Almost all poll promises fulfilled, says Raman

Raipur, Oct 13 (UNI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Dr Raman Singh today claimed his government had fulfilled almost all election promises and also initiated many welfare measures, including a scheme to ensure food security.

''We are satisfied that our government has been able to not only fulfill poll promises but also take up a number of other welfare measures in the last four years'', he told UNI.

Pointing out that the people had appreciated the scheme to provide food security, Dr Singh said Rs 300 crore was earmarked for the scheme aimed at providing rice at Rs 3 a kilo to the poor people.

''Besides, we have streamlined the public distribution system (PDS) and also improved the lot of farmers by initiating many steps, including purchase of paddy on support price''.

The Chief Minister said he was satisfied with the initiatives taken for the welfare and development of poor tribals and other weaker sections of the society. ''However, it is also a fact that we could not do much for the development of areas affected by naxalism'', he admitted.

''We have set up separate development agencies in Naxalite affected Bastar and Sarguja regions and also appointed development commissioners. But the pace of development was still slow in these areas because of Naxalite activities'', he added.

Admitting that the rural areas were facing problems in power supply, the chief minister said all districts would start getting uninterrupted electricity supply in the next two months after a new power plant was operationalised.

About the opposition's criticism that corruption had scaled new heights during BJP regime and it would benefit the opposition parties in the next elections, Dr Singh posed a counter saying ''Have you ever felt during the last four years that there is an opposition party in Chhattisgarh ?''.

''Opposition Congress could not make its presence felt neither in the assembly nor outside'', he said, adding opposition leaders had mostly utilised their energy to fight amongst themselves.

UNI