BJP government unveils Rs 3 kilo rice scheme in Chhattsigarh

Raipur, Nov 1 (UNI) Chhattisgarh chief minister Dr Raman Singh today announced to provide 35 kilogram rice at Rs three per Kg to all below poverty line (BPL) families from Janaury one.

Making the announcement at the inaugural ceremony of the seven day 'Rajyotsav' celebrations on the seventh anniversary of Chhattisgarh's statehood tonight, he said the state government has earmarked about Rs 800 for the scheme which he said was aimed at ensuring food security.

" This is one of the biggest food security scheme in the country, targeting all BPL sections of the society", he said adding that all arrangements have been made for implementing the scheme from January one.

Announcing the government decision to regularize the service of all daily wages employees appointed till 1995, Mr Singh said more than 14,000 such employees, who had put in many years of service, would be benefited.

The chief minister said besides, the state government has also decided to waive off 50 per cent dues of irrigation cess of farmers, who voluntarily pay up 50 per cent of their pending dues.

Presiding over the ceremony, state governor E S L Narasimhan said Chhattisgarh, which was carved out of Madhya Pradesh in November 2000, has tremendous potential for growth because of its vast natural resources.

" We have to judiciously exploit these resources and utilize them for the overall development of the state", he added.

Tourism and culture minister Brijmohan Agrawal, assembly speaker Prem Prakash Pandey also spoke. UNI