Deputy Chief Minister discussed with civil society organizations on various issues of the state
Discussions were held on schemes and policy issues being implemented in various sectors, famous economist Mr. Jean Dreze was also present in the discussion.
Raipur. 12 August 2023
Deputy Chief Minister Shri T.S. Singhdev held a detailed discussion on various issues of the state with Civil Society Organizations at his residence office in Raipur today. He discussed various aspects of policies and programs related to health facilities, universal health care, nutrition, distribution of fortified rice, social security pension, maternity benefits, sickle cell, TB and anemia eradication with NGOs working in the state. Did. Renowned economist Mr. Jean Dreze also participated in these discussions.
Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Singhdev said in a discussion with civil society organizations that health schemes are being run on trust model to provide health facilities to maximum number of people of the state. To bring more and more people under the ambit of affordable and free health services, the budget in this sector is being continuously increased. The target is to increase it to eight per cent of the state’s GDP. He said that the good arrangements that can be implemented for the social and economic interests of the people of the state, will try their best to implement them keeping in mind the budget of the state.
Renowned economist Mr. Jean Dreze suggested to increase the amount given under the Social Security Pension Scheme in the meeting. He said that to enhance the quality of life of the elderly, their complete social security is necessary. Representatives of Civil Society Organizations suggested in the meeting that the amount and facilities given under maternity benefits should not be limited to only one child and should be implemented for all the children. Doing this is very important for the good health of the child and the mother. He also suggested giving the benefit of maternity leave to all types of employees and workers.
Representatives of various NGOs working in the state suggested the inclusion of millets in the mid-day meals in schools to improve the nutritional status of children. He said that by increasing the production of ragi, its availability can be ensured in large quantities. He also asked to give eggs regularly to small children in Anganwadis. Dr. Yogesh Jain of Sangwari Sanstha said in the meeting that there is a need to increase diet for good nutrition. For this, high quality protein foods should be included in the diet. This is also very important for TB patients. It reduces both the rate of infection and the risk of death by up to 50 percent. Dr. Jain also suggested to change its strategy for effective control of sickle cell and anemia.
Mr. Gangaram Paikra of Right to Food Campaign, Mr. Alok Shukla of Chhattisgarh Bachao Andolan, Dr. Jena of Shaheed Hospital Dallirajhara, Mr. Jacob of Richaria Campaign, Mr. Ashwini and Mr. Abhijeet of Sangwari Sanstha, Mr. Brahmachari of Pension Council, Tribal Women Federation Ms. Mamta Kujur, Ms. Mamta Toppo of Holy Cross Hospital, Ms. Indu Netam of Adivasi Jan Van Adhikar Manch, Mr. Bijendra Ajnabi of Van Adhikar Manch, Mr. Narendra Kumar Das of Chaupal Sanstha and Mr. Rajasekhar of Right to Food Campaign, along with several civil society organizations. Representatives were present in the meeting.
