CM Vishnudev Sai Announces Initiative at Good Governance Regional Conference
Raipur, November, 2024: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai announced the launch of the ‘Mukhyamantri Good Governance Fellow Scheme’ during the concluding session of a two-day regional conference on Good Governance in Raipur. This ambitious initiative, in collaboration with IIM Raipur, aims to provide advanced education and practical training in public policy and governance for the state’s tribal students.
Highlights of the Mukhyamantri Good Governance Fellow Scheme
- Master’s Program in Public Policy and Governance: The program will be hosted by IIM Raipur, with admissions based on CAT scores.
- Practical Exposure: Students will gain hands-on experience in various government departments alongside classroom learning.
- Government-Funded Education: The state government will cover the entire course fee and provide a monthly stipend to the selected fellows.
- Objective: The scheme aims to create a cadre of skilled professionals who will work in governance, NGOs, think tanks, and the private sector to improve administrative efficiency and transparency in Chhattisgarh.
Speaking at the event, CM Sai emphasized the importance of nurturing a new generation of professionals dedicated to strengthening governance. He remarked, “This initiative not only equips students with advanced skills but also contributes to building a transparent and effective administration.”
Conference on Good Governance
The regional conference brought together senior officials, experts, and thought leaders from across the country to exchange best practices in governance. CM Sai praised the collaborative efforts and discussions that took place during the two-day event, emphasizing the significance of peer learning in driving innovation and progress in governance.
Key Themes Discussed:
- Citizen-Centric Services: Leveraging digital platforms to ensure seamless access to government schemes.
- E-Governance: Adoption of tools like e-office, online portals, and apps to enhance administrative transparency.
- Tribal Development: Special focus on tribal regions such as Bastar and Surguja for infrastructure development and tourism promotion.
Tourism and Economic Growth
The Chief Minister highlighted the potential of Chhattisgarh’s tribal and natural heritage to drive economic growth. He revealed plans to create a comprehensive tourism circuit in Bastar and Surguja, leveraging the regions’ unique cultural and ecological assets. Notably, Bastar’s Kangar Valley village, Dhurmaras, was recently recognized as one of the world’s top 20 villages for tourism by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
He also stressed the importance of local processing of forest produce and agricultural goods as a cornerstone of the state’s economic strategy.
Infrastructure and Development
In the past 11 months, Chhattisgarh has achieved several milestones, including:
- Road and Rail Projects: Projects worth ₹31,000 crore launched to enhance connectivity.
- Air Travel Expansion: The state now has four airports, with new international routes to Dubai and Singapore approved.
- Digital Governance: Initiatives such as Sugam App for property registration, JAM portal for government procurement, and Swagatam portal for secure access to state offices.
CM Sai emphasized the role of good governance in boosting the state’s GDP, setting an ambitious target of doubling it from ₹5 lakh crore to ₹10 lakh crore by 2028.
Focus on Transparency and Accountability
The Chief Minister highlighted his government’s efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability. Initiatives include the establishment of a dedicated Good Governance and Convergence Department, simplification of processes, and citizen-friendly online platforms for grievance redressal.
Union Minister’s Remarks
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded Chhattisgarh’s efforts under CM Sai’s leadership to ensure public participation in governance. He emphasized the role of transparency, accountability, and inter-ministerial coordination in achieving the vision of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.”
E-Book Launch and Key Takeaways
The event concluded with the launch of the e-book “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance,” which encapsulates best practices and innovative governance strategies. Key speakers included V. Srinivas, Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, and Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain, who provided insights into the state’s progress.
This initiative reflects Chhattisgarh’s commitment to advancing governance, fostering citizen empowerment, and setting new benchmarks for sustainable development in India.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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