Naxalism us nearing its end in Chhattisgarh, says Guv

Chhattisgarh Governor Balramji Das Tandon today said a wave of security and development coupled with the faith of people in Bastar region signals that naxalism will come to an end soon in the state.
Tandon was speaking at the 68thRepublicDayfunction held at the police line grounds here.
"There is a wave of security and development with initiatives like education city, lifeline express, operation facility in hospitals and many others, along with faith (of people) in Bastar which has raised hope that the end of naxalism is near in the state,"theGovernorsaid in his address.
"I salute our brave jawans of army and security forces who are keeping our borders and unity and integrity of the country safe..," he said.

Hailing the demonetisation move, the Governor said, Chhattisgarh has successfully implemented this (scrapping the Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes) revolutionary and historical idea.
The way people of the state, bank employees, industrialists and government functionaries have rendered their responsibilities in a committed spirit, it is highly appreciable.

The process (of demonetisation) has not only supported the country in fight against terror forces but also helped in controlling Maoist activities in Chhattisgarh, he said.
He also appreciated the steps being taken by the state government to encourage cashless transactions and said, "Just within a span of one month, atleast 16 lakh people were made literate on digital transaction in the state and made members of 'Digital Army' (to propagate the idea of cashless society)".

The Governor further said, "I am happy that more than 9300 villages, over 5300 village panchayats and 41 development blocks have been declared open defecation free (ODF) under 'Swachh Bharat Mission'.
We will achieve the target of becoming anODFstate by October 2, 2018 a year ahead of the national target (which 2 October 2019)."
He also appealed to the people to contribute for this noble cause. Public amenities and infrastructure development are those elements of development which make easier the life of thousands-lakhs people, he said.
Under Bastar Net scheme, optical fibre network of 900
kms will be laid in five districts which will connect this region to the entire state, country and world, he said.

Besides, electrification of 1080 villages of Bastar will be done soon, the Governor said.
Under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna, the state will achieve the target to provide domestic LPG connection to 35 lakh within the stipulated time, he said.
Listing out various other achievements of the state government citing its benefits, the Governor said, the mission to empower each and every people of the state is underway with full seriousness and commitment.
With the success of this mission, Chhattisgarh will become the happiest and prosperous state in the country, he added.
Earlier,GovernorTandon unfurled the tricolour and received guard of honour from the joint parade of the state police, CRPF, BSF, women squad of state police, National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme, Scout and Guide students at the Parade Ground here to mark India's 68thRepublicDayamid tight security.

About 5,000 people including children, thronged the venue in the heart of the city to witness the colourful parade with patriotic fervour and gaiety.