Chhattisgarh to contain naxalism: Governor

Raipur, Feb 18 (UNI) The Chhattisgarh government was taking all possible steps to contain Maoist menace and to ensure adequate security and rehabilitation of the people affected by anti-naxalite movement in tribal Bastar region, Governor E S L Narasimhan said today.

''My government is extending all possible support to those who are fighting the Naxalites'', the Governor said in his address to the Vidhan Sabha on the opening day of the budget session.

Pointing out that 17,500 posts were created in the police department during the last three years increasing the strength of the state police to 44,000, he said 15 new police stations and nine police outposts had also been set up.

''A special task force has been set up to deal with Naxalite violence and 2500 home guard jawans have been recruited in Bastar and Sarguja regions'', he said, adding wire fencing work was being carried out at all police stations and outposts in the Naxalite areas to beef up security.

Throwing light on the state government's efforts to provide food security to the poor, the Governor said a ''revolutionary'' scheme had been launched to provide 35 kilograms of rice every month at Rs three per kilo to 34 lakh families living below the poverty line in the state.

Listing other initiatives of the state government for people's welfare, Mr Narasimhan said a directorate of culture and official language was being set up to promote 'Chhattisgarhi' as a language. He said the state government had requested the center to include 'Chhattisgarhi' in the list of languages under the eighth schedule of the constitution.

Highlighting the progress made by the state in power sector, the Governor said Chhattisgarh had become a state with ''no power cut''. He said transmission lines and equipments were being upgraded at a cost of Rs 2000 crore to overcome the problems of low-voltage and over-loading.

Pointing out that a number of projects have been taken up to make the state self-reliant in power, Mr Narasimhan said two units of 500 MW at Korba East had been commissioned last year. Few other power projects are in different stages of construction, he added.

''Chhattisgarh, endowed with vast natural resources, have tremendous potential for growth, he said, adding the people of state also have the will power to face the challenges and march towards progress.

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