C'garh CM announces fellowship schemes for doctors, youth

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today announced fellowship schemes for doctors and youth of the state.
While addressing the Republic Day function at Jagdalpur, the district headquarters of Bastar district as chief guest, the chief minister made several important announcements, including two fellowship schemes, an official statement here said.
Chief Minister Medical Fellowship Scheme will be launched for the medical experts and doctors, who contribute in nation building by rendering services in remote challenging areas, Singh said in his address.
Alongside, Chief Minister Good Governance Fellowship Scheme will also be initiated to tap the innovative thoughts and ideas of young talent in formulation of district and state-level policies and for making administration more effective, he added.

The Chief Minister also announced to hike the honorarium of freedom fighters and MISA prisoners as well as wages of 'tendu patta' (tendu leaves) labourers.
"Honorarium of the freedom fighters, who have made invaluable contribution in the freedom movement of India, will be increased from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000.

Similarly, honorarium of the MISA prisoners, who came to the rescue of democracy during emergency, will be increased by 50-66 per cent," Singh said.
Besides, wages of forest dweller families, engaged in 'tendu patta' collection work, will be increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,800 per standard sack, he said.

In forest areas, wages for 'tendu patta' collection is the main source of income for our tribal people. Earlier we had increased this wage from Rs 350 to Rs 1,500 per standard sack, Singh added.
After unfurling the tricolour and taking salute of the parade, the Chief Minister addressed the public gathering and extended wishes of Republic Day to people of the state.
He also said Maoists have been pushed on the back-foot with the development and security measures besides the revised surrender and rehabilitation policy of the state government.
The number of Maoist surrender has increased to a great extent, he added.

Credit cards have been issued to 22 lakh farmers of
the state and soon Ru-pay cards will also be issued to 10 lakh of these farmers, Singh said.
Mentioning about the public awareness created as a result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Clean India Mission, Singh said, "my belief has gone stronger that we will make Chhattisgarh Open Defecation Free (ODF) state by October 2, 2018."
"I am happy that Chhattisgarh has succeeded in auctioning the limestone and gold mines first in the country, which has enhanced the financial resources of the state," the Chief Minister added.
Government has made the provision to utilise the entire amount of District Mineral Fund (DMF) for the development of mining-affected districts, said Singh.

Action plan worth Rs 2,400 crores has been approved in various districts, which has resulted in development of various facilities in mining affected areas, he added.
Malnutrition has reduced from 52 per cent to 30 per cent, the Chief Minister said adding the next target is to further reduce malnutrition to 25 per cent, so that in next three years the state can be made malnutrition-free.
To improve quality of school education in state, state government has decided to hold 5th-8th board examinations, Singh said.