Netam discusses wide range of development initiatives with Fadnavis

RAIPUR/MUMBAI(INDIA): During his visit to Mumbai, Chhattisgarh’s Tribal Development and Farmers Welfare Minister Ramvichar Netam met with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, discussing a wide range of development initiatives being undertaken in Chhattisgarh under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.

Minister Netam emphasized that the Chhattisgarh government is committed to inclusive development, giving top priority to farmers, tribals, and the economically disadvantaged. He informed CM Fadnavis that paddy is being procured at a record price of ₹3100 per quintal for up to 21 quintals per acre, leading to increased income for farmers and a significant boost to the rural economy. “The financial empowerment of farmers has directly contributed to growth in sectors such as the automobile industry,” Netam added.

Highlighting welfare schemes, Netam spoke about the Deendayal Upadhyay Krishak Unnati Yojana, aimed at landless agricultural laborers. He shared that recently, over 5.5 lakh landless farmers received ₹10,000 cheques under this scheme, a significant step toward financial support and inclusion.

He also discussed the welfare of Tendu leaf collectors, who belong primarily to tribal communities in remote areas. The state government has raised the procurement rate of Tendu leaves from ₹4,000 to ₹5,500 per standard bag, and is also distributing free footwear (Padukas) to the collectors.

Netam said the government is equally focused on uplifting primitive tribes and rural communities through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana and the Dharti Aba Tribal Gram Utkarsh Yojana, which aim at holistic village development.

On the education front, he highlighted the Chief Minister Bal Bhavishya Yojana, which is preparing children from primitive and marginalized communities for competitive exams like IIT-JEE and NEET. He noted that the recent JEE Main results have shown encouraging outcomes from the initiative.