Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghuvar Das today imposed a ban on the sale of thermocol plates with the move aimed at the promotion of leaf plates in the state.
Das, who was on two-day visit to West Singhbhum district, including to naxal-affected Saranda, made the announcement on the concluding day of his visit.
The move will help generate employment for the poor and tribals who are engaged in making leaf plates, he said. The ban is for the entire state, he added.
Das also directed the officials to provide electricity in the Saranda area through solar power and assured that Chotanagra will soon be made a block.
He also announced Rs 1 lakh to villages which become liquor-free.
Indirectly accusing the naxals coming from Andhra Pradesh of misguiding innocent youths here, Das said his government would ensure that the rule of Jharkhandis is restored in the state. Efforts are being made to bring the misguided youths back into the mainstream, he said.
The chief minister also held a meeting with the officials of all the steel plants, including Tata Steel and SAIL, and mine owners to review the progress made on the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) front.
The steel plants and mine owners have been directed to provide furniture in 900 schools in the district and improve infrastructure in hospitals as part of their CSR, he said adding, that the government has also procured five SUVs each from SAIL, Tata Steel and the Rungta group.
The chief minister said the vehicles will be utilised for patrolling on the highways and the naxal-affected areas of Saranda forest.
