Today, on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day, I extend heartfelt congratulations and good wishes to all of you.
In reverence, we remember the undying spirit of the martyrs and the countless freedom fighters whose sacrifices and unwavering dedication paved the way for an independent India, granting us the privilege to craft our own constitution. A heartfelt salute to those exceptional individuals whose relentless efforts and unparalleled talent gave India our Constitution. Over time, our constitution has withstood challenges, and today, after a remarkable journey, we stand at the milestone of our Republic’s Amrit Mahotsav (Gantantra ka Amrit Mahotsav).
On this day in the year 1950, the Constitution of India came into force. Our great Constitution is the soul of democracy, serving as a medium to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation. It is only through upholding their faith and belief in constitutional values that both individuals and states can effectively fulfill their duties towards the nation. Each citizen of India can shape their life through the rights bestowed by the Constitution.
I pay my sincere tribute to the great personalities who played pivotal roles in guiding the country towards freedom, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and Swatantrya Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. I also pay my respect to the first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Law Minister, Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and the countless individuals whose invaluable contributions have made India the world’s greatest republic and a successful democratic nation.
I also acknowledge the current President of India, Mrs. Draupadi Murmu, and the current Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, who have demonstrated through their leadership that individuals from ordinary families can rise to the highest positions in the country and make significant contributions. The glory of Mother India can now reach every corner of the universe, becoming a beacon of global welfare through the principles of equality and the Right of Justice.
Republic Day is an opportunity to strengthen our belief in the rights of every individual and constitutional values. This is achieveable by fulfilling the basic needs of the common people, providing everyone with the means and opportunities for development.
It is a fortunate coincidence that the central and state governments have initiated numerous people-centric policies, schemes, and programs in collaboration, aiming to implement them swiftly. In Chhattisgarh, after the formation of the 6th Legislative Assembly, the newly formed government has taken rapid steps from the first cabinet itself to fulfill all the promises made. The ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana’ has brought a dream to life for every homeless family in India, with the vision that they will now have a roof over their heads. While many states in the country achieved this goal on time, Chhattisgarh faced delays due to various reasons. With the formation of new government, a decision was made to construct approximately 18 lakhs pucca houses in rural areas, which is a significant relief for these families.
My government has taken strong steps towards economically empowering and making our farmers self-reliant. Chhattisgarh’s founding father and former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary 25th December was again celebrated as Good Governance Day this year. State Government fulfilled another promise by transferring Rs. 3,716 crores, the pending bonus of two years for paddy procurement, to more than 12 lakh farmers on the occasion. A decision has also been made to purchase 21 quintals of paddy per acre directly from the farmers. The system has been put in place to ensure the payment of the support price for selling paddy within 48 hours, with a success rate in 90% cases. This system is being further strengthened. The procurement of paddy in all online procurement centers is being carried out with the biometric authentication of farmers.
My government initiated the ‘Krishak Jeevan Jyoti Yojana’ during the year 2013-2018 to provide free electricity to farmers, and its benefits have now reached approximately 7 lakhs farmers. To expedite and complete this program within a defined timeframe, an additional allocation of around Rs. 1,123 crores has been made, in addition to the previously approved fund of Rs. 2,900 crores.
Harnessing the blessings of the Sun through solar technology for widespread public welfare, my government’s ‘Saur Sujala Yojana’ has successfully installed more than 1 lakh 52 thousands solar irrigation pumps, making it the largest such initiative in the country. Besides, 4 lakh 57 thousands families are benefitting from solar water pumps. Over 1 lakh 35 thousand families in 867 villages have gained access to electricity, in forest areas.
The state is actively preparing to fulfill the commitment to launch the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana’ with a positive vision and noble objective to promote the economic self-reliance and empowerment of women.
Under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana,’ more than 36 lakh women beneficiaries in the state have been provided with LPG connections. Additionally, a special campaign has been launched to provide LPG connections to eligible beneficiaries during the ‘Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.’
Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi initiated the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ at the national level with the promise to provide tap water to every household. In the state, more than 36 lakh 13 thousand families have been provided with domestic tap connections so far. To expedite this process, my government has allocated additional funds to ensure that the residents of Chhattisgarh quickly receive the convenience of tap water in their homes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Government introduced the ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana’ to provide nutrition to the families in need. Considering the extensive relief provided by this scheme, it has been expanded, and now, for the next 5 years, nearly 68 lakh eligible families in Chhattisgarh will receive free rice every month under this scheme. This decision will become a significant example of justice in human history, contributing to the construction of a healthy future generation in Chhattisgarh.
Youth power is the foundation of our secure future. It is our responsibility to provide them with quality education, values, and fair opportunities for livelihood. My government had promised to impartially investigate the injustice done to the youth. To fulfill this commitment, a decision was made for a CBI inquiry into the PSC case, and efforts were made to bring transparency, fairness, and other improvements to the selection process.
The faith, reverence, and devotion towards Lord Shri Ram is not only prevalent in India but also extend to people around the world. The dream of preserving the memories of Lord Ram in His birthplace Ayodhya, by renovating all the associated sites and constructing a magnificent temple, has been cherished in the eyes of people for 500 years. This dream has now been fulfilled with the consecration of the idol of Lord Shri Ram. My government had pledged to start the “Shri Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana” for the people of the state, and a decision has been made to fulfill this commitment. Under this scheme, approximately 20 thousand people every year will be facilitated to undertake a pilgrimage to Ayodhya, along with Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and the corridor.
Government of India has clearly expressed its priority for cleanliness. I am pleased to announce that in the Swachh Sarvekshan 2023 organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Chhattisgarh has been honoured as the third cleanest state in the country. Chhattisgarh has received 6 national awards in various categories for its outstanding performance. I hope, that through cleanliness, we can successfully achieve the broader goals of better health and an improved quality of life.
Under the “Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adiwasi Nyay Maha Abhiyaan” (PM-Janman), special efforts are being made to provide essential services and facilities to 1,991 settlements of the particularly vulnerable tribal groups in 19 districts of the state. I believe that this initiative will empower the most vulnerable sections of society and contribute to their upliftment.
Similarly, under the ‘Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Yatra,’ an extensive campaign is being conducted to make eligible beneficiaries in Chhattisgarh aware of various central schemes. This campaign aims to educate, inform, and include those who have not yet benefited from the schemes, ensuring that they also receive the advantages offered by these initiatives.
The success of our democracy is deeply rooted in the perpetual commitment of every individual, mutual cooperation, active participation in the development of the state and the country, and a strong desire for progress in science and technology. On the other hand, we also acknowledge the significant contribution of our ancient culture and spiritual awareness. Inspired by the philosophy of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, the pioneer of “Aikatm Manav Vad” we find meaningful motivation for the conscientious fulfillment of duties towards humanity and the nation. My government’s fundamental principle is to pay utmost attention to the comprehensive development of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, economically weaker sections, women, youth, children, farmers, rural populations, and forest dwellers.
All of us together need to fulfill Atal Ji’s dream of building the state of Chhattisgarh. Chhattisgarh must be transformed into a region, free from Naxal influence, characterized by robust law and order, tranquility, and a bastion of development. With the strategy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas,’ every objective for the betterment of Chhattisgarh will be achieved.
