Chhattisgarh, one of the poorest states and worst hit by Maoist violence in the country, is increasingly using modern technology to improve service delivery and bring transparency in governance. Chhattisgarh is a Performer in this year’s SKOCH Governance study. The State won 3 SKOCH Orders-of-Merit and 1 SKOCH Governance Award in Platinum category.

People of this tribal-dominated state are among the poorest in the country. Even as the State struggles for gaining on Human Development Index (HDI), it has recorded an impressive economic expansion in the recent years and the focus on social welfare programmes has helped improve the situation. Chhattisgarh Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is estimated to increase by 7.07 per cent in the year 2015-16, according to the State Economic Survey. The GSDP grew at a CAGR of 12.48 per cent between 2004-05 and 2014-15.

Key Achievements

Chhattisgarh has taken some impressive steps in social security. The State currently runs one of the most inclusive health insurance schemes in the country. A universal health insurance cover of Rs 50,000 is being provided under Mukhyamantri Swasthya Bima Yojana (MSBY).

To improve cleanliness in the State, local bodies have started impressive initiatives. Zila Panchayat, Rajnandgaon has efficiently pushed forward the construction of toilets in the district. The Administration has launched a project named “Swayamev” with an objective to end open defecation. The project is based on Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach. The project “Swayamev” in a single stroke targeted two things. On the one hand, it obscured the classification of APL and BPL, Beneficiary and Non-Beneficiary or whether the household name is there in Base Line Survey or not and on the other hand it ensured that people not only build but also use their toilet as it was made using their own effort and resources. Further, community model ensured that there is a collective responsibility on each and every member of the community to sustain the ODF status, hence collective pledge, vigilance and follow up became as integral part of “Swayamev”.

To improve cleanliness and ensure effective disposal of waste, Municipal Corporation Durg has implemented Solid Waste Management system. The Corporation has decided to make a Zero Waste Plan for cleanliness of the city. It runs targeted cleanliness drive in all the wards, colonies and slums. Representatives of wards, colonies and social institutions like Mahila Sewa Sahayata group and common citizens are made partners in the drive.

Municipal Corporation Ambikapur has also put in place a practical, scientific and sustainable model for solid waste management to ensure cleanliness in the city. It works on the principle of “reduce, re-use and recycle” for solid waste management.