Chhattisgarh observes its foundation day: 20 years old but a long way to go  

But for the pandemic, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh would have ceremoniously celebrated their 20th anniversary in November.

Chhattisgarh came into being on November 1, Uttarakhand on November 9 and Jharkhand on November 15. Demand for the formation of these states was largely centred around regional pride and identity.

Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh were both typed as states dominated by tribes though tribal population accounted for 30.62% of the population in Chhattisgarh and 26.21% in Jharkhand. Other Backward Classes are in a majority in both the states, while upper castes dominate in Uttarakhand.

It has been argued for a long time that smaller states make for faster development and better administration. But if there are examples of successful small states like Haryana, Punjab and Kerala, there are also the larger states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka which have performed better than many states, large and small.

Human Development Indices, GDP etc. of the three states created in 2000 however reveal no significant benefit for being small. The per capita income of Chhattisgarh, when founded, was INR 10,744. In 2019-20, it grew manifold to become INR 98,413. But if the per capita income has grown significantly, why has the poverty rate also increased in Chhattisgarh? Why is Chhattisgarh, with 39.9% people below the poverty line, the most impoverished state of the nation? Why does 18% of the population still reside in slums?The silver lining is that Uttarakhand has managed its resources and poverty better.

Development for whom?: Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh were created in the name of indigenous tribals who bore the brunt of development. Tribals were unceasingly displaced and had to compromise on their livelihood.

If growth of Naxalism in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand were because of exploitation of the tribals, then the foundations of the two new states should have brought prosperity to the tribalsand Naxalite activities should have ceased.

But the reality has been different.

When Chhattisgarh was formed, Naxalite activities were confined to three blocks. After 15 years of BJP rule, as many as 14 districts of the state were deemed to be Naxalite strongholds.

SalwaJudum was initiated to fight Naxalism. It resulted in the largest exodus of tribals from Bastar. More than 650 tribal villages were vacated. Around 3 lakh tribal people had to migrate. There were uncountable instances of fake encounters, atrocities against tribals and villages set ablaze.

Minerals and mining, real estate and building construction are deemed to be high points of development. For development, land of tribals, farmers and the poor were taken over and handed over to industries. The original settlers who should have benefitted were further marginalized.

Absence of a road map: Without a blueprint or a roadmap, the mere creation of states however did not help. Some things did change. Funds from the Centre came directly and decisions were made in Dehradun, Raipur and Ranchi and not from Lucknow, Bhopal and Patna. Higher resources were available more readily for projects, royalty from mining was received directly, a few industries were established, and there was some increase in employment. But none of the three states have come anywhere close to fulfilling the aspirations of the people.

Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen recalled that in the 1950s, Kerala Government insisted on allocating most of their funds to education and health. The result, he said, is evident. But the three new states in 2000 had no clear road map or direction. Jharkhand and Uttarakhand were also riddled with political instability. And though Chhattisgarhwas politically stable, it did not turn out very different.

Farsighted ideology: The new government in Chattisgarhhas come up with visionary schemes. Tribals and farmers have been singled out for special attention.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel returned land of 1700 tribal farmers that was acquired for industrialisation. Farmers now receive INR 2500 per quintal of paddy. Tendu leaf collectors get INR 4000 per bag instead of the previous INR 2500 per bag. The government adopted a new policy for minor forest produce to benefit tribals. Chhattisgarh is now envisioned as an energy consuming state, not just an energy producing state.

He also initiated the ‘NarvaGarwa GhurwaBaari’ scheme which aims at rejuvenation of rivers and rivulets through rainwater harvesting, improve breeds of cows andhelping every household to grow nutritious fruits and vegetables. Chhattisgarh became the first state to purchase cowdung and began erecting of cattlesheds in villages. The plan is to develop Chhattisgarh as a rural state revolving around rural economy.

Elections will come and go. Government will be formed and will fall. But policies and schemes need to address the long-term needs of the people.

Governments need to work for next generations and not just keep their eye on the next election.

(The author is Political Advisor to the Chhattisgarh CM)