Balaghat, Aug 29 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Saturday that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government will work with the Opposition on a comprehensive development plan for Balaghat, with the aim of turning the district from a Naxalism-free region into a prosperous one.
Chief Minister Yadav added that development in areas affected by Naxalism for decades required a coordinated effort involving all political parties, and announced that around Rs 225 crore has been sanctioned for basic infrastructure in 100 extremely backward villages of the district.
“We have formulated a development plan for the Balaghat and Lanji areas by involving elected MLAs from the Opposition as well as other public representatives. In the future, we will continue to work for the region’s development by taking the Leader of the Opposition and all political parties along. We are striving to make Balaghat the number one district,” he said.
The Chief Minister made this statement while addressing a press conference after attending the ‘Jan-Vishwas Abhiyan’ event in Lanji twon of Balaghat.
He shared that the sanctioned funds will be used for roads, electricity, water supply, education and healthcare facilities.
The state government will also establish hospitals, upgrade government schools and construct community centres in the backward villages.
Chief Minister Yadav said the administration was now reaching areas that had remained inaccessible for years because of Naxalism and would organise camps to ensure residents receive the benefits of welfare schemes.
He also announced the establishment of a Baiga Development Authority for the education, healthcare, employment and socio-economic development of the Baiga community, which is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group.
“The goal is to bring the light of development to every village freed from the Maoist menace, ensuring prosperity for every family and dignity for every community. With this objective, the resolve is now to transform Balaghat from a secure district into a prosperous one,” CM Yadav said.
The state government plans to promote animal husbandry, dairy farming and agriculture-based industries to generate local employment.
Cooperative societies are being established, while self-help groups are being linked with livelihood and nutritional initiatives.
Chief Minister Yadav said Balaghat also had significant potential for eco-tourism and tribal tourism, particularly around Kanha National Park, and announced plans to increase homestays in the region.
He added that local produce would be subjected to value addition within the region before being sent to major cities, helping create employment and improve incomes.
Chief Minister Yadav said that Naxalism had severely hampered development and delivery of government schemes in Balaghat over the years.
He credited the state government’s efforts, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with ending the Maoist menace.
“Balaghat was the first district in the entire country to bid a final farewell to Naxalism,” the Chief Minister added.
–IANS
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