Measures for drought-hit farmers highlight of Raman's address

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today focused on fighting malnutrition and relief measures for drought-affected farmers during his radio-address to the citizens.
Singh delivered the fifth address on his programme 'Raman Ke Goth' and on special request of listeners, he chose to speak initial part of his message in Halbi and Sargujiha- tribal dialects along with Chhattisgarhi.
"Building a new generation is as important as, in fact more important than development of infrastructure like roads, railway, bridges, school, college and hospitals," he said expressing his concern over children and pregnant ladies suffering from malnutrition.
"A new generation can be build with education and health facilities. Several steps are being taken by the government for malnutrition eradication," he added.

Appealing to people of the state to participate in the ongoing state-wide Anganwadi quality campaign, Singh said anganwadi centres have been playing a vital role in fighting malnutrition.
"Anganwadi centres have been increased from 21,000 to 50,000 in over past a decade. The number of women and children beneficiaries availing daily nutritious supplement meal in these centres has also increased from 13 lakh to 25 lakh.

"As a result, malnutrition rate in state has reduced from 52 per cent to 32 per cent, whereas target to reduce it further to 25 per cent has been set," he added.
The Chief Minster also boosted the morale of the farmers bearing the brunt of drought.

"The road of life sometimes goes rough and the journey seems difficult but one should not give up hope; we should move ahead with faith and patience," Singh said assuring that his government is standing with the farmers in this difficult time.
"The financial aid of Rs 15,000, which was being provided under Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana to farmers for wedding of their daughters, has now been doubled to Rs 30,000.
Presently, employment-oriented works under MNREGA have
been started in over eight thousand Gram Panchayats, in which more than 10 lakh villagers have been employed, he added.
Singh briefed about the several other initiatives launched to ensure relief to drought-affected farmers.

He also mentioned about the National Youth Festival 2016 to be organised in the upcoming new capital Naya Raipur from January 12 till 16.
"We feel extremely proud to host the National Youth Festival, in which nearly 6,000 youth will participate from across the country and exhibit art of their respective states in 18 different disciplines," he added.
The event has been named as 'Yuva Kriti' and mascot for the same is state animal of Chhattisgarh - Wild Buffalo, in famous dancing pose of Bastar, he added.
Singh has given his radio address to public in Hindi and Chhattisgarhi language in past four editions.