RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday said the Scheduled Castes will get reservation benefits on the basis of Census 2021.

He was addressing the event to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Ghasidas in village Lalpur Dham of Lormi development block, Mungeli district.

Baghel said a provision has been made to give 13 percent reservation to Scheduled Castes according to the present population. Reservation will be provided to the Scheduled Castes on the basis of the new Census 2021.

He raised the demand that the Government of India should conduct the Census 2021 at the earliest.

The remark is seen in the context of Scheduled Castes community leaders raising the demand for a hike of reservation from 13 percent to 16 percent in the state.

He pledged Rs 1 crore for the development of Lalpur Dham.

He said as told by Guru Ghasidas, the state is developing at a rapid pace by following the path of truth, non-violence, brotherhood, fraternity, equality and harmony.

Guru had shown the path to follow the truth. The message of social harmony is relevant even today, he added.

Baghel said that the state government has worked to strengthen the economy. The farmers are given full price of their hard work. The agriculture loan and irrigation tax have been waived off. The ambit of minor forest produce, oil-pulses and millets have been increased by procuring it on support price.

Urban Administration and Development Minister Dr Shiv Dahariya also addressed the gathering.