RAIPUR, Chhattisgarh: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday sought return of the land of coal mines where mining has been totally abandoned within the state. He was interacting with the Parliamentary Committee led by Dr. (Prof.) Kirit Premjibhai Solanki at his official residence here. The panel was on a two-day visit to the state. Baghel briefed the panel on the steps undertaken for welfare of Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes in the state. It includes better facilities for education and health, and employment opportunities. The aim is to bring positive changes in the social and economic condition and increase their income. Before the panel, He raised the issue of handing over the empty coal mines in Scheduled areas which had turned into water bodies to the state government. State plans to promote tourism activities in these areas. He further sought extension of the railway line up to Rowghat-Jagdalpur as part of transport facilities to people of Bastar. He asked to restart the trains passing through the state which have been stopped including Mumbai-Kolkata rail route. Baghel underlined the need for amendment in the provisions of the Forest Act as it is impeding the development works in Scheduled dense forest areas. The state has 44 percent forest. The panel appreciated the works undertaken by the state government for the uplift of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The Chief Minister honored the members by presenting them with state ‘gamcha’ and insignia. The Parliamentary Committee has arrived to study the social and educational status of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in the state.