Chhattisgarh’s economy growing at accelerated pace despite Corona crisis: 24% hike in GST collection in September month.
Raipur, 3 October 2020. Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel’s vision and decisions for economic of Chhattisgarh state during corona crisis has begun to yield positive results. In the month of September, Chhattisgarh has recorded second highest growth in GST collection as compared to the other states of the country. There has been 24% increase in GST collection in September 2020, as compared to the amount of GST collection in September month last year. GST collection in September, 2019 was Rs 1490 crore, whereas GST collection in September 2020 has increased to Rs 1841 crore.
According to latest date of GST collection issued by Union Finance Ministry, Jammu-Kashmir has secured top rank in terms of growth in tax collection, whereas Chhattisgarh has secured second position with 24% hike in tax collection. As compared to last year, Rajasthan has recorded 17% growth in tax collection, Hariyana 15%, Delhi 7%, Gujarat 6%, Punjab 5%, Madhya Pradesh 4%, and Uttar Pradesh has recorded hike of 0.5% in taz collection.
During total lockdown in Chhattisgarh, economic activities were continuously conducted in rural and forest areas of the state. Villagers and forest dwellers got continuously employment. As people received money through employment, commerce and industrial sector of the state was also benefitted. After the lockdown was called off, economic development of the state also paced up. In the initial phase of unlock, more than 80% of the industries in the state were reopened and the production capacity of these industries kept increasing with each passing day.
During lockdown, minor forest produce collection in Chhattisgarh was highest in the country. Number of minor forest produce procured at support price has been increased from 7 to 31. Wage for tendupatta collection has been increased to Rs 4000 per standard sack. Under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA), nearly 26 lakh people were provided employment in a day. All these activities helped Chhattisgarh’s economy to grow even during corona crisis.
Under Rajiv Gandhi Kisaan Nyay Yojana, 19 lakh farmers of the state are being provided Rs 5750 crore in four installments. Two installments of Rs 1500 crore each have already been transferred into the accounts of farmers. This financial support from government has boosted the morale of farmers and they are working in their farms with renewed enthusiasm. Under Godhan Nyay Yojana, cattle ranchers and villagers have been paid nearly Rs 21 crore against dung procurement. New Government has taken several measures for economic growth such as waiving off farmers’ loans, procuring paddy at Rs 2500 per quintal, irrigation tax waiver etc. This is the reason why Chhattisgarh’s economy never had to shut down. Maximum number of industries was allowed to operate with proper safety measures. Considering the challenges of industries, they were provided concessions in electricity bills. This year, electricity rates and rules-regulations were also not changed. To keep the real estate sector active, 30% concession was provided in the government guideline rates applicable on land transactions. Automobile sector has also performed well. Production in steel industries and coal mines in state also continued during the lockdown period.
