Raipur : Chhattisgarh to develop rapidly with improved state-central coordination : Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal

Union Minister of Power and Housing and Urban Affairs reviews progress of schemes in Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh set to regain ‘Power Surplus State’ status: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai

Raipur, 10 July 2024

Union Minister for Power, Housing, and Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal, during his visit to Raipur today, reviewed the progress of energy and housing development in Chhattisgarh. He stated that Chhattisgarh would experience accelerated development through improved coordination between the state and central governments. The Government of India pledged full cooperation to meet all electricity and housing needs in Chhattisgarh. Shri Lal mentioned the ongoing reform initiatives across the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, aligned closely with public aspirations.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Tokhan Sahu, and Chief Secretary Shri Amitabh Jain were also present in the review meeting.

Shri Manohar Lal pointed out, “Many subsidy schemes are being implemented by the Central Government to ensure affordable and ample electricity supply to the people. There are also numerous schemes aimed at promoting solar energy.” He urged the state government to fully utilize the funds and grants provided by the Government of India, assuring that quicker implementation would expedite the release of funds. He guaranteed seamless cooperation from the Central Government in executing development schemes in the state.

Union Minister suggested, “The 100 buses allotted to Raipur under the Clean City initiative could also be used to connect Naya Raipur and Raipur.” He reviewed initiatives by the Electricity Department to minimize line-loss, install smart meters, electrify areas dominated by special backward tribes, and ensure coal availability for power generation. Besides, he reviewed projects under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, PM SVANidhi, Swachh Bharat Mission, PM e-Bus Seva, Smart City Mission, and National Urban Development Mission. He assured adequate funding for these schemes.

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai expressed gratitude to Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal, acknowledging his prompt review of development initiatives within a month of assuming office. He stated that the Union Minister’s support would accelerate the pace of development in Chhattisgarh. He mentioned that efforts are underway to boost power generation in the state, with Chhattisgarh set to regain its ‘Power Surplus State’ status. Chief Minister highlighted improvements in power availability for farmers and small-scale workers over the past six months. Farmers are now receiving discounts on electricity bills, benefiting up to 6000 units annually for irrigation pumps up to three HP, and up to 7500 units for pumps ranging from three to five HP.

Chief Minister Shri Sai urged the Union Minister to prioritize approval for the pending 19,906 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), along with nearly 50,000 houses that require revised central funding, in line with applications received during the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’. He expressed optimism that today’s meeting would spark progress in energy sector and urban development in the state.

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Urban Administration and Development Shri Arun Sao affirmed in the meeting that the state is diligently following Government of India guidelines for urban development. Significant strides are being made in cleanliness, housing, livelihood, and drinking water, with regular reviews of progress. He expressed confidence that with continued cooperation from the Government of India, these initiatives would gather further momentum.

Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Joint Secretary Sushri Roopa Mishra, Union Ministry of Power Joint Secretary Shri Shashank Misra, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) Director Sushri Anita Meena, Chief Minister’s Secretary Shri P. Dayanand, Urban Administration and Development Secretary Dr. Basavaraju S., Director Shri Kundan Kumar, CREDA CEO Shri Rajesh Singh Rana and NTPC Regional Executive Director Shri Pradipta Kumar Mishra, along with officials of the concerned departments were present in the review meeting.