Jaipur, May 21 (AHN) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Thursday visited the remote tribal village of Chuda in Banswara district, interacting directly with villagers, listening to their concerns and reviewing development needs as part of the state government’s Gram Vikas Chaupal initiative.

After holding a night Chaupal in the village on Wednesday, the Chief Minister returned early Thursday morning and walked through village lanes, meeting local residents and understanding public sentiment firsthand.

During the visit, CM Sharma said the state government is working to realise Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay’s vision of “Antyodaya”, ensuring that the benefits of welfare schemes and development reach the poorest and most remote sections of society.

“The government’s first priority is development reaching the last mile,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the Gram Vikas Chaupal had become an effective medium for solving problems through dialogue.

During the visit, the Chief Minister held a Chaupal under a peepal tree, where villagers raised issues related to water supply, infrastructure and local development.

Taking immediate cognisance of the demands, CM Sharma directed the district administration to construct an anicut on the Hiran River to strengthen irrigation and drinking water facilities in the area. He also visited the Maa Bari Centre, interacted affectionately with children and distributed chocolates among them. The Chief Minister encouraged children to pursue education and urged villagers to keep youth away from drug addiction.

During the interaction, employees complained to the Chief Minister about alleged financial irregularities involving Kushalgarh Block Chief Medical Officer Dr Girish Bhabhor. Taking the matter seriously, CM Sharma directed officials to initiate immediate action. Following the Chief Minister’s instructions, the Medical Department placed Dr Bhabhor on Awaiting Posting Order (APO).

Addressing villagers and farmers, CM Sharma stressed the importance of water conservation and sustainable agriculture. “There is no alternative to water. Every drop must be utilised wisely,” he said, urging farmers to adopt micro-irrigation, rainwater harvesting, pond construction and modern farming practices.

He also encouraged farmers to integrate animal husbandry with agriculture to improve incomes and said fruit cultivation could become a major source of additional earnings while also contributing to environmental protection.

The Chief Minister called upon villagers to turn water conservation into a mass movement through community participation.

During discussions over tea with villagers, the Chief Minister approved several local development demands immediately. Approvals were given for Rs 16.20 lakh for the construction of a Maa Bari Centre in Thummath village, Rs 20 lakh for a single-phase tubewell at Thummath intersection and Rs 7 lakh for interlocking and beautification work at the Maa Baleshwar Dayal temple complex in Chuda village.

He also directed officials to construct two classrooms in the government school and establish a milk collection centre near the village.

In another instance, CM Sharma responded to a request by Roshni Kalaal regarding the transfer of her husband, Hemendra Kumar Kalaal, an Assistant Engineer in the Public Health Engineering Department, from Sagwara to Banswara due to their son’s cerebral palsy treatment needs.

The Chief Minister directed officials to transfer him to the Executive Engineer’s office in Banswara, following which transfer orders were issued.

Earlier, the Chief Minister paid floral tribute at the statue of Saint Mama Baleshwar Dayal. Among those present were Tribal Area Development Minister Babulal Kharari, Revenue Minister Hemant Meena and Cooperation Minister Gautam Kumar Dak, along with local representatives and villagers.