Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly passed the ThanksGiving Proposal to the Governor’s Address with majority vote. Earlier, responding to the discussion held in the House, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that this country and the state belongs to ‘Annadata’ (farmers). “We will not let the farmers be deprived of their rights under any circumstances and will not allow treachery with them,” said the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister said farmers are agitating for their demands regarding procurement of crops at support price, more than 200 farmers have died, but the government is not paying any attention. He further said that three laws are being forced on the farmers despite their disapproval. He said that we have sincerely taken care of the interests of farmers in Chhattisgarh.

The Chief Minister said that Government of India should arrange for free COVID vaccination of all 135 crore people in the country, instead of focusing on only 3 crore people.

If the Central Government refuses to do so, then we would arrange for COVID vaccination of people in State at

our own expense, said Chief Minister. He said covaxine has been used for only one percent of people in 11 states. Chhattisgarh has

decided to use this vaccine only after the third trial. The Chief Minister said the Central Government had agreed to take 60 lakh MT of rice from Chhattisgarh in the Central Pool but as of now the centre has allowed deposit of only 24 lakh MT rice, the Opposition should take up the task of getting permission from Centre for deposit of entire 60 lakh MT rice. While answering opposition query as to why surplus paddy is being sold, he said if Centre allows the contribution of 6O lakh MT in the central pool, there will be

no need for selling paddy or

rice outside.

The Chief Minister said that we implemented the new industrial policy in 2019 as a result 1249 industries were established in the state. There was capital investment of Rs 16,986 crores in these industries and 22,000 people got employment. Similarly, 104 MoUs were signed for mega industrial projects, which would lead to a capital investment of Rs 42,417 crore. The Chief Minister said that we have set the goal to establish 200 food parks and 111 locations have been already identified for food parks. Responding to the irrigation-related questions of the opposition, the Chief Minister said in the last two years, due to better management of water resources in the state, actual irrigation has increased from 9.68 lakh hectare to 13 lakh hectare, which is a record in itself.

The Chief Minister said the Central Government owes us Rs 14,073 crore as Chhattisgarh’s share in central taxes. From 2004 to present, the Centre owes a total of Rs 15,154 crore to Chhattisgarh. A resolution to disapprove the disinvestment of the Nagarnar Steel Plant has also been passed in this House. He said that this plant should be operated by public sector companies like NMDC or CMDC. Unilateral disinvestment will not be allowed.