Chhattisgarh State PCS

• 12 Oct 2021

Power Generation from Godhans on Mission Mode

Why in News

• On October 11, 2021, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel transferred a total amount of Rs 7.36 crore to the accounts of cattle farmers, dung collectors, women self-help groups and Gothan committees in the form of dividend under 'Godhan Nyay Yojana' and said that the cow Electricity will be generated from cow dung on 'Mission Mode'.

Key Points

• The Chief Minister transferred Rs 1.87 crore to the accounts of cattle owners and dung collectors in lieu of dung purchased from September 16 to September 30, Rs 2.14 crore to women self-help groups and Rs 3.25 crore to Gothan committees as dividend.
• The Chief Minister said that the electricity generated from the Gothans would be purchased by the State Government, from which the villages would get revenue. There are already three Gothans generating electricity in Raipur, Bemetara and Durg districts. Soon the villages will be made self-sufficient in electricity generation.
• He said that Godhan Nyay Mission is being formed for operation in mission mode of Godhan Nyay Yojana, under which necessary infrastructure will be constructed in Gothans at a rapid pace. Measures will be taken to increase the income of farmers, livestock farmers, self-help groups and Gothan committees.
• It may be mentioned that 10,501 Gothans have been approved in the State, out of which 7460 Gothans have been made. So far 52 lakh 21 thousand quintals of cow dung has been purchased under Godhan Nyay Yojana.
• The Chief Minister said that 'Women Self Help Groups' would not only be given the limited task of converting cow dung into vermi-compost, but various employment oriented activities would be started with the help of state and central government schemes.
• In the Gothans, organic manure making, community kitchen garden, mushroom production, fisheries, goat rearing, poultry and manufacturing of various products from cow dung are being promoted.
• On this occasion, Agriculture Minister Ravindra Choubey said that Gothans are being converted into Rural Industrial Parks for multi-level economic activities.

Free Rice for Families Under PDS

Why in News

• According to an official statement issued by the state government on October 11, 2021, a target of providing free rice to a total of 58.91 lakh families in the state from May to November 2021 has been set under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

Key Points

• In view of the pandemic situation, the Chhattisgarh government had announced to provide free rice to poor and needy ration card holders.
• According to official sources, a total of 51.20 lakh families are covered under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) in the state and they will have to pay Rs 3 per kg of rice.
• Under the 'Annapurna Anna Yojana' of the Government of Chhattisgarh, 35 kg rice is given to Antyodaya families and 5 kg rice per member to priority families.
• Under PMGKAY, each member of the family holding Antyodaya and priority ration cards gets 5 kg additional rice under the Centre's scheme.