Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that his government has eliminated Naxal activities from their roots in Balaghat district. Today, the administration and officials have reached areas that remained inaccessible for many years. Balaghat was an area where Naxalites brutally killed a minister of the then state government in December 1999. The 30–35-year period of Naxal violence was an extremely difficult phase for the state. He said that now the government is moving forward with the objective of expanding development and employment opportunities in these areas that have become Naxal-free. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that approximately ₹225 crore has been sanctioned today for the development of basic infrastructure in 100 extremely backward villages of Balaghat district. Arrangements have also been made to develop all necessary facilities for local livelihoods and employment.
Under the initiative, work will be undertaken in every sector, including roads, electricity, water, education and healthcare. The amount sanctioned today will be utilised for opening hospitals, upgrading government schools and constructing community buildings. Administrative officials are also conducting camps in different areas to ensure that people benefit from various government welfare schemes.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was speaking to media representatives on Saturday after attending the Jan Vishwas Abhiyan programme in Lanji, Balaghat district.
Baiga Development Authority to Be Established
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that a Baiga Development Authority would be established for the educational, healthcare, employment, economic and social advancement of the Baiga community. Through the Authority, works related to roads, electricity, water, education, healthcare and infrastructure development for the Baiga community would be undertaken on priority. He said the community would be connected with education, livelihoods and skill development so that its members could benefit fully from development initiatives.
Tourism and Local Industries to Generate Employment
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that, to create employment opportunities locally, the government is promoting animal husbandry and agriculture-based industries. Keeping in view the potential for tourism development near Kanha National Park, decisions have also been taken to increase the number of homestays. He said the entire Lanji region of Balaghat, with its natural beauty, has the potential to surpass Cherrapunji in Meghalaya. He added that there is immense potential for developing eco-tourism and tribal tourism in the area.
Dairy and Agriculture-Based Activities to Be Promoted
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that a large number of cooperative societies are being formed to promote dairy and animal husbandry in the region. He said dairy farming can provide people with a regular source of cash income.Women from self-help groups have also been linked with the distribution of nutritious food. The government’s effort is to ensure that products made in villages undergo value addition locally and reach larger cities. The Chief Minister emphasised the need for focused efforts for the Baiga community, which is among the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Roadmap Prepared for Integrated Development of Baiga Community
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the Baiga community has a rich culture. A roadmap has been prepared for its integrated development by linking its art, culture, traditional knowledge and local products with livelihood opportunities, so that the Baiga community can also join the new journey of development alongside other sections of society. He said that under the PM Janman Abhiyan, launched under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, three Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups are being provided special benefits, including the Baiga tribe of Madhya Pradesh.
The government will work with complete sensitivity and commitment to ensure employment opportunities for Baiga youth improve the lives of women and bring prosperity to every family. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that making Balaghat Naxal-free is an achievement for the Madhya Pradesh Government.
From a Safe Balaghat to a Prosperous Balaghat
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said the government’s endeavour is now to make Balaghat a self-reliant district as well. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the able guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the Madhya Pradesh Government has won a major battle against Naxalism. The government’s effort is to bring a new light of development to every village freed from Naxalism, ensure prosperity for every family and dignity for every community. He said that following the achievement of a safe Balaghat, the government is now taking a resolve to build a prosperous Balaghat. The government will now redirect the development trajectory of Balaghat district, which had been obstructed by Naxalism, towards prosperity and well-being.
CM Appeals for Collective Efforts for Balaghat’s Development
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav appealed to local social organisations, media representatives and elected representatives of all political parties to work with sensitivity and coordination for the development of the Balaghat region. He said that due to years of Naxal influence, the administration and welfare schemes could not reach many parts of the area. The time has now come to overcome these challenges and put the region firmly on the path of development. He said that a development plan for Balaghat and Lanji has been prepared by bringing together elected MLAs from the Opposition and other public representatives. In the coming days, the Leader of the Opposition and representatives of all political parties will also be taken along in efforts for the region’s development. He said the government is working towards making Balaghat the number one district in the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Ministers to Visit Balaghat to Review Development
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Balaghat district in-charge Minister Shri Uday Pratap Singh, Water Resources Minister Shri Tulsiram Silawat and other state ministers would also be sent on visits to Balaghat district. He said, expressinghappiness, hat Balaghat is the first district in the country to bid a final farewell to Naxalism.
