Connect Madhya Pradesh’s Bidi workers with mainstream employment : CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav directed that effective solutions be developed in coordination with the Forest Department to connect the state’s bidi workers with mainstream employment. He stated that the bidi industry in West Bengal is flourishing using tendu leaves sourced from Madhya Pradesh, thereby providing employment to local residents. He emphasised that thousands of families in Madhya Pradesh engaged in tendu leaf collection and bidi making will now be integrated into the mainstream of livelihood opportunities.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav emphasised that tendu leaves are a valuable resource of Madhya Pradesh, and the employment generated from them should primarily benefit the people of the state. “Bidi workers must be brought back into the mainstream of employment,” he said, issuing these directions during the review meeting of the Department of Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion in Khajuraho on Monday. The Chief Minister stated that families involved in bidi making will be provided with continuous and improved employment opportunities. Priority will be given to women’s employment and safety, along with improvements in wages, social security and essential facilities. The government aims to ensure that every family associated with the tendu leaf-based bidi industry receives a respectable and sustainable income. The benefits of the state’s forest produce must now reach local workers directly.

Under the leadership of the Chief Minister, this initiative will serve as a significant step towards restoring stability and dignity in the lives of all those families who, for generations, have contributed to the state’s economy through tendu leaf collection and bidi production.

Achievements of the Department of Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion

• Successful investment mobilisation, Investment proposals worth ₹12.70 lakh crore received through GIS and RIC.
• Production has commenced in 327 MSME and large industrial units over the last two years, leading to the creation of 40,516 employment opportunities.
• As support and incentives, ₹4,977 crore was disbursed to industries.
• Recognition in four categories under BRAP 2024, marking top performance in Ease of Doing Business.
• 108 compliances decriminalised, reducing judicial burden; over 2,700 compliances simplified or reduced.

Investment Achievements

• Land allotted for investment proposals worth ₹2.48 lakh crore, with employment potential for 2.85 lakh people.
• Construction started in 229 units, with employment potential for 81,206 people.
• 105 cases resolved promptly by the Empowered Committee.
• Customised packages approved for 43 projects worth ₹18,685 crore, with 21,835 potential jobs.

Industrial Infrastructure Development

• 26 new industrial parks and clusters (4,000 hectares) approved.
• 873 hectares approved for the PM Mitra Park.
• Mohasa Babai RE Park: Phase I – 884 acres; Phase II – 750 acres.
• ₹536 crore sanctioned for upgradation of 33 industrial areas.
• Four working women’s hostels with a capacity of 5,772 beds have been approved.

Investment Promotion and State Image Building

• Successful organisation of GIS 2025, the state’s largest investment summit.
• 72 national and international investment programmes conducted.
• 8 regional dialogues and 15 national consultation sessions organised.

Policy and IT-Based Reforms

• Implementation of three new policies for industry, logistics and export.
• Investor Lifecycle Support is enabled through the Invest Portal.
• Faceless No Query Incentive System is operational.
• GIS-based online land allotment and Know Your Approvals facility launched.

Institutional Achievements

• Five new regional offices were established, along with a trade expansion office in Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu).
• Investment centres are set up in every District Collector’s office.
• Permission granted for women to work on night shifts.

Comprehensive Action Plan for Industrial and Export Promotion

Principal Secretary Shri Raghavendra Singh informed that a comprehensive action plan is being implemented with the goal of establishing Madhya Pradesh as a global investment destination.

• Target to increase the state economy to ₹25.3 lakh crore by 2028-29, and to raise exports to ₹1 lakh crore.
• Development of a modern, low-cost and robust logistics network to enhance trade facilitation.
• Establishment of inland container depots in the eastern and southern regions of the state to boost exports.
• Encouragement to private developers in logistics infrastructure and formulation of the State Logistics Plan.
• Special focus on attracting FDI from target markets such as the USA, Japan and the UK to position Madhya Pradesh as a leading industrial and export hub.