On the occasion of World Tribal Day on Wednesday, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel dedicated and laid foundation stones for 2,848 development projects worth Rs 1,000 crore.
With assembly elections scheduled at the end of the year, the CM actively participated in two distinct events, one held in the Bastar district headquarters of Jagdalpur and the other in Sitapur, a burgeoning development block within the Surguja district and pressed his government’s concern for the uplift of the tribal populace in the state.
The government has established Bachelor of Education (BEd) and Diploma in Education (DEd) colleges in every district headquarters across the Bastar division which encompasses seven districts. Additionally, plans were unveiled for the construction of a state-of-the-art indoor stadium in Jagdalpur with a budget of Rs 100 crore.
During the Sitapur event, Baghel further underlined his commitment to safeguarding tribal traditions and culture. He announced the creation of a centre in Surguja, akin to the existing Bastar Academy of Dance, Art and Literature (BADAL) in Bastar. BADAL has been instrumental in preserving the rich heritage of the region.
In Sitapur, Baghel said,”We are unwavering in our dedication to showcase Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity on the global stage. It’s imperative that people recognise the profound antiquity of Chhattisgarh’s culture. Our relentless efforts are geared towards safeguarding our opulent cultural heritage.”
“In Asana, Jagdalpur, we’ve established the Bastar Academy of Dance, Art and Literature (BADAL), a dedicated institution for the preservation of tribal culture, literature, and tradition. With diverse tribal communities residing in both the Bastar and Surguja divisions, we are committed to setting up an institution similar to BADAL in Surguja to achieve the same noble purpose,” he affirmed.
Baghel highlighted his government’s all-encompassing approach over the past four-and-a-half years, focusing on the well-being of every societal segment, especially the tribal populace constituting around 32 per cent of the state’s total population.
“We have successfully facilitated the procurement of cow dung in Chhattisgarh, a feat that was not anticipated. Our policies have been carefully designed to bolster the rural economy. A notable instance is the increase in the price of tendu leaves, primarily used in ‘beedi’ or leaf cigarette manufacturing, from Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,000 per sack. This decision was taken to support the forest-dwelling communities,” Baghel declared.
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