Chhattisgarh along with
being one of the largest states of India is also one
of the richest in terms of mineral resources and biospheres
in India, and is endowed with about twentytwo varied
forest types. These have naturally occurring varieties
of herbs and shrubs, with proven medicinal and aromatic
ingredients. We have over thousands of square kilometres
of virgin forest that are yet to be scientifically surveyed.
A wealth of varieties of indigenous rice as a source
of unexplored gene pool occurs naturally. Established
traditional knowledge systems of self- healing and nutrition
that are based on knowledge of the Bio-wealth, is a
unique feature of various communities of Chhattisgarh.
The State provides good governance and excellent infrastructure
for industries in biotechnology.
Chhattisgarh lays emphasis on developing the State's rich mineral, forest and other natural resources on a sustainable basis to achieve the targets of rapid economic and social growth. Sustainable development is the delicate balance between the demands of economic development and the need for protection of the environment combining elements of economic efficiency along with intergenerational and social equity. The concept of sustainable development is particularly applicable in Chhattisgarh where in :
80% of the State's population is dependent on agriculture for livelihood.
More than 44% of the State's geographical area is under forest cover.
The State's industrial foundation is based on minerals and mining.
A very large proportion of the population belongs to scheduled tribes and scheduled castes.
Given the need to balance the benefits of development with the need to maintain and improve the environment, the State has prepared its Environmental Policy that is aimed at:
Ensuring sustainable development with an emphasis on social and intergenerational equity
Enhancing environmental performance as a means of competitive advantage for the State.
Availability of reliable and cheap power is absolutely essential for economic development of any developing State and consumption of electricity in a State is an important indicator of the stage of development of agriculture, industry and commerce in that State. Chhattisgarh is backward in agriculture and industrial sector due to historical reasons. Formation of separate Chhattisgarh State out of undivided Madhya Pradesh since 1st November 2000 has opened up immense possibilities for development of agriculture and industrial sector in the State. Therefore, Energy Policy which is practical and realistic is essential to realise the above possibilities.
The main objective of the new industrial policy is to add maximum value to state's abundant natural resources within the state itself, and create maximum employment opportunities by setting up industries in all its districts across the state. To attract industrial investment in the state, the policy attempts at providing necessary infrastructure for investment, reducing the cost of production for the investor and ensuring an investor friendly administration. Towards this end, special importance has been given to private sector participation.
Special effort has been made in the policy to see that, in addition to the industrially more developed areas, industries are set up in the state's industrially backward areas also, and that entrepreneurs from scheduled caste and scheduled tribe category also join the process of industrial development. Due attention has also been paid to investments by non-resident Indians, foreign direct investment, rehabilitation of closed and sick industries, development of skills for industrial employment, etc.
Chhattisgarh State with wide-ranging socio-economic disparities is now witnessing the ongoing Information Technology (IT) revolution. The Government of Chhattisgarh visions ‘Vikas mool mantra, Aadhar loktantra’ (‘Driving Development through Democratic Governance’) and believes Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a particularly important medium for the state in reaching out and improving livelihoods specially for its overwhelming SC / ST population across 44% forest area, which had largely remained untouched by modern development.
The purpose of this policy document is to set expectations for quality and excellence in state government services to citizens, state transactions with citizens and businesses, and internal state governmental operations / functions through the strategic deployment of information technologies, and a concentrated focus on the opportunities of the information and communication technologies.
The State of Chhattisgarh was carved
out of erstwhile Madhya Pradesh to provide deference
to its distinctive historical, social background and
natural resources. It is paradoxical that the State
with richest natural endowments is amongst poor in the
country. The basic purpose of its formation would be
defeated if the natural resources are not used due to
constraints of stringent forest laws and environment
problems. To ease these strains and to provide accessibility
in the benefit of natural resources utilization to the
deprived class of the region, it has become imperative
to evolve a suitable mineral policy for the nascent
State.
The Government of Chhattisgarh
is firmly committed to capitalise on its ‘new State
advantage’. The State has taken a conscious decision
to do away with past legacies and to adopt a fresh approach
to economic and social development. This Women Empowerment
Policy is not a modification of any earlier policy,
but is based on the state’s specific geographical,
social and cultural characteristics. This policy seeks
to address the unique situation and issues facing women
in Chhattisgarh across urban, periurban, rural and tribal
areas. It is based on a comprehensive analysis of the
best practices of other Indian states and countries
from where positive elements have been culled out and
suitably incorporated keeping in view the State’s
unique features. The commitment of the State towards
empowerment of women is evident from the fact that the
Government has already set up a high level committee
under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister to define and
review the achievable and measurable goals for the newly
formed State.
