Dumka: Chief Minister Raghubar Das today said that development of Jharkhand should be carried out while conserving the environment. He said that keeping the environment clean and intact was on the priority list of the state government.
The CM made the observation while addressing the division level pre-budget seminar organized at the Indoor Stadium in Dumka. He said that the citizens want change. He said today is special because it is the birth anniversary of the first president of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad as well as the martyrdom day of Albert Ekka.
�Ensuring peace everywhere and for everyone is the priority of the state government. Focusing on the poor and eliminating poverty is the prime agenda of the government. The people are our masters and we trying our level best to render our services. Funds have been set up to provide bench-desks in school,� said the CM.
Speaking about the welfare and development activities being carried out by the state government, the CM announced bus facilities for universities. He said that science graduates will be trained in basic medical course to provide first aid facilities to people. �Nursing and B. Ed. Colleges will be opened in every district in two years. Industries will be boosted ecologically. Tourism can change the fate of the state. A high-level dharmshala will be constructed at Basukinath dham for the tourists to boost up tourism,� he said.
Also present on the occasion, state Welfare Minister Louis Marandi said that Bengal gets the water of Massanjore dam. The government should take measures to give benefits of the dam to the farmers of Dumka as well. He further said that girls should be trained and teachers� training colleges should be opened. Necessary endeavours should be made to establish a bench of High court in Dumka, he said.
Agriculture Minister Randhir Singh said that cold storages should be made in every district and distribution of seeds should be properly ensured. Necessary endeavours should be made to establish Agriculture University.
MLA Anant Ojha said that there is lack of top quality educational institutions in Santhal Pargana. Land acquisition process should be simplified and arrangements should be made to bring the Ganga water in the farms through pipelines.
MLA Amit Mandal said that mobile medical van should be arranged in the state and concrete measures should be taken to outdo the drought. Mining of sand piers should be stopped.
Chief Secretary Raj Bala Verma said that budget is an important document which tells about the government�s priorities. Budget should be necessity oriented, balanced and inclusive. Useful suggestions will be incorporated in the next budget.
The economy of Santhal Pargana is agriculture oriented and the government is giving it a high priority. Advocating skill development and entrepreneurship, she said that there is ample opportunity for the production of china clay products in Santhal Pargana. The government will boost up this sector.
Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Amit Khare said that this year budget has been advanced in comparison to the last year. The government wants to make budget before 26th January, 2017 for timely approval and implementation of the schemes.
Summoning tribal people, teachers, farmers and businessmen to be a part of budget making, he said that it will help the government prepare a comprehensive budget. He also asked people to give their suggestions under my budget section on my government website. After review, it will be incorporated in the budget.
Additional Chief Secretary, Health Sudhir Tripathi said that Para medical educational institutions will be made in Jharkhand and basic infrastructure will be developed.
RDD Principal Sec N. N. Sinha said that 62,000 farm ponds will be made under MGNREGA. 942 anganwadi centers will be opened in Santhal Pargana. Under Project Live, people of Jharkhand are constantly being provided work throughout the year. 77 thousand Indira Awaas and 20,000 Sakhi mandals will also be made in the state.
Water Resource Principal Secretary Sukhdev Singh said that the existing water reservoirs will be prospered and 5 new reservoirs have been approved in Santhal Pargana. Small ponds will be deepened. 84 ponds are to be deepened in the state.
Drinking Water Secretary Amrendra Pratap Singh said that Sahibganj and Jamtara have been identified for ODF. Two blocks of Dumka will be made ODF in two months.
The government has given target to make the state ODF by 2nd October, 2018. Pipe water will be supplied in Dumka and Malsia in a month. Ujjawala scheme will be implemented in ODF blocks.
The Higher and Technology Education Secretary said that multipurpose halls are being made in 11 districts. Gross enrolment ratio has increased to 15.4 from 10.1 and classes are being taken in college in 2nd shifty. Women colleges will be opened in Pakur and Sahibganj and 8 degree colleges will be opened in Santhal Pargana.
School Education Secretary Aradhana Patnaik said that teachers will be appointed in phases. 696 high schools will be upgraded next year. Biometric attendance has been made mandatory and from the next year, it will be connected with treasury. By 26th January 2017, all schools will be provided with bench-desks.
PDS Secretary Vinay Kumar Choubey said that farmers� registration has been made mandatory. He said that all farmers should get registered with their respective block supply officer. The Government will purchase paddy at Rs 1600 per quintal.
Electric Secretary Rahul Purwar said that out of 10,302 villages, only 62 are not connected with electricity which will be completed in 3-4 months. Every circuit is being doubled.
Apart from this, different delegations put forth their views about the things to be incorporated in the budget 2017-18.