This Week Chhattisgarh: A voice for a tongue

Durg MP Saroj Pandey recently introduced in the Lok Sabha a bill to include the Chhattisgarhi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution

A voice for a tongue

Durg MP Saroj Pandey recently introduced in the Lok Sabha a bill to include the Chhattisgarhi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Chhattisgarhi has already been declared the states official language and there have been demands for getting it constitutional recognition. Pandey had raised the issue in Parliament earlier too. A debate on the bill is expected during the budget session. Former MoS (Home) Jitendra Singh too had assured recognition after an amendment.

IPL in town

Naya Raipur has become the latest entrant to IPL with two matches in the upcoming season,on April 28 between Delhi Daredevils and Pune Warriors,and on May 1 between the Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders. The state government has earmarked nearly Rs 30 crore for upgrading the stadium. Chhattisgarh Cricket Association president Baldev Singh Bhatia says it reflects crickets growth in the state. Last year,the BCCI held trials for fast bowlers at Naya Raipur; last month,it included the states under-16 and under-14 teams in the Central Zone tournament.

Snub to Royalty

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Last week,Bastar tribals held an annual rally in Jagdalpur. The occasion is called Bhumkaal Divas,after a day in 1910 when tribals had revolted against British rule. The event has been invoked every year since six years ago,when tribals came together to protest the atrocities of Salwa Judum. This time,tribals decided to not invite Bastar king Kamal Chandra Bhanj Dev to the dais and the chief guest instead was activist Swami Agnivesh. Both the government and the king have cheated us, said Bhumkal Association president Yagyadatt Kashyap.

CM for 3 days

A Bilaspur villager recently became chief minister for three days. During the Gram Suraj Abhiyan,when villagers submit their grievances to the administration,Takhatpur resident Malay Jahani sent an application that since there was too much corruption in the state he should be made the CM for that period. Officials carried out the formalities of accepting the petition and later sent him an acknowledgment that his grievance has been redressed. Congress MLA Dharamjit Singh raised the matter in the assembly last week.