Bhupesh Baghel Transfers Over Rs 1,866 crore to Farmers, Agri Labourers & Women SHGs

The Chhattisgarh government transferred more than Rs 1,866 crore to farmers, agricultural labourers, and members of women self-help groups (SHGs) on Monday, all of whom are recipients of the state's various flagship schemes.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel performed the transfer during a virtual function. Over 2.7 million people enrolled in the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana, Rajiv Gandhi Gramin Krishi Bhumiheen Mazdoor Nyay Yojana, and Godhan Nyay Yojana will benefit ahead of Diwali.

Under the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana, Rs 1,745 crore has been transferred to the accounts of 2.4 million farmers. The scheme was launched in 2019 by the Bhupesh Baghel government to provide financial assistance to paddy farmers. Since its inception, the state government has paid farmers Rs 16,416.10 crore, including the third installment, which was released on Monday.

Chhattisgarh is the only state that has paid farmers Rs 2,500 per quintal, which is higher than the rate set by the Centre. Furthermore, the state government is providing financial assistance to farmers who practise crop diversification and plantation under the scheme.

The Gramin Krishi Bhumiheen Mazdoor Nyay Yojana has transferred Rs 115.80 crore to the accounts of 466,000 landless labourers. The state government also transferred Rs 5.59 crore to the recipients of the Godhan Nyay Yojana, the government's most publicised scheme.

Gauthans (livestock sheds) have been built in panchayats as part of the scheme, and they have become a source of income for villagers. As of now, 8,408 gauthans have been established, compared to the sanctioned 10,624 total, and the state government is constructing a rural industrial park.

SHGs have taken on projects such as making vermicompost and fertilisers from cow dung and urine, which the state government is procuring through the Godhan Nyay Yojana, which was launched in 2020. According to a state government spokesperson, Rs 4.22 crore was paid to villagers who sold cow dung to the Gauthan Committee.

The government has obtained cow dung worth Rs 174.56 crore as a result of this. 3,089 gauthans have become self-sufficient and purchased cow dung worth Rs 20.64 crore. The state government has been developing a strategy to make as many Gauthans self-sufficient as possible.