News Analysis India

Tag: Bhupesh Baghel

  • Chhattisgarh health minister at loggerheads with CM Baghel over private rural health infra

    Express News Service
    RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel and health minister have been at odds over the state government’s move to promote private healthcare in rural areas.

    On June 26, Baghel decided to offer grant to the specialist health professionals to set up their proiate nursing homes to offer health services in the villages of Chhattisgarh. He said that there are no provisions from the health department to encourage establishing of hospitals by private players they way industries can.

    “There is a need to strengthen the health infrastructure and services with specialist doctors deployed in the rural belts of Chhattisgarh and the government will offer the grant for the same,” the chief minister said while directing the industrial department to prepare an action plan within ten days.

    The state health minister has expressed his objection to any such proposal. “Neither this plan was discussed with me nor am I in favour of this decision. When the state has inadequate financial resources, giving away funds to private sector that will further charge the poor for treatment is something beyond my comprehension,” TS Singhdeo said.

    The health minister demanded to know “which specialist doctor will be eager to work in far-flung districts like Sukma or Bijapur when they are unwilling to leave Raipur.”

    “I fail to understand in what context such a decision was taken but I don’t agree with it,” he said .

    The opposition BJP took a dig at the ruling Congress government following the contradiction emerging between the CM and the health minister. “When there is no unanimous system of governance in place then how could one expect the health sector to grow in Chhattisgarh,” asked Raman Singh, former chief minister. 

    Recently, the decision of the chief minister to reshuffle district in-charge ministers caught the attention of many political observers who felt the move had evidently cut down the status of health, panchayat and rural development. Singhdeo who was initially in-charge of 12 Assembly constituencies is now left with only five.

  • CM faux pas in vaccine certificates; Chhattisgarh Congress infighting to blame?

    Express News Service
    RAIPUR:  Even as the Congress is struggling to put its house in order in poll-bound states, differences between Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Health Minister T S Singhdeo in Chhattisgarh are growing and this is creating piquant situations.

    The Covid-19 vaccine beneficiaries in Janjgir-Champa district were recently handed over vaccination certificates that not only carried the photos of Baghel and Singhdeo but referred to both as CM. As the vaccination card went viral on social media, health department officials blamed it on the negligence of the block medical officer (BMO).

    District collector Jitender Kumar Shukla said the officer had been shunted out. However, Anil Choudhary, BMO of Sakti block in the district, said, “It is an error by the printing press. We have been instructed to discontinue distributing these erroneous vaccination cards and replace them.”

    While the incident could just be a faux pas and may have no links with the tension between the CM and his cabinet colleague, Baghel’s recent decision of promoting the role of private health sector in rural area has not gone down well with Singhdeo, who did not hide his displeasure.

    On June 26, Baghel decided to offer grants to specialist health professionals who will set up private nursing homes in villages. A miffed Singhdeo said, “Neither was such plan discussed with me nor am I in favour of the decision. At a time when the state has inadequate financial resources, giving funds to the private sector that will further charge the people for treatment is something beyond my comprehension.”Baghel’s recent reshuffle of district in-charge ministers was seen as a move to clip the wings of Singhdeo. He was in-charge of 12 Assembly constituencies but now has only five segments.

  • Bhupesh Baghel reviewed the works of the Energy Department in a meeting of senior officers held at his residence office here today.

    Bhupesh Baghel reviewed the works of the Energy Department in a meeting of senior officers held at his residence office here today.
    Chief Secretary Mr. Amitabh Jain, Additional Chief Secretary Mr. Subrata Sahu, Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Siddharth Komal Singh Pardeshi, Special Secretary Energy and Chairman of Chhattisgarh Power Companies Mr. Ankit Anand were present in the meeting.

  • Bhupesh Baghel reviewed the functioning of the Mineral Resources Department in a meeting of senior officers held at his residence office here today.

    Bhupesh Baghel reviewed the functioning of the Mineral Resources Department in a meeting of senior officers held at his residence office here today.
    The meeting was attended by Mr. Girish Devangan, Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Mineral Development Corporation, Chief Secretary Mr. Amitabh Jain, Additional Chief Secretary Mr. Subrata Sahu, Secretary of Mineral Resources Department Mr. Anbalgan P., Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Siddharth Komal Singh Pardeshi, Director of Industries Department Mr. Anil Tuteja, Director of Mineral Resources Department Shri Jai Prakash Maurya were present.

  • Bhupesh Baghel held a meeting of senior officers at his residence office here today.

    Bhupesh Baghel, in a meeting of senior officers held at his residence office here today, addressed Godhan Nyay Yojana, Suraji Gaon Yojana, Plantation Promotion Scheme, Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana, Plantation, Processing, Marketing and Roadside Plantation of Minor Forest Produce, Fruits and Medicinal Plants. reviewed.
    Agriculture Minister Shri Ravindra Choubey, Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Mohammad Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary Shri Shishupal Shorey, Chief Secretary Shri Amitabh Jain, Additional Chief Secretary Shri Subrata Sahu, Principal Secretary Forest Shri Manoj Kumar Pingua, Agriculture Production Commissioner Dr. M. Geeta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri Rakesh Chaturvedi, Director Agriculture Shri Yashwant Kumar, Vice Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Dr. K. Patil was present.

  • Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel will hold a review meeting of all departments for 15 days, discussion will be held on the progress of leases being given in Abujhmad today

    Bhupesh Baghel will hold a review meeting of all departments from today for 15 days. The meeting will be attended by departmental ministers, officers and experts. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel will review the progress of conversion, division, demarcation and leases being given in Abujhmad today.
    Similarly, on June 26, Godhan Nyay Yojana, Suraji Gaon Yojana, Plantation Promotion Scheme, Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana will be reviewed. On June 28, the Department of Minerals, on June 29, the Department of Energy, on June 30, MNREGA-Employment Growth, Gothan, Aajeevika Kendra will review.
    On July 1, the CM will review the works of the health department. Will take a meeting of the Home Department on July 2. On July 3, a meeting of the Food Department and Markfed will be held. On July 5, there will be a review of the Department of Public Health, Engineering and Water Resources, and on July 6, the Department of Culture, Tourism, Education.
    Similarly, on July 7, the Department of Women and Child Development and Tribal and Scheduled Caste Development, Forest, Environment, NRDA, RDA, Chhattisgarh Housing Board will review the works conducted on July 8 and in Patan Vidhan Sabha on July 9.

  • Chhattisgarh: CM Bhupesh Baghel’s rejig of district in-charge ministers ruffles some feathers

    Express News Service
    RAIPUR: After murmurs in Congress-ruled Rajasthan and Punjab, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel’s decision to reorganise of roles of his cabinet colleagues has apparently ruffled some feathers.

    The status of health, panchayat, rural development, and commercial tax minister TS Singhdeo has been seemingly cut to size with the decision of the chief minister.

    “Initially I was in charge of twelve Assembly constituencies but now only five remain with me. I will work as a player on a cricket team. I have been given the charge of only two districts of Bemetara and Kawardha,” Singhdeo said.

    Earlier he was also in charge of the Janjgir-Champa, Baloda-Bazar, and Mungeli districts.

    Singhdeo was dubbed as a potential chief ministerial candidate amid rumours of “2.5-year formula” and change of CM in the state.

    However, Congress and Singhdeo though in their statements had denied any such formula been ever chalked out.

    Baghel reached his halfway through tenure on June 17.

    The opposition BJP took a jibe on the reshuffle. Former chief minister Raman Singh in a sliding remark on Singhdeo’s comments asked him to clarify his position in the cricket team that he cited.

    “Singhdeo should clarify whether he’s a batsman or a fielder,” Singh, who is also BJP national vice-president said.

    The leadership authority of the lone tribal minister from Bastar, Kawasi Lakhma, has been elevated by giving the responsibility of seven districts of Bastar, that covers 12 Assembly constituencies. Geographically, Bastar is larger than Kerala.

    “It is the prerogative of the chief minister to change the district in-charge ministers. They will perform to their best,” said Ravindra Choubey, minister and the government spokesperson.

  • Bhupesh Baghel appeals to all citizens to get vaccinated for protection from Corona

    Bhupesh Baghel has appealed to all citizens to get vaccinated to prevent corona infection. He has said that in the present circumstances, vaccine is the most effective way to avoid corona. Although more than one lakh people are getting vaccinated in the state for the last two days, but there is a need to increase this number. He has asked people to get themselves and their families vaccinated as well as to motivate others to get vaccinated.
    The Chief Minister has told the people of the state that the second wave of Corona has almost calmed down now. The infection rate has come down to just around one percent. Very few new patients are also coming. Economic activities are accelerating again in the state. Markets are returning. In the midst of all this, we should not forget that the outbreak of corona has definitely reduced, but is not over. We don’t have to give up on covid friendly behaviour. This is the time to be more alert and fulfill your responsibilities. Leave the house only when necessary. Take full safety and caution while leaving the house and going towards office, market, factory, farm-barn.
    Chief Minister Shri Baghel cautioned the people of the state about the dangers of Corona and said that we have lost a lot in the second wave. Not only did the financial loss happen, Corona also snatched many loved ones from us. If we are still not alert, the third wave cannot be stopped. He said that our doctors, health workers, nurses, Mitanin sisters, Anganwadi workers, helpers, frontline workers, officials of urban bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions, sanitation workers, social and voluntary organizations have worked tirelessly to bring the infection under control. .

    The Chief Minister has appealed to all the citizens to strictly follow the discipline related to wearing of masks, social distancing and hand hygiene and get it done by others as well. Wash your hands frequently with sanitizer or soap. Ensure minimum attendance at social-events so that the virus does not spread again. For now, taking precautions and getting vaccinated is the only solution. There is no danger in getting vaccinated, rather it will save us from future danger. He said that people in cities and villages are getting vaccinated with great enthusiasm. The sooner we get vaccinated, the sooner we will secure our future. I myself went to the hospital and got vaccinated and now I feel more secure.
    Mr. Baghel said that there should be no fear or apprehension in anyone’s mind regarding the vaccine as vaccine is the only weapon to prevent corona infection. To prevent corona in the state, more than 78 lakh vaccines have been administered including the first and second doses of the vaccine. Vaccine is being provided free of cost in all government hospitals. It has been arranged in all district hospitals, community and primary health centres. More than five thousand vaccination centers have been set up for rapid vaccination. The faster we achieve the target of complete vaccination, the sooner our state will be safe from corona. If you’ve got vaccinated, inspire others to do the same.

  • Bhupesh Baghel will give gifts to 16 districts under Jal Jeevan Mission, will distribute the amount to the beneficiaries of Godhan Nyay Yojana

    Bhupesh Baghel will attend several programs from his residence office today through video conferencing. The Chief Minister will attend the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected office bearers of the Bharat Scouts and Guides Chhattisgarh State Council at 11.30 am.
    After this, at 12 noon, the Chief Minister will lay the foundation stone of 658 works worth Rs 238 crore 56 lakh 86 thousand in 16 districts under the Baghel Jal Jeevan Mission. After this, they will participate in the amount transfer program to the beneficiaries of Godhan Nyay Yojana at 1.30 pm.

  • There is only one mantra for peace – development, trust and security: Shri Bhupesh Baghel

    Bhupesh Baghel has said that there is only one mantra for peace – development, trust and security. He said that the State Government was making every effort to bring the people of Bastar region forward in the mainstream of development. In order to give the rights of water, forest and land to the forest dwellers, along with individual and community forest rights, rights to forest resources are also being given. Apart from getting the right price for minor forest produce including tendu leaves, forest dwellers are also being linked with employment. Health facilities have been strengthened in Bastar zone. The benefits of state government schemes are being extended to forest dwellers, farmers, women and villagers. Due to which a big change is coming in their life.
    Chief Minister Mr. Baghel today presented 275 development works worth Rs. 222 crore to Kanker and Narayanpur districts in a virtual program organized at his residence office. He inaugurated 145 works costing Rs.152 crore 59 lakh in Kanker district and 130 construction works costing Rs.69 crore 75 lakh in Narayanpur district and performed Bhoomi Pujan. On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Baghel announced a power sub-station at Kodekurse in Kanker district on the request of Deputy Speaker Shri Manoj Mandavi. On the request of Shri Shishupal Singh Sori, Parliamentary Secretary and Shri Rajesh Tiwari, on the advice of the Chief Minister, an announcement of sanction of Rs. 2 lakh for the establishment of the statue of Martyr Shri Ganesh Kunjam in Galwan Valley in B.Ed. . The Chief Minister, on the request of the Chairman of Chhattisgarh Handicrafts Development Board, Shri Chandan Kashyap, directed the Collector to give approval to get necessary work done under DMF and CSR heads for bee keeping in Narayanpur district.
    The Chief Minister said that the Chhattisgarh government has started new schemes to change the lives of forest dwellers, farmers, women and villagers. Many farmer-friendly decisions have also been taken. The rate of collection of tendu leaves has been increased from Rs. 2.5 thousand to Rs. 4000. Similarly, due to the arrangement of buying 52 types of minor forest produce in support price, forest dwellers are getting more price than before. Now all the work of collecting, selling, buying and processing forest produce is being done by the people of the village, due to which the people of the villages are getting employment and abundant income.
    Mr. Baghel said that the state government has fixed the support price of Kodo-Kutki at Rs.3,000 per quintal. Along with the processing of forest produce, the processing of Kodo-Kutki is also being done. Its processing unit has been set up at Krishi Vikas Kendra in Kanker and Gotulmunda village of Durgukondal block. Harra-Behera processing unit is running in Ichhapur of Kanker itself. Flowers and brooms of Narayanpur are also being sold in Delhi. The forest produce which was once a means of exploitation, has become a great force of the forest dwellers today.
    The Chief Minister said that due to the Narva-Garwa-Ghurva-Bari scheme, the land is now becoming fertile and irrigation is also being arranged. The economy of the village is getting stronger. Thousands of our sisters are getting employment by buying cow dung and making vermi compost in Gauthan. He said that Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana has made a big revolution in agriculture. Since the start of the scheme, the area under cultivation has been increasing continuously. The number of farmers is also increasing. Now the scope of this scheme has been expanded.