Tuesday, 17 September, 2024 
Tuesday, 17 September, 2024 
Bhopal : Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, both the country and the state are witnessing significant development. This fiscal year, the state has approved a budget of Rs 3.5 lakh crore, with plans to double it to Rs 7 lakh crore over the next five years.
The goal is to elevate both the country and the state to the top position. He noted that while the Sheopur-Vijaypur-Karahal region is rich in natural beauty, it has historically lagged in development. However, there will be a renewed commitment to ensure that this region, along with all tribal areas, advances without pause.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addressed tendu leaf collectors at the bonus distribution programme at Karahal in Sheopur district today. He distributed a bonus of Rs 115 crore for the year 2023 to 30 lakh tendu leaf collectors of the state. Simultaneously, he dedicated/performed bhoomi-pujan of development works worth Rs 37 crore 67 lakh, including the dedication of Rs 21 crore 28 lakh and laying foundations worth Rs 16 crore 39 lakh. He also distributed scholarships to students belonging to Scheduled Tribe category.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav has said that the government will spare no effort in advancing the development and welfare of Scheduled Tribes. Currently, about 50 percent of tendu patta collectors belong to the Scheduled Tribe category, relying on minor forest produce for their livelihoods. To improve their situation, the government is committed to maximizing benefits from forest resources. The compensation for tendu leaf collectors has significantly increased from Rs 750 per standard bag in 2007 to Rs 4,000 per standard bag today.
Additionally, a bonus of Rs 953 per standard bag is being distributed to 13 lakh families among the 30 lakh tendu leaf collectors in the state, with over Rs 2 crore in bonuses allocated solely to the Gwalior circle. The net profit for tendu leaf collectors has risen from 50 percent to 75 percent. The honorarium for forest produce committee managers has also been revised: from Rs 13,000 to Rs 14,000 for those managing up to 500 bags, and from Rs 15,000 to Rs 16,000 for those overseeing collections of more than 2,000 bags per month. Furthermore, Dr. Yadav announced that families of committee managers will receive compassionate appointments and a gratuity of one lakh rupees.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav highlighted the rapid increase in employment opportunities due to the state's push for industrialization. Investor meetings are being held in every division, and recently, investments totaling approximately Rs 1.5 lakh crore have been approved. Efforts are also underway to boost food processing industries and advance cow breeding and conservation initiatives. The government plans to offer subsidies to cattle breeders with more than 10 cows and will provide bonuses to milk producers. Additionally, a Bovine Centre Kendra will be established in the Karahal area, renowned for its Gir cows.
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also approved various demands put forward by Forest and Environment Minister Shri Ramniwas Rawat for the development of the area. He said that soon Sheopur will get the gift of a medical college and it will be dedicated. He also announced the construction of Shabari Mata temple in Sheopur. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the building of Nagar Panchayat Karahal will also be constructed soon.
Assembly Speaker Shri Narendra Singh Tomar said that there has been a change after the formation of our government. Development of roads, Pradhan Mantri Awas, Rs. 1500 per month for women and many other schemes are being run for the development of the Sahariya tribe. He said that the memorandum of works given to Chief Minister Dr. Yadav by Forest Minister Shri Rawat will be completed.
The Assembly Speaker said that this is the golden period of the Karahal region. The protection of forests is the responsibility of the officers and employees of the Forest Department as well as the people of the area. To solve the problems of the forest sector, Shri Rawat has been made the head of the forest department which will enable you to solve small and big problems of the area yourselves.
Minister of New and Renewable Energy and in-charge of Sheopur district Shri Rakesh Shukla said that we will leave no stone unturned to maintain the faith with which the public has elected us. He said that development work in Sheopur district will continue under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav. There will be no letup in maintaining the pace of development of the area.
Forest and Environment Minister Shri Rawat said that earlier tendu leaf collectors used to get a bonus of Rs 450 per standard bag, which today is Rs 4,000 per standard bag. He said that our government is developing the Sahariya tribe by following the footsteps and ideals of Pandit Deendayal. Minister Shri Rawat handed over the demand letter to Chief Minister Dr. Yadav for the development works of Vijaipur assembly constituency. He said that the construction of roads in this area, the upgradation of school buildings, and the process of declaring forest villages as revenue villages should be completed soon. Minister Shri Rawat demanded that the amount of Rs 1500 given to malnourished women by the state government should also be given to malnourished women every month under the Ladli Behna Yojana.
Farmers Welfare and Agriculture Development Minister Shri Aidal Singh Kanshana said that the people of the area are fortunate and all the people who came to the program were welcomed. Minister Shri Kanshana said that Chief Minister Dr. Yadav has visited Vijaipur for the third time in such a short span. He said that the people of Sheopur district were given many development gifts by Chief Minister Dr. Yadav and the people of the area will continue to get similar gifts in future also.