Shahdol, Oct 25 (PTI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Sunday transferred Rs 22.89 crore in incentives to 9.77 lakh tendu leaf collectors for the 2024 collection year.
Yadav also said families whose houses were damaged by elephants would be provided ‘pucca’ homes, his statement coming amid reports that 37 more wild tuskers had entered Shahdol from Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, taking their numbers to 62.
Tendu leaves are used as a natural wrapper for rolling ‘bidis’. Tendu leaf plucking is a major source of livelihood in the tribas areas of the state.
“Our government runs on decisions, not files. It is working for public welfare, development and the uplift of all sections of society. Benefits of development should reach the last person in society and every family should have adequate opportunities to progress,” Yadav said at a programme on tendu leaf bonus distribution and development works in Shahdol.
During his visit, the CM laid foundation stones and inaugurated 134 development works costing Rs 461.73 crore in Shahdol district. He also inaugurated a Forest Department office building constructed at a cost of Rs 22.14 crore.
The bonus distribution reflected the government’s commitment to ensuring that tendu leaf collectors received due benefits for their efforts, the CM said.
He announced ‘pucca’ homes for the people whose houses were damaged by wild jumbos.
Yadav said rescue zoo centres would be established near Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The government would provide additional assistance of Rs 2 lakh for the construction of homestays, he added.
“The government is working to empower women financially, increase farmers’ incomes and provide economic support to families dependent on forest produce collection,” Yadav said.
Highlighting Shahdol division’s interest in football, he said the region had considerable potential to nurture young sporting talent. Sports facilities were being developed at a cost of Rs 5.10 crore, he said.
Yadav announced the construction of an indoor sports complex in Shahdol, saying it would provide children and youth better opportunities to practise various sports and prepare for competitions.
Referring to a proposed steel plant in Shahdol, he said the project could generate employment for around 4,000 people once it became operational.
Hitting out at the opposition Congress, Yadav said the party’s leaders were uncomfortable with the development work being undertaken by the state government. He also referred to the achievements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address.
Incidentally, Congress workers attempted to stage a protest by showing black flags during Yadav’s visit to Shahdol. The workers, led by Congress district chief Ajay Awasthi, were stopped by police a short distance away from the venue.
After scuffles, police detained several Congress workers. The party will continue to protest against the BJP government’s policies, Awasthi said. PTI COR LAL BNM
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