In a groundbreaking move aimed at providing relief to chitfund victims, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel virtually distributed a sum of Rs 4,13,88,996 to 35,378 investors from 7 districts of Chhattisgarh. The distribution took place from the Chief Minister’s residence office in State Capital on Wednesday. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Baghel, an impressive amount of Rs 37,92,99,656 has been successfully returned to 81,204 victim investors across State. In response to the 462 cases filed against 208 chit-fund companies, over 700 directors and officials involved in these companies have been arrested. During the virtual event, Chief Minister Baghel personally returned the embezzled amount to 35,378 investors from the districts of Raipur, Bilaspur, Rajnandgaon, Dhamtari, Manendragarh, Koriya, and Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki. Notably, Raipur district witnessed the highest return, with Rs 1,44,37,000 given back to 13,676 investors. Bilaspur district followed with Rs 84,55,000 returned to 16,615 investors. The distribution extended to other districts as well, with Rajnandgaon receiving Rs 1,10,000 for 4,835 investors, Dhamtari with Rs 12,55,000 for 43 investors, ManendragarhChirmiri-Bharatpur district with Rs 44,41,895 for 110 investors, Korea district with Rs 17,18,960 for 94 investors, and MohlaManpur-Ambagarh district with Rs 54,100 for 5 investors.

 

Addressing the beneficiaries virtually, Chief Minister Baghel highlighted that Chhattisgarh has become the first state in the country to take action against chit-fund companies and return the money to the victim investors. The success of this endeavor has caught the attention of other states, leading them to inquire about the state’s approach. The Chief Minister attributed the achievement to the unwavering faith and trust of people of State. Home Minister Tamradhwaj Sahu and Urban Administration and Development Department Minister Dr Shiv Kumar Dahariya also participated in the virtual event and addressed the participants. The victims of chit-fund companies had the opportunity to interact with the Chief Minister during the programme. Several beneficiaries shared their stories of hardship and gratitude during the event. Shashi Soni, a resident of  Dhamtari, expressed her relief, stating that she could now clear her daughter’s education loan after receiving Rs 8,55,000 of her hard-earned money that was lost to a chit fund company. Ramchandra Nishad of Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki recounted how his family had lost their entire life’s earnings of Rs 14 lakh to a fraudulent chit-fund company, but today, they received Rs 4,18,000 back in their account. Ramnaresh Patel, a resident of Manendragarh Chirmiri, expressed his gratitude and tears of joy for the return of his money.

 

Other dignitaries present at the event included Chairman of State Mineral Development Corporation Girish Dewangan, Director General of Police Ashok Juneja, Additional Chief Secretary Subrat Sahoo, Secretary to Chief Minister Ankit Anand, Secretary of Home Department Basav Raju, Joint Secretary of Home Department Abhijeet Singh, and Inspector General of Police (CID) Sanjeev Shukla. The achievement of returning amounts to victim investors of chit-fund companies was made possible through the implementation of the Chhattisgarh Protection of Depositors Interest Act-2005 by the state government. This exemplary move has brought relief and hope to thousands of chitfund victims and set an inspiring precedent.