RAIPUR: Launching the flagship scheme ‘Mahatma Gandhi Rural Industrial Park Scheme’ (RIPA) on Sunday, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said it would fulfil the dream of Mahatma Gandhi of a self-reliant village.

The Chief Minister virtually laid the foundation stone of 300 rural industrial parks in different districts of state from his residence office, here. He also released the logo of RIPA.

He said, first phase will have 300 RIPAs. In Gauthans, one to three acres of land have been reserved for it. Two Gauthans in each development block will be developed. A budgetary provision of Rs 600 crore has been made. Rs 1 crore has been given to all approved parks. The funds will be utilized for training youth along with ensuring electricity and water facilities, construction of shed and approach road.

Apart from the vermicompost, poultry, agriculture and horticulture crops, mills for flour, pulse and oil will be established. The women through self help groups and youth of rural areas will be getting employment, he said.

He said the state government is making all efforts to make the dream of ‘Gram Swaraj’ of Gandhiji a reality. Under Narva, Gaurva, Ghurva Bari (NGGB) scheme works have been undertaken in Gauthans. RIPA will be a livelihood and service centre. The work to manufacture gunny bags will also begin.

He added C-Mart has been opened in each district to sell products from the Gauthans. The production line will be based on demand. Youth entrepreneurs will be given space in RIPA to start their own industry. State-of-the-art technology will be used for processing and value addition of agricultural, horticultural produce and minor forest produce. Marketing of finished products at national and international level. The Panchayat and Rural Development Department has been made the nodal department.

Panchayat and Rural Development and Agriculture Minister Ravindra Choubey said 8600 Gauthans have been prepared in the state. Soon it would be further expanded.

The Chief Minister interacted with women and youth from different districts as part of RIPA.