PM Modi says Centre allocated over ₹25,000 crore to Chhattisgarh for jobs under MNREGA

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the Centre has allocated over ₹25,000 crore to Chhattisgarh for providing adequate employment opportunities under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA).

Speaking at an event in Raipur, he highlighted the government’s commitment to generating jobs and promoting self-employment for the youth.

The prime minister laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation various development projects worth approximately ₹7,500 crore in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. These projects encompassed the inauguration and foundation stone laying for five National Highway projects with a combined value of around ₹6,400 crore.

He also inaugurated the 103 km Raipur-Khariar Road Rail Line and a new 17 km railway line connecting Keoti and Antagarh. Another significant dedication was a bottling plant of the Indian Oil Corporation in Korba, constructed at a cost of over ₹130 crore and boasting a capacity of 60,000 metric tons per annum.

He also flagged off the Antagarh-Raipur Train via video link and initiated the distribution of 75 lakh Ayushman cards to beneficiaries.

Expressing his satisfaction with the progress of developmental projects in Chhattisgarh, the prime minister stated that the state is witnessing the implementation of projects worth over ₹7,000 crore, which will greatly enhance infrastructure and connectivity. He emphasized that these initiatives will not only improve the lives of people but also strengthen the healthcare system in the state.

PM Modi also underscored the significance of infrastructure development in facilitating regional progress, highlighting the link between infrastructure deficit and delayed development. In response to this, the government has prioritized infrastructure development in underserved regions, with a view to enhancing ease of living, ease of doing business, and employment opportunities.

The prime minister commended the notable progress made in road connectivity through the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana, which has significantly expanded road access to numerous tribal villages in Chhattisgarh. He also highlighted the government’s approval and completion of several national highway projects, including the Raipur-Kodebod and Bilaspur-Pathrapali highways.

PM Modi emphasized the pivotal role of modern infrastructure in promoting social justice, especially through improved connectivity to hospitals for the underprivileged and marginalized communities. He cited the substantial reduction in villages without mobile connectivity, particularly in formerly Naxalite-affected tribal areas. To further enhance connectivity, the prime minister announced the installation of over 700 mobile towers, which will bolster 4G connectivity in the state.

With regard to economic corridors traversing aspirational districts, PM Modi hailed the Raipur-Dhanbad Economic Corridor and Raipur-Visakhapatnam Economic Corridor, envisioning their transformative impact on the region and the improved connectivity they would provide. These corridors are expected to benefit various sectors, including agriculture and handicrafts.

The prime minister applauded the government’s efforts to promote industrialization in Chhattisgarh, resulting in increased revenue through royalties. He highlighted the positive outcomes arising from the District Mineral Fund, which has facilitated development projects in mineral-rich districts.