Raman begins Lok Suraj with polio drops to kids

On the first day of the third phase of state-wide Lok Suraj Abhiyaan, Chief Minister Raman Singh paid surprise visit to tribal-populated village Bandatola of Kanker district on Sunday and gave polio drops to infants at an Anganwadi centre, which was highly appreciated by dozens of tribals who assembled to interact with Singh on local development issues.

Accompanied by Forest Minister Mahesh Gagda and Principal Secretary Aman Kumar, Singh assessed ground reality of implementation of his government’s development projects at local level.

Singh was reportedly delighted with feedbacks offered by Bandatola villagers about government’s image in the area. He told villagers, Rs Rs I am glad that I have got the opportunity to commence Lok Suraaj Abhiyan by providing polio vaccine to infants at Aanganbadi centre of the village,’’.

He also expressed his pleasure to see Patwari Ms Mithileshwari Mandawi being appreciated for her work by the villagers. When Chief Minister called Patwari at chaupal and asked villagers, if they had any complaints regarding Patwari's work then in  response, villagers told Chief Minister that Patwari  Mithileshwari Mandwari is regular and very committed in her duties and responsibilities.

Chief Minister too lauded Mandawi saying that she has come from a humble background and tough circumstances, and that is why she understands the plight of villagers so well. Singh told her to keep up her good work, dedication and honesty while discharging her official duties and extended good wishes.

At the chaupal, Chief Minister was happy to know that under Prime Minister's Clean India Mission, all 447 households of Bandatola and dependent villages are now have decently-built toilets.

When Chief Minister asked about the status of smart cards under Health Insurance Scheme, the villagers informed that smart cards have been issued to all of them. Singh told villagers that under Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme, the annual limit of free medical treatment facility has been increased from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000.

He appealed people to avail this scheme. He also informed villagers that from this year, Chief Minister Pension Scheme will also be launched for those who have been found as extremely deprived in socio-economic survey of year 2011.

On being asked, villagers informed Singh that nearly all the households of Bandatola Gram Panchayat have electricity connection and supply.

Chief Minister asked if there was any house that has not got electricity connection yet. On this, Khemraj Kanware stood up and told that under Prime Minister Housing Scheme, construction of his house is in progress, and he needs electricity connection for his house. He told his name in English and said- "I am a very poor person". Singh assured him that his house will get electricity connection, as soon as the construction work is completed.