Chhattisgarh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan on Wednesday said that his government is dedicated to ushering in a new era of good governance in Chhattisgarh. Addressing the newly-elected Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) on the second day of the first session of the sixth Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly in the House, Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan welcomed and congratulated all the newly-elected MLAs in the inaugural session of the 6th Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly. Amid interruptions from the main opposition Congress Governor Harichandan read his speech in English. When Congress MLA Umesh Patel, interrupting the Governor, said that the farmers started committing suicide as the BJP came to power. The members of the treasury benches and the Opposition Congress created uproar in the House even while the Governor was addressing the first session. The Governor assured the newly-elected MLAs that his government will implement the necessary measures to fulfil the promises made in ‘Modi Ki Guarantee’ to the people of the State during the Assembly elections. The promise to construct 18 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana was pledged to the public during the first Cabinet meeting. The decision to fulfill this commitment has been taken. This signifies a strong start to the work of the new State Government, said Governor.

 

This includes assessments and decisions on issues like the payment of two-year pending bonuses for paddy procurement, farmer welfare schemes such as the Krishi Unnati Yojana, Deendayal Upadhyay Krishi Majdur Kalyan Yojana, Mahtari Vandan Yojana, Ghar-Ghar Nirmal Jal Abhiyan, and Rani Durgavati Yojana, increasing the Tendupatta Collection rate to Rs 5,500 per standard bag, increasing the bonus up to Rs 4,500, restarting facilities like Charan Paduka, and other initiatives mentioned in the election manifesto in a timely manner, he said. The governor expressing his respect for the Constitution, constitutional-democratic values, and exemplary traditions said that this has given him this opportunity to address MLAs in this house. “You have officially commenced your tenure as esteemed members of the sixth Legislative Assembly following the oath-taking ceremony. I extend my best wishes for a purposeful, successful, and service-focused tenure in office,” the Governor told the newly-elected MLAs. The Governor extended sincere congratulations to the Election Commission of India, the Chief Electoral Officer of Chhattisgarh, and thousands of officers and employees who played a vital role in the successful conduct of the Legislative Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh. “The significant voter turnout in constituencies affected by Naxalism showcases the determined commitment of the rural and forest-dwelling communities to protect their democracy. I hope that the steadfast trust in the welfare-focused initiatives of my government continues to grow through people-centric endeavours,” the Governor asserted. “You have all earned your place in this Assembly by winning the trust of the public and voters. I am confident that you will earnestly strive to fulfil the aspirations and expectations of the people.

 

The onus of fulfilling your promises and ensuring the comprehensive development of Chhattisgarh rests on each of you,” he added. The Governor believed that all the MLAs, both from the ruling party and the opposition, will remain committed to fostering camaraderie and respectful relationships to enhance the dignity of this sacred house. It is essential for both sides to collaborate and uphold the ideal parliamentary traditions, to propel the chariot of the State’s development forward, and to live up to the trust of the people, he added. “My government aims to construct paths of prosperity and wellbeing for all regions and people of the State, working towards the upliftment of the standard of living with peace and goodwill, ensuring constitutional rights for all, and establishing the State as a leading entity in the country,” pointed Harichandan. There are still many people in the State who require special assistance for social and economic development which require an extrasensitive approach by the new State Government. In line with the ideals and principles of Chhattisgarh’s visionary, the late Bharat Ratna, former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, and the current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the new State Government is dedicated to ushering in a new era of good governance in Chhattisgarh, Harichandan said. Empowering women and youth will be the top priority of the new State Government. In this regard, the government is committed to filling vacant government posts with a transparent and time-bound recruitment process, investigation of the PSC case, systematically organising all major exams similar to the UPSC, providing monthly travel allowances for students, establishing ‘Chhattisgarh Institute of Medical Sciences’ in each division on the lines of AIIMS, and building ‘Chhattisgarh Institute of Technology’ in each Lok Sabha constituency on the lines of IIT. These measures are aimed at making positive strides towards empowerment and development, said the governor. Biswabhusan Harichandan said that his government will work with full dedication for fulfilling the development goals and aspirations of the common people of the State. Every possible step will be taken to enhance the quality of life for all, with a focus on service, good governance, security, and development. Governor congratulated all MLAs on their victories and extended best wishes for success in upcoming challenges and goals.