Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel's Five-Year Tenure: A Comprehensive Report Card

This report card evaluates Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel based on key aspects and notable challenges during his tenure.

File Photo of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel

Source : PTI

As Bhupesh Baghel completes his five-year tenure as the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, his leadership and governance have been subject to thorough debates and scrutiny. Baghel, who took the helm in December 2018, has been at the forefront of the state's political and administrative affairs. This report card evaluates his performance based on key aspects, notable achievements, and challenges during his tenure.

Economic Development and Welfare Schemes:
One of Baghel's notable priorities during his tenure has been his focus on economic development and welfare schemes. His government launched several initiatives aimed at uplifting the state's economically disadvantaged sections. The Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana, providing financial support to farmers, and the Sanchar Kranti Yojana, providing smartphones to women and students, are aimed at improving the lives of rural and marginalised populations.

Infrastructure Development:
The Baghel administration initiated numerous infrastructure development projects during his tenure. These included rural road construction, housing schemes, and investment in the healthcare sector. The 'Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Basti Yojana' aimed at providing housing to those in need, and the 'Mukyamantri Gramin Awas Nyay Yojana' rural housing project funded by the State to ease the process of receiving grants for eligible beneficiaries.

Social Welfare and Inclusivity:
In terms of social inclusivity, the Chhattisgarh government launched initiatives like 'Narva, Garwa, Ghurwa, Bari' aimed to promote natural resource management and rural development. For Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Scheduled Castes (SC) welfare, programs including 'Tiffin Yojana' and financial aid to inter-caste married couples were launched.

Agricultural Sector, Farmers' Welfare:
The Chief Minister also focused on the agricultural sector with the introduction of several farmer-oriented policies. The Rajiv Gandhi Nyay Yojana, offering financial support to farmers, aimed to uplift the agriculture sector.

Another significant aspect of Baghel's governance has been his emphasis on agricultural reforms and the welfare of farmers. The state government implemented schemes like 'Nyay Apke Dwar' to ensure the direct transfer of benefits to farmers' bank accounts. The 'Chirag' scheme aimed at providing solar pumps to farmers, reducing their dependence on traditional power sources.

Flagship Cowdung Scheme:
Under the Bhupesh Baghel government’s flagship scheme, Godhan Nyay Yojana, Chhattisgarh became the first in the country to purchase cow dung from cattle herders, with a total procurement value exceeding Rs 247 crore over three years, according to the government.

This scheme, launched in July 2020, promotes organic farming with the aim to encourage cow rearing and cow protection and provides financial benefits to cattle producers.

Women's Empowerment and Safety:
On women's empowerment and safety, the Baghel government launched schemes like 'Sakhi-One Stop Center' to provide support to women affected by violence. Additionally, measures were taken to encourage the participation of women in various sectors, including politics and entrepreneurship. 

In terms of health, the 'Mukhyamantri Haat Bazar Clinic' initiative was aimed at providing healthcare facilities to rural areas. 

The OBC Factor:
CM Baghel has cultivated a son of the soil image to enhance his appeal in the native voter base. He is believed to have a significant hold over the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and rural voters.

Unfulfilled Promises:
His unfulfilled poll promises include a wide liquor ban, free gas cylinders, and regularisation of contractual employees that have been taken up by the Opposition to target the ruling Congress government.

Challenges And Controversies

Baghel's tenure has also faced other challenges and controversies with his government facing allegations of corruption in coal transportation, liquor sale, District Mineral Foundation (DMF) fund utilisation, and Public Service Commission recruitment.

The Maoist insurgency remains a concern in certain parts of the state. The government's handling of this issue has received mixed responses with the Opposition demanding further improvement in maintaining law and order. There were some incidents of communal violence and clashes over religious conversion in the state that prompted the BJP to build a narrative against the Congress of being "anti-Hindu".

The Chhattisgarh government has been under scrutiny for its stance on environmental issues, particularly regarding the mining industry and its impact on the environment.

Baghel's tenure also included infighting as T S Singh Deo emerged as his bete noire in the party, criticising the ruling dispensation multiple times. This year, the grand old party placated Deo by appointing him as the deputy chief minister.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel's five-year tenure has been marked schemes for agricultural and economic development as well as social welfare. His focus on addressing the concerns of economically disadvantaged sections has been notable. Nevertheless, challenges remain, including allegations of scams, security issues, and environmental concerns. Whether or not voters of Chhattisgarh see his tenure as a success will be made clear in the two-phased polls in November.