In a bid to transform gauthans into rural industrial parks following Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Swaraj, Chattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has started a significant initiative to establish small cottage industries in different parts of the state as part of the ‘Bhent and Mulaqat’ campaign. The initiative aims to provide alternative income-generating opportunities for the villagers.
One such rural industrial park has been set up in Kulgaon of Kanker district, which has been named Gandhi Gram. The transformation of Gauthan into a rural industrial park has been done by the district administration of Kanker along with women’s self-help groups. The infrastructure for establishing small cottage industries has been developed and the production work has started by connecting the villagers. More than 13 livelihood-related activities are being conducted in this Industrial park.
Along with this, the forest department has also started a residential training center for villagers based on the value addition process of minor forest produce.
The Forest Department had also given a loan of Rs 50 lakh to Indira Van Mitan group, Kulgaon for the establishment of Gandhi Gram, Rural Industrial Park. On the occasion of its launch, the Chief Minister further announced to waive off the loan of the group in view of the concept and nature of this rural industrial park.
CM Baghel expressed that the state can progress economically by strengthening the economy of the villages.