Raipur, June 18 2008 - The national unity and social harmony for the development of the country is very important. The unity of all sections of society may lead to social, economic betterment of public along with the state and the country's progress. The upliftment of all societies related to backward class and to link them with the mainstream of development is the State Government's top priority. The idea expressed is of The Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh while addressing today at Kawardha, the Kabirdham district headquarters in Backward Classes Mega Meet. The mega meet was organised On the occasion of Kabir Jayanti and the day to commemorate the sacrifice of Queen of Jhansi, Veerangana Lakshmibai.

Dr. Singh greeted people on the occasion of Kabir Jayanti and called public to follow the path for social harmony described by Sant Kabir. In the programme, Dr. Raman Singh especially remembered, on sacrifice day of the country's first freedom fighter Veerangana Rani Lakshmibai, the contribution to Indian Independence War. In the Conference the Chief Minister honoured 22 dignitaries of various societies of the backward classes on behalf of the organisers.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister said that the life of most of the people in backward class is based on farming. Former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Bajpai has the dream to free Chhattisgarh from pain of backwardness and the development of backward sections of state and at the time of state formation the backward class people from all societies jointly conceived to get the better of their own, has now begun to realize.

For the advancement of the backward sections the state government has set up a Commission for Backward Classes. The Commission will submit its report to the government after studying the problems of different communities included in the backward classes to join them the mainstream of development and to ensure their improved participation in the development of the state.

The Chief Minister said that to add all societies in the backward class at Sarv Pichhada Varg Mahasammelan (all backward classes mega meet) like a bouquet is a laudable effort by the organisers. The way many flowers included in a bouquet increase its beauty. Similarly Today, people of many backward classes of society, have shown its strong social organization the through Grand General Conference.

He said that the life of people of all of society involved in the backward class is based on agriculture and the State Government is making continuous effort for welfare of the poor and farmers. For the farmers to become financially self dependent Government has Shakambhari plan, Kisan Samridhi Plan and giving grant on the means of micro-irrigation scheme.

In the state agricultural loans being made available to farmers through cooperative societies only on six per cent interest rate.

Consistent and continuous efforts are being made to bring the light of education in every village and every home of Chhattisgarh and Free text book including free uniform is also being given to children studying in school.

Means of employment to the needy people are being provided through the Nava Anjor project by setting up equal benefit groups. Government is operating a lot of schemes for poverty alleviation. Free cycles are provided to 65 thousand girls studying in high school. Three rupees per kg of rice and 25 paise per kg of salt distribution to millions of poor plans are being conducted by the Government of Chhattisgarh.

Former legislator (Bilha) Mr. Dharmalal Kaushik also addressed the conference. President, Sarv Pichhada Varg Mahasammelan Mr. Ajit Chandravanshi gave the welcome address. Programme was conducted by Mr. Janakdas Manikpuri.

Folk singer Mrs. Seema Kaushik presented the cultural programme on the occasion. Senior advocate and social worker Mr Vighnaharan Singh, the district panchayat president, Mr Raghuraj Singh, the State Backward Classes Commission member, Mr Ganesh Kaushik, Mr. Santosh Gupta, president of the local municipal council and agricultural produce market president Mrs Kumari Sahu, the official of Mahasammelan, many public representative of the district, civil citizens and a large number of rural citizens were present on the occasion.