scheduled Tribes Commission. Formation of State Minority Commission. Formation of State Waqf Board. Formation of Waqf Appellate Board. Formation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Advisory Group. Formation of Backward Classes Advisory Group. Formation of Chhattisgarh Haj Committee. Formation of Chhattisgarh State Cooperative Financial and Development Corporation. Formation of State Urdu Academy. Grant for development programmes in Adivasi areas increased from 32 percent to 38 percent. Increase in amount of scholarships awarded to children belonging to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Enhanced amount for post-Matric scholarships at various levels. Allotment of school bags for primary level students. Formation of Chhattisgarh State Study Circle to train promising students belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes and other minorities for preparing for All India Administrative Services examination. Special concessions to entrepreneurs belonging to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.

Panchayat - Rural Development

Three-level Panchayat Raj institutions strengthened. In accordance with the 73^rd Constitutional Amendment, all rights pertaining to fund, function, and functionaries, transferred to the Panchayats. Chhattisgarh ranks among the top five states by having achieved 89.48 percent target under the Sampoorn Gramin Rozgar Yojana-I (Complete Rural Employment Scheme) 2001-2002. 42,430 dwelling units built for the shelterless people living below-the-poverty-line. Panchayat award scheme implemented in order to strengthen the panchayat system - for excellent performance at the block level Rs. 25,000 at the district level Rs. 3 lakh and at the State level Rs. 5 lakh.

Industries

Keeping in consonance with the requirements and priorities of Chhattisgarh, new industrial policy adopted. Under group based industrial development, agriculture, food, forestry, minerals, conventional handicrafts, upcoming information technology, infrastructural industry, thrust sector industry marked and notified. Work started on the establishment of special industrial parks and group-based industries on the basis of regional balance and local features. Revival of 17 closed Ferro alloys industries through supply of electricity at concessional rates, concessions in commercial tax to provide a new lease of life to closed industrial units. All new industries will be exempted from electricity tax for a period of 15 years. All new industries will be exempted from electricity tax for a period of 15 years. All new industries will get 100 percent, up to a maximum of Rs. 2 lakh, for the reimbursement of the project proposal cost. All new industrial units, on the basis of their eligibility, will get all the facilities announced in the industrial policy.