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"The
success of the Republic lies in converting the
abundance of resources into the strength of our masses. This is the essence of democracy.
That is why we have embarked upon the affairs of the new state with the resolve to
overcome the
paradox of poverty amidst plenty."
Strengthening the Republic
Friends,
On this solemn and auspicious occasion of the 51st annual celebrations of India’s
Republic Day, I congratulate all of you in Chhattisgarh, and wish you a happy and
prosperous future. For us, this Republic Day is a confluence of two historic moments.
While each Republic Day adds a glorious
chapter in the history of the nation, this day is even more significant for us because it
is the first occasion to celebrate this great national festival after the new State of
Chhattisgarh was born.
Recall the words of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru for whom Mother India meant her bountiful lands, her meandering rivers, her lush forests, her lofty mountains, the warmth of her villages, the bustle of her cities, the toil on her farmlands and, above all, the people of India. Similarly when we talk of “Chhattisgarh Mahatari”, the image is that of Chhattisgarh in all its splendour – the whole mosaic of its existence and ambience.
The Indian Constitution declares the sovereignty of our citizens ; and, the rights of the
citizen are indeed the foundations of our Constitution. Our Constitution declares India as
a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular and Democratic Republic; it also promises socio-economic
and political justice, freedom of expression, belief, religion and worship; and equal
opportunities accompanying the dignity of individuals. These are the essential ingredients
for the bonds of fraternity and for ensuring national integration.With the formation
of the State of Chhattisgarh, we now have an opportunity to fulfill our Constitutional
obligations with a renewed determination, and commitment.
We started discharging our responsibilities towards our “Chhattisgarh Mahatari”
exactly two months and twenty-five days ago. All the policies of our government are
focussed towards the poor; and in general, our policies are people-oriented. Each
programme is tested on the touch-stone of public interest.
It is quite natural for us to be proud of Chhattisgarh’s immense natural resources; yet, would it satisfy us to spend our life basking in our richness even as we suffer in poverty. The success of the Republic lies in converting the abun-dance of resources into the strength of our masses. This is the essence of democracy. That is why; we have embarked upon the affairs of the new state with the resolve to over -come the paradox of plenty.
We have not only felt the severity of drought this year, but also this nagging feeling of
Chhattisgarh having to live under the scourge of drought for a long time to come. Both
long-term and short-run strategies have been evolved to counter drought. State Government
has employed all its resources to overcome the present, problem. Yet, State Governments
resources are limited in matching its enormity. We have approached the Central Government
for relief and assistance. Whereas one aspect of our Constitution is equality among
citizens, the other is equal opportunity of development for all the States. This is
crucial for keeping the Nation together. We are hopeful that the Central Government would
soon provide adequate aid to Chhattisgarh to tide over the crisis. In the meanwhile, we
will put our limited resources to maximum use in order to tackle the situation. We are
acutely aware of the multi-dimensional nature of drought; therefore we are reaching out
with help to one and all. Food grains have been made available at the level of the
Panchayats, to pre-empt hunger. Employment, drinking water and fodder are our priorities.
We have also ordered the suspension of revenue collection from the affected farmers.
Completion of incomplete irrigation projects is yet another positive step towards
mitigating the suffering in the long term. While tackling the problems of drought is our
first priority, the betterment of the lot of our villagers and farmers would not be lost
sight of. We want to develop and utilize water resources for the benefit of our villages
and our farmers. We have resolved that there would be no village in Chhattisgarh which has
to thirst for water in the coming years, whether for drinking, or nistar, or irrigation
needs. “Indira Gaon Ganga”, the scheme launched for this purpose has already
started paying dividends.
We wish to tread on the path suggested by Gandhiji for the social and economic upliftment
of our villages. We have identified the weaknesses and have strengthened the Panchayat
system. For fair and independent disposal of election disputes, a Panchayat Tribunal is
being constituted so that bureaucratic interference could be minimized. We are proud to be
the first State to establish “Gram Nyayalayas” for dispensing inexpensive
justice at the grass-roots.
A majority of our population lives in villages and I believe that Chhattisgarh can develop meaningfully only through the development and prosperity of our villages. Government policies are therefore focused towards the development of villages. We believe that the Republic can strengthen only if our village folk are prosperous.
Our Constitution provides equal rights irrespective of gender. We want to work for the amelioration of women so that they can compete with men in all sectors. Therefore free training camps are being organized for women representatives of Panchayats so that they can discharge their responsibilities with greater vigor and efficiency.
We want to further the status of women and feel that women ought to attain this on their
ability rather than as a favour. Attention is being paid to ensure that the barriers of
caste, or community, or poverty do not impede anyone; and all get equal opportunity.
“Dr. Bhanwar Singh Porte Smriti Chikitsa Shiksha Protsahan Yojana” has been kept
above caste and community lines. Merit is the sole criteria in the Scholarship selection
process. I should also mention “Indira Soochana Shakti Yojna” which is yet
another scheme above caste and community considerations. A mention must also be made of
the “Indira Sahara Yojana” which proves our resolve that no daughter of
Chhattisgarh would be condemned to face poverty.
We are proud to say that our mother-tongue of “Chhattisgarhi”
has kept the 2 Crore population emotionally united. We not only want to further enrich
“Chhattisgarhi” in every way but also want to take it to its rightful pride of
place. That is why efforts are afoot to recognize “Chhattisgarhi” as a language
for use by the Government.
Our initiative in observing the anniversaries of martyr Veer Narayan Singh, late Pt. Sunderlal Sharma and Guru Ghasidas Jayanti is to inspire the younger generations and to instill in them a sense of sacrifice, and values of patriotism, national service and empathy for weaker sections of the society. We have also decided to start a series of felicitating the great personalities from our soil.
We have prioritized the welfare of the lowest category of employees while streamlining administration. A committee has been constituted under the Honorable Minister for improving the working conditions of Kotwars. This has heightened the morale of our employees.
We have decided to develop Chhattisgarh as a Power Hub of the nation. By ensuring uninterrupted supply of quality power, Chhattisgarh has paved the way to quicker Industrial growth.
We believe that education is what empowers people; and therefore we are emphasizing the quality and utility of education. English has been introduced as a compulsory subject from Class I at the Primary stage. We have lifted the ban on the recruitment of teachers in rural schools. Panchayats have been empowered to recruit teachers on contract; and under the new recruitment policy additional weightage is given to the knowledge of Chhattisgarhi, Gondi and Halbi etc.
Our new State of Chhattisgarh must be equipped with all that is modern. While on the one hand, we have constituted the “Chhattisgarh Infrastructure Development Corporation” as the Institutional arm under our purposive strategy of infrastructure development; we also want to extend the benefits of Information Technology to the people of Chhattisgarh. Software parks being established at Bhilai and Korba and the E-Governance initiatives are steps in this direction.
Human Development Indices reflect the living standards of people. Efforts must be made to raise these standards, which in turn enhance the prestige of the Republic. We are proud of the fact that in the undivided State, seven of the ten most developed Districts were in the area now comprising Chhattisgarh. We have started our efforts for qualitatively improving basic amenities to our people; setting up of commissions for Schedule Castes and Tribes, Agriculture and the Youth has paved the way for addressing sector specific-problems. We have also initiated measures for betterment of the lives of our people, cutting across social groups. We are convinced that these steps will make our people prosperous; and in keeping with the objectives of the Republic, we shall pass the litmus test of a successful Welfare State.
Every single step taken by our government has been directed towards strengthening the
Republic. The decision to employ daily wage workers against vacancies, improvements in the
working of agriculture markets, simplification of commercial tax procedures,
implementation of a new optional levy policy, simplification of the process of
caste certification, upscaling of the “Chunauti” campaign for
mainstreaming persons with disability, the three - year medical courses etc.
all have to do with these ground realities. These positive steps have clearly
indicated the priorities of the Government.
I salute our land, which is home to compassion and harmony; trust and mutual respect. I
assure all of you that we have taken steps to end the paradox of a “ rich land
inhabited by the poor”. I commit and rededicate myself to striving for the prosperity
of Chhattisgarh; and once again, extend to all of you my felicitations on this Republic
Day.
Jai Hind
Jai Chhattisgarh…
(*English rendering of the Original Address in Hindi by Chief Minister Shri Ajit Jogi on the occassion of the first celebration of Replubic Day after the formation of the new state; 26th January,2001..)