Hope Chhattisgarh will get rid of Naxal menace in few months: Guv

Raipur, Nov 2: Chhattisgarh Governor Balramji Das Tandon on Nov 1 exuded confidence that with better Centre-state efforts, the state would soon get rid of the Naxalism menace which it has been fighting for past three decades.

"There are ample opportunities for tourism development in Chhattisgarh but Maoist problem is a major challenge to this sector here.

"Both Centre and state are jointly making serious efforts to wipe out this menace and I believe the state would get rid of it in the next few months thereby opening up new prospects for growth of tourism sector in Chhattisgarh," Tandon said.

He was addressing the opening ceremony of the 'Rajyotsav 2014' that kicked off today to mark the 14th anniversary of the formation of the state.

The three-day 'Chhattisgarh Rajyotsava – 2014' was inaugurated at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee premises in Naya Raipur, the upcoming capital of the state.

Lauding the efforts of Chief Minister Raman Singh for the development of the state, Tandon said, "Fourteen years are not sufficient for any state to attain a comprehensive development, but Chhattisgarh has made a tremendous development in all the sectors. The credit for it goes to CM Raman Singh and his team."

Praising the state government's works in different sectors, the Governor said Chhattisgarh is the only zero power cut state in the country.

On the occasion, he conferred state honours on 19 persons and three organisations for their exemplary contributions in different fields.

In his address, Singh elaborated the achievements of the state in past 10 years and highlighted welfare schemes of his government.

PTI