Free Electricity Assistance Scheme for Irrigation Pumps Renamed to Dr Khubchand Baghel Farmer Electricity Assistance Scheme, announces CM Sai

Raipur, January 19

Chhattisgarh government will provide farmers with the balance amount for paddy procurement payments in one installment by February 15. This decision was made during today’s cabinet meeting and will benefit approximately 2.7 million farmers in the state. Addressing an inauguration and foundation-laying ceremony in Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district headquarters, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also announced renaming the irrigation electricity assistance scheme to Dr. Khubchand Baghel Farmer Electricity Assistance Scheme.

The CM unveiled development projects worth ₹1.37 billion for the district, including the inauguration of 84 projects worth ₹478.7 million and the foundation laying of projects worth ₹895.4 million.

On the occaasion, CM Sai made various announcements which are as follow;
A district hospital in Sarangarh with an investment of ₹380 million.
A joint district office building to be constructed at a cost of ₹187.5 million.
Land allocation for establishing industries in Sarangarh-Bilaigarh.
Expansion of Sarangarh’s main road at a cost of ₹15 million.
Construction of a 50-seater hostel in Sariya.
Upgradation of Kosir Primary Health Center to a Community Health Center.
The CM also inspected various departmental stalls and distributed financial aid and materials to beneficiaries under different government schemes.

Development and Welfare Highlights
Chief Minister Sai reflected on his 20-year association with Sarangarh as a workplace and assured continued efforts for the district’s growth. He noted that in the past year, significant progress has been made in fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guarantees, including accelerated construction under the PM Awas Yojana (PMAY).

Approval for 1.8 million houses was granted in the first cabinet meeting.
The first phase saw 847,000 houses approved, many of which are now occupied.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently approved an additional 388,000 houses during his visit to Chhattisgarh.
Another 300,000 houses are expected to be approved by April.
To simplify PMAY applications, the government launched an online app, enabling people to apply from their homes. The eligibility criteria have been expanded to include individuals with two-wheelers, 2.5 acres of irrigated land or 5 acres of unirrigated land, or a monthly income of up to ₹15,000.

Under the Mahatari Vandan Scheme, mothers and sisters in the state receive ₹1,000 per month. Women from Danasra in Sarangarh are using this amount to build a Ram Temple.

The Pandit Deendayal Landless Agricultural Workers Scheme has benefited 562,000 landless agricultural laborers in the state.

The Swamitva Scheme, spearheaded by PM Modi, has provided landownership rights to 65 million rural residents in 50,000 villages nationwide. In Chhattisgarh, 61,000 people across ten districts have received ownership cards.

Community and Cultural Initiatives
The CM invited district residents to participate in the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, held after 144 years. A 4.5-acre pavilion has been set up for Chhattisgarh devotees, offering free food and lodging. The pavilion also highlights Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage.

Supporting Farmers and Rural Development
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao emphasized the government’s commitment to fulfilling PM Modi’s guarantees. He highlighted ongoing efforts to boost rural and urban development, including paddy procurement at ₹3,100 per quintal, monthly payments under Mahatari Vandan, and swift housing construction. Farmers have also received two years’ pending bonus payments.

Revenue Minister Tankaram Verma noted that under CM Sai’s leadership, continuous development has been achieved over the past year. The program was also addressed by MP Radheshyam Rathia and Mrs. Kamlesh Jangde, with MLAs and a large number of citizens in attendance.