Raman Singh, a prominent figure in Indian politics, has significantly impacted Chhattisgarh’s political landscape. His career trajectory, from ayurvedic doctor to Chief Minister, is a testament to his influence and dedication.

Biography/Wiki

Born on October 15, 1952, in Kawardha, Madhya Pradesh (now Chhattisgarh), Raman Singh hails from a Thakur family. His father, Late Vighnaharan Singh Thakur, was a respected advocate, farmer, and social worker. After completing his schooling in Kawardha and Rajnandgaon, he pursued higher education at Government Science College, Bemetara, and earned a BAMS degree from the Government Ayurvedic College in Raipur. He practiced Ayurvedic medicine in Kawardha before entering politics.

Inspired by the Jana Sangh ideology during his student years, Singh actively participated in politics, becoming the president of Bharatiya Jan Sangh Yuva Morcha in Kawardha during the National Emergency (1976-77).

Family

Raman Singh’s family includes his parents, Vighnaharan Singh Thakur and Sudha Singh. He has a brother, Ashok Singh, and a sister, Ila Kalchuri. He is married to Veena Singh, and they have two children: Abhishek Singh (an engineer-turned-politician representing Rajnandgaon in Lok Sabha) and Asmita Singh (a dental surgeon).

Career

Singh’s political journey began with the Jana Sangh in 1976. Key milestones include:

• 1983: Elected municipal councillor of Sheetla ward, Kawardha.
• 1990: First win in the state assembly elections.
• 1993: Re-elected to the state assembly.
• 1999: Elected to the 13th Lok Sabha.
• 1999-2003: Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry under Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
• December 7, 2003: Became the second Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh.
• December 12, 2008 & 2013: Re-elected as Chief Minister for consecutive terms.
• 2023: Won the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly elections from Rajnandgaon constituency.

Awards/Honours

Raman Singh’s achievements have been recognized through several awards:

• 2004-05: Outstanding Person Award by Chhattisgarhi NRI Association and the Indo-American Community of North America.
• February 3, 2008: Bharat Asmita Shreshtha Jan Pratinidhi award from former Chief Justice of India, K. G. Balakrishnan.
• 2016: Rashtriya Krushi Karman Puraskar for Chhattisgarh’s record pulse output.

Salary/Net Worth

As of a past year, his salary was approximately ?1.35 lakh plus allowances. His net worth included substantial bank fixed deposits, jewelry, and other assets.

Facts

Some notable facts about Raman Singh include:

• Provided free medical services to the poor in rural areas.
• Known for his religious beliefs and practice.
• Spearheaded the Salwa Judum initiative to counter Maoist insurgency.
• Led Indian trade delegations to various countries.
• Ranked as India’s No. 1 Chief Minister by India Today in 2005.
• Oversaw Chhattisgarh’s top ranking in the implementation of a twenty-point developmental program for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (2006-07).

Financial Overview (Approximate Figures)