In his `mann ki baat`, Raman Singh says will focus on children`s safety and quality education

Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh Sunday delivered his radio address 'Raman Ke Goth' with his prime focus on safety and quality education for children in the state.

"The state authorities might have overlooked certain flaws in the education system, but with the launch of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Quality Education Mission in the entire state, there is scope for better and higher standard of education," Singh said in his third 'Raman Ke Goth' address.

He further expressed concern over the safety of children, referring to the death of five students during their school sponsored tour in Chhattisgarh's Gariyaband district last month.

Five students of Government Middle School of Rajkatti village in Gariyaband were killed and several others injured when the tractor-trolley carrying 73 students overturned while it was heading to nearby Sonai-Rupai temple.

"The accident raised many questions of utmost importance. Is it justified to take so many small school children on tractor-trolley? Was the teacher following the guidelines? Panchayat members should have stopped the tour? Can't we stop such type of accidents?" he asked.

"All these questions agitate my mind. Three girls and two boys met an untimely death. The parents did not know that they were bidding final good-bye to their wards," he said.

The CM further cautioned the teachers not to behave in an irresponsible manner.

"The state government has taken stern action against those responsible for the tragic incident (of Gariyaband). Police have filed a complaint and let us take pledge that these kind of accidents do not occur in future," he said.

On the drought situation in the state, he said the authorities are taking all necessary steps to ameliorate the hardships of farmers.

As many as 110 tehsils have been declared drought-affected and a relief package worth Rs 4,000 crore has been sent to the Centre for early approval, the CM said.

Keeping in view the situation, one quintal of paddy seeds to each of the 22 lakh drought-hit farmers will be provided in the next kharif crop season which would cost Rs 200-300 crore to the government exchequer.

Besides, farmers in the state who are provided free electricity supply of 7,500 units per year for their agricultural pumps of 3-5 horse power, will now get free power upto 9,000 units, he said.

Moreover, under the MNREGA, now 150 days of employment will be ensured instead of 100 days, he said.

The CM also greeted the people for the upcoming festivals of Diwali, Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj.