Chhattisgarh CM urges Amit Shah to resume aid to Naxal-affected states

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Updated on: Apr 14, 2022, 12:32:51 IST

ANI | By Ritesh Mishra

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Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel met union home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday to discuss the impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the resources of the state, and urged resumption of the special assistance package granted to seven Maoist-affected districts. Under the centre's Special Central Assistance (SCA) scheme in 2021 ₹33 crore was given to each of the seven affected districts.

Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel met union home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi (PTI)

During the meeting in New Delhi the chief minister also raised issues like increasing communication facilities in Maoist-affected areas, the deployment of two more battalions of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Bastar district, and formation of 'Bastariya' battalion.

"Discontinuing GST compensation to states will have an impact on economic condition. If funds are not available for development work in Naxal-affected states, it will have a great impact on the state's economy," Baghel was quoted in a press statement.

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The chief minister also discussed issues related to the development of Maoist-affected districts, including expansion of road network, livelihood development, and development of banks and infrastructure, the statement said.

Baghel said iron ore is available in abundance in Bastar and if this is made available at 30 per cent discount to steel plants to be set up in the area, investment of hundreds of crores as well as thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, could be created.

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"Due to difficult geographical areas, grid electricity is yet to reach in large part. The fulfillment of the energy requirement of the common man and their economic development is possible only by the installation of a large number of solar power plants," Baghel said.

The chief minister also urged for grants to build cold storage units for the processing and sale of minor forest produce, forest medicines and various types of forest crops, officials added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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