Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel has said Rs 1,500 crore had been transferred to the accounts of more than 19 lakh farmers under the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana on the state’s 21st foundation day on Sunday.

“We had transferred the previous two instalments of Rs 1,500 crore each to the farmers on May 21 and August 20,” the chief minister said.

Rahul Gandhi joined the virtual statehood day celebrations, at which a school and a hospital scheme were also launched.

Under the Swami Atmanand English Medium School Scheme, Baghel said the state government would start 52 English medium schools where free education would be provided.

Under the health care plan, mobile hospitals-cum-laboratories were inaugurated in 30 urban slum areas of the state.

Greeting the people of Chhattisgarh, Rahul Gandhi said farmers and labourers were the foundation of the country.

“The entire country is struggling in this time of pandemic, but the weaker section of the society is facing more difficulties and has become more vulnerable. The condition of farmers in our country is no secret. News about farmers’ suicides is everywhere. We need to protect the rights and interests of our farmers and labourers and stand by them through this difficult time,” he said.

Rahul praised the initiatives taken by the Chhattisgarh government for the welfare of the farmers, labourers and the poor. He said schemes such

as Rajiv Gandhi Yojana, Swami Atmanand English Medium School Scheme and Chief Minister’s Urban Slum Health Scheme would strengthen the foundation of the country.

“Chhattisgarh has become an example for the entire country. Decisions taken by the government to support farmers and protect their land, promote the industrial sector and make villagers and youths self-employed are exemplary,” he said.