'Include Chhattisgarh in Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan': CM Bhupesh Baghel to PM Modi

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Sunday, in a letter to PM Narendra Modi, demanded that Centre include districts of state under recently launched 'Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan'. Baghel said neighbouring states like Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha have been included in campaign while Chhattisgarh has been excluded despite having geographical, ecomical and social similarities with se states. 

scheme was launched on June 20 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conferencing in 116 districts of six states, namely Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha, to provide livelihood opportunities to migrant workers.

'All migrant labourers will be employed'

"Nearly five lakh migrant labourers returned in Chhattisgarh till w, still continuing to return in wake of COVID-19. It is necessary to provide immediate employment to migrant and state workers. By incorporating all districts of Chhattisgarh in 'Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan', all migrant labourers of state will get employment and self-employment opportunities according to ir interests and skills for earning," he wrote in letter.

Baghel furr wrote that about three-fourths of state is extremely backward and forest area, where about 80% of state's population is SC/ST and OBC. "About 90% of total population of Chhattisgarh depends on agriculture and labour work for livelihood comprising urganized sector, agricultural labourers and marginalized farmers. Bastar and Sarguja division of Chhattisgarh are tribal-dominated and re are also 10 aspirational districts in state," Chhattisgarh CM wrote in letter.

Chief Minister has expressed confidence that a quick decision will be taken in this regard for benefit of migrant labourers of state.

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READ | PM Modi launches Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyaan for migrants; assures jobs near ir homes

Coronavirus crisis in Chhattisgarh

number of COVID-19 cases in Chhattisgarh increased to 2,273 with 139 more people testing positive for vel coronavirus on Sunday, a health official said.

Of new cases, 39 were reported from Korba, 21 from Janjgir-Champa, 17 each from Raipur and Balodabazar, 16 from Jashpur, 14 from Rajnandgaon, four from Gariaband, three from Durg, two each from Raigarh, Bemetara and Kanker and one each from Surguja and Balrampur, he said.

A total of 53 patients were discharged after recovery in day, he said. " number of active cases in state is 841, as 1,421 people have been discharged after recovery while 11 ors have died so far," he said.

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(With ncy inputs)