Chattisgarh govt to strongly act against Naxalism: Governor

RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Governor Shekhar Dutt today assured that the state government would firmly deal with naxals and other terror elements operating in the state.

Dutt was speaking at the 65th Republic Day function held at the police line grounds here.

"The state government is looking forward to ensure equal opportunity for development and better facilities to everyone as per provisions of constitution. At the same time, it will firmly deal with the anti-constitutional, anti-democratic, naxalism and other terror elements," the Governor said in his address.

"Steps are being taken to provide better resources and facilities to security forces. Every possible effort is being made to boost their morale and instill confidence among those who are living in the naxal-hit regions," he added.

He said he was confident that record success will also be scripted in the mission being run to ensure safety to unity and integrity and strengthen democracy in Chhattisgarh. With the support of the people of the state, regional imbalance will be abolished forever..."

On the state government's Food and Nutritional Security Bill 2012, the Governor said Chhattisgarh was the first state to ensure right to food and nutrition to its people in the country.

"Now rice and wheat are being provided at Rs 1/kg to 65 lakh families including 48 lakh below poverty line families in the state," he said.

As per the promise, the state government introduced 'Atal Khetihar Bima Yojna' to provide insurance benefit to around 17 lakh small and marginal farmers and farm labourers, he said.

Elaborating on the education facilities in the state, he said, under the Chhattisgarh Yuva Suchna Kranti Yojana, college students were provided free laptops and tablets to help them get exposed to global technological developments.

He also praised the efforts being made through 'Prayas', under which meritorious students from the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) districts and other tribal areas were kept in tribal hostels in the state capital and imparted coaching along with the regular studies at the higher secondary level.

After Raipur, 'Prayas' has also been started in Jagdalpur and Ambikapur, he added.

Praising the officials concerned for the smooth conduct of the recently-concluded Chhattisgarh assembly elections, he said the polls were peaceful and voting percentage was increased, which indicates the awareness among voters.

Governor also appreciated several other schemes run by the state government citing its benefits.

Earlier Governor Dutt unfurled the tricolour and received guard of honour from the joint parade of the state police, Chhattisgarh Armed Police, CRPF, BSF, CISF, National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme, Scout and Guide students at the Parade Ground here to mark India's 65th Republic Day amid tight security.

About 5,000 people, including children, thronged the venue in the heart of the city to witness the colourful parade with patriotic fervour and gaiety.

Chief Minister Raman Singh hoisted the tricolour at Ambikapur district headquarters amid tight security. Some of the ministers and MLAs also took part in the celebrations at different places in the state.

Security had been stepped across the state, especially in the Maoist-hit region ahead of the R-Day function and no untoward incident was reported so far, police said.