Accelerate Development in Balaghat District After Naxal Eradication: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has stated that the pace of development in Balaghat district should be accelerated following the eradication of Naxalism. He said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and in accordance with the directions and action plan of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the state has achieved success in bringing Naxal elements under complete control. Areas that remained affected by Naxalism for many years, including Balaghat district, now require rapid development efforts. The Madhya Pradesh government is giving priority to accelerating development works. Efforts are also being made to provide a platform for the talents of the tribal community through various festivals.

A discussion regarding the Tribal Festival to be organised in Balaghat next month was held on Friday at Samatva Bhavan under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav. Tribal Affairs Minister Dr. Kunwar Vijay Shah, Chief Secretary Shri Anurag Jain and Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries of the concerned departments were present in the meeting.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that, along with cultural and sports activities, various departments should organise camps during the Tribal Festival according to local needs. Beneficiaries should be provided benefits under the Dharati Aba Abhiyan and the Health Department should organise mega health camps and conduct sickle cell screening in the region. Work should also be undertaken for the expansion of educational facilities, welfare of women and children, providing employment opportunities, extending benefits to Divyang citizens and offering necessary assistance to families affected by Naxal activities in previous years. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also directed that activities be organised under the ‘Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam’ and that facilities at places of worship be developed.

The festival will also feature programmes related to tribal culture, particularly folk dances of the Baiga community, and traditional rituals such as Bidri, Beej Pandum, and Bada Dev Puja, which are organised before the sowing season. To promote and preserve tribal culture, competitions such as sack races, matka races, and archery contests will also be organised.

The event will include demonstrations and workshops on the distinctive Godna tattoo art of Baiga women, along with food stalls offering traditional dishes made from kodo-kutki, mahua and other local ingredients. A conference of experts knowledgeable about traditional herbs and medicinal practices is also proposed. Stalls showcasing products made by members of self-help groups will be set up. In addition to Balaghat, members of the tribal community from nearby districts and from Chhattisgarh will also participate in the festival.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav reviewed the activities planned for the Tribal Festival and the participation of various departments. It was informed in the meeting that departments including Health, Panchayat and Rural Development, Tribal Affairs, Higher Education, Forest, Women and Child Development, Farmers’ Welfare and Agriculture Development, New and Renewable Energy, Skill Development and Employment, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Cooperation, Culture, Tourism, Mineral Resources, Home, and Public Relations will play an important role in the festival.