Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh today announced a special 10 per cent discount for those purchasing dwelling units constructed by the state's housing board and free flavoured milk once a week to children in Anganwadi centres.
"Earlier Chhattisgarh Housing Board was providing 10 per cent concession on purchase of houses only to government employees. But now everyone can avail this privilege," he said addressing the 67th RepublicDayfunction held in insurgency-hit Bastar district.
"From now onwards, a special 10 per cent concession will be provided to everyone on purchase of houses built by the housing board," he added.
Amid tight security, the CM unfurled the national flag at Jagdalpur district headquarters in Bastar where a boycott called by Naxals failed to evoke any response.
High security was being maintained across Bastardivision afterNaxals put up posters and banners asking people to boycott Republic Day celebrations and oppose French President Francois Hollande's visit.
Singh said children enrolled in the state's 50,311 aanganwadis will be provided warm, flavoured Devbhog brand milk once a week.
"It is a small yet constructive step in the direction of malnutrition eradication. If this experiment turns out to be successful, it will be implemented on a wider level," he said.
The Chief Minister claimed malnutrition has decreased from 52 per cent to 32 per cent over the last one decade and now the target is to bring it further down to 25 per cent.
He also expressed confidence that Naxalism will soon be uprooted from the state.
"The biggest battle to preserve unity and integrity of India is being fought in remote areas of Bastar region. Security forces and local residents have made significant contribution with their patience, courage, and intellect," he said.
"Our strategy is to make integrated efforts for security and development. I believe the day not far when Naxalism will be uprooted and the biggest threat to internal security will come to an end," he added.
Speaking about deficient rain that led to drought in many
parts of the state in last Kharif season, Singh said, "For the first time in the last 12 years drought has struck the state in such a big way that 117 of its tehsils have been declared as 'drought-affected'".
"I had requested my farmer brothers to be patient and not lose hope in this hour of crisis. Because of their patience and courage, we could face this difficult situation," he said.
Underling the importance of connectivity for development, he said, "An elaborate action plan has been chalked out to bring about a connectivity revolution in state under which Rs 60 thousand crore will be spent on infrastructure development including roads, railways, electricity and telecom."
"We have launched Chief Minister's 11-point programme for integrated development of extremely backward tribes. Effective steps are being taken to benefit tribal people and forest dwellers from trade in small forest produce so they may reap the profits they deserve without interference of middlemen," he added.
