In last R-Day before elections, CM Bhupesh Baghel acts on promise in 2018 polls

While the amount has not been specified, sources said it was unlikely to be more than about Rs 1,000 per month. According to the latest government data, a total of 19.13 lakh people were unemployed in the state till November 30, 2022. Of this, around 3.5 lakh were newly registered, while the remaining had renewed their registration as being unemployed.

Asked whether those who are currently registered as unemployed would also benefit, a government official said: “Yes, it is a continuous process and we will allow new registration after due verification.”

Criticising the announcement, former Chief Minister Raman Singh tweeted: “… Rahul Gandhi had already announced unemployment allowance in 2018. Today, after four years… what does Baghel want to prove by making the same announcement again? There is no hope of implementing a promise that was made four years ago.”

“How much will they give and what will be the criteria of unemployment? Such incomplete announcement is unfair to the youth. Also, who will pay them for the last four years? They want to loot the votes of unemployed youth,” said BJP spokesperson Kedar Gupta.

Meanwhile, Baghel also announced the formulation of a rural industry policy to strengthen the cottage industry-based rural economy, and a scheme to encourage women groups, women entrepreneurs, and businesswomen to launch start-ups and set up industries.

“A scheme will be introduced to provide financial aid of Rs 50,000 to construction workers who have registered under the Chhattisgarh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board for three consecutive years, for construction of their own houses,” he said.

“After promoting and cherishing the culture and heritage of Chhattisgarh, the state government has decided to constitute the Chhattisgarh State Innovation Commission. This commission will contribute towards pacing up the progress of the state through innovation. Units located in industrial areas developed by the Industries Department will be exempted from property tax. Following the excellent response to the Bijli Bill Half Scheme, state-of-the-art system for online complaint and redressal will be developed for the convenience of electricity consumers,” he said.

As part of other development works, an aerocity will be developed near Swami Vivekananda Airport with the objective to promote facilities for passengers, ensure commercial development of the airport area, and generate employment, he said.

“The Kharun River which is seen as the lifeline and centre of public faith for Raipur and Durg district, is also an important centre of trade and entertainment. Excellent river waterfront will be developed on the Kharun River,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of preserving and celebrating tribal culture, he announced a grant of Rs 10,000 to each gram panchayat for organising tribal festivals in Bastar division, Surguja division and scheduled areas of the state.

A festival will be organised on Ramayan and Mata Kaushalya. Baghel said. “The people of Chhattisgarh have immense faith in Bhancha Ram and Mata Kaushalya. To honour the faith and sentiments of people towards this legend, the National Ramayana/ Manas Mandali Festival will be organised every year. Chhattisgarh is the land of Mata Kaushalya. Kaushalya Mahotsav will be organised every year in Chandkhuri,” he said.