Name of Free Electricity Assistance Scheme for Irrigation Pumps Changed to Dr. Khubchand Baghel Kisan Vidyut Sahayata Yojana: CM Sai

Raipur, January 19

Chhattisgarh government has decided to disburse the difference amount for paddy procurement in a lump sum by February 15. This decision was taken in today’s cabinet meeting, benefiting approximately 2.7 million farmers across the state.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced this while addressing the inauguration and foundation stone-laying ceremony for development projects in Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district.

On this occasion, he also announced that the irrigation pump electricity assistance scheme for farmers will now be called the Dr. Khubchand Baghel Kisan Vidyut Sahayata Yojana. The Chief Minister presented development projects worth ₹137.41 crore, including inauguration of 84 projects worth ₹47.87 crore and foundation stone laying for projects worth ₹89.54 crore.

CM Sai conducted the Bhoomi Pujan for a ₹38 crore district hospital in Sarangarh and a ₹18.75 crore integrated district office building.

Additionally, he announced land allocation for industrial establishment in Sarangarh-Bilaigarh, ₹1.5 crore for the widening of Sarangarh’s main road, a 50-seater hostel building in Sariya, the construction of a high-level rest house in Sarangarh, and the upgradation of Kosir’s primary health center into a community health center.

The Chief Minister inspected departmental stalls and distributed financial assistance checks and materials to beneficiaries under various government schemes.

CM Sai expressed that Sarangarh had been his “Karmabhoomi” (workplace) for 20 years, and now, as Chief Minister, he is committed to developing not only Sarangarh-Bilaigarh but the entire Chhattisgarh state.

He highlighted the fulfillment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guarantees over the past year, citing rapid progress in the construction of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). The first cabinet meeting approved 1.8 million houses, with 8.47 lakh houses sanctioned in the first phase, many of which are already occupied. Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently approved an additional 3.88 lakh houses for Chhattisgarh. By April 2025, the state is expected to receive approval for another 300,000 houses.

The Awas Plus survey has also begun, expanding eligibility for PMAY housing. Now, people with two-wheelers, 2.5 acres of irrigated land or 5 acres of non-irrigated land, and monthly incomes up to ₹15,000 can also qualify for housing. The process has been simplified with an online app for easy applications.

The state government is also providing ₹1,000 per month under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana to mothers and sisters, with women from Dansara in Sarangarh using this amount to build a Ram Temple.

CM Sai emphasized the benefits of the Pandit Deendayal Bhoomihin Krishi Shramik Yojana, under which 5.62 lakh landless agricultural laborers will receive assistance. He also noted that PM Modi has provided ownership cards to 6.5 million rural residents across 50,000 villages, including 61,000 people in ten districts of Chhattisgarh.

The Chief Minister assured action against those involved in the PSC scam, restoring faith in the examination system among the youth.

He also highlighted the 144-year-awaited Maha Kumbh, stating that a 4.5-acre Chhattisgarh Mandap has been set up at Prayagraj for pilgrims, offering free food and accommodation. He invited district residents to participate in the Maha Kumbh.

Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfilling PM Modi’s guarantees, citing paddy procurement at ₹3,100 per quintal, regular Mahtari Vandan payments, rapid housing construction, and the release of two years’ pending bonuses to farmers.

Revenue Minister Tankaram Verma praised CM Sai’s leadership, stating that continuous development work has taken place over the past year.

The event was also addressed by MPs Radheshyam Rathia and Kamlesh Jangde, and attended by MLAs Uttari Ganpat Jangde (Sarangarh) and Kavita Pran Lahare (Bilaigarh), former MLA Shamsher Singh, and other prominent leaders.