CM Dr. Yadav Distributes ₹22.89 Cr Bonus to over 9.77 Lakh Tendu Leaf Collectors in Shahdol

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that tendu leaf collection is a major source of livelihood for lakhs of forest-dwelling families. The state government is ensuring that hardworking families receive their rightful benefits in full and on time. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav distributed over ₹22.89 crore in bonus payments to 9,77,696 eligible tendu leaf collectors for the 2024 collection season at a programme held at the divisional headquarters in Shahdol on Sunday. Thousands of tendu leaf and other minor forest produce collectors from six district forest produce cooperative unions covering Shahdol, Umaria, Anuppur, Satna and Sidhi participated in the programme.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav announced the construction of an indoor sports complex in Shahdol, pucca houses for families whose homes were damaged by wild elephants, a road from Gohparu in Jaisinghnagar Assembly constituency to the Rewa-Satna road, and a new university in Shahdol with private participation.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the bonus and dividend payments would strengthen the financial position of families living in rural and forest areas. The government is continuously working to ensure the dignity, self-reliance and overall welfare of forest-dwelling communities. On the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav inaugurated and performed Bhoomi Poojan for 134 development projects worth ₹462 crore. He also inaugurated the newly constructed Divisional Forest Officer's office in Shahdol, built at a cost of ₹22.14 crore, and distributed benefits under various government schemes to eligible beneficiaries.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav announced that Shahdol will get a modern indoor sports complex with advanced facilities. A road would also be built from the Shahdol-Rewa main road to the college and Industrial Training Institute (ITI) at Gohparu in Jaisinghnagar Assembly constituency. He announced the construction of a Geeta Bhawan in Shahdol and the establishment of a private university through private investment and participation. Responding to the demand for a new college, he said that the college affiliated with Shambhunath Shukla University would be made co-educational, allowing both male and female students to study there.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also announced that the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC) would construct a new road to replace a dilapidated route in Umaria district. He said the Forest Department would build pucca houses for all families whose homes were damaged by wild elephants entering human settlements. Fencing would also be provided around the newly constructed houses.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav informed that a steel plant would soon be established in Shahdol, generating employment for more than 4,000 people. The government also plans to establish a Forest Zoo and Rescue Centre in the region. He said that the registration portal for paddy farmers who had not yet registered to sell their produce had been reopened in their interest.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav announced that sports infrastructure worth ₹5.10 crore would be developed at Vicharpur, a village in Shahdol district known for football, to provide better facilities to players of various sports. He said that pucca houses were being provided to poor families across the state. The government was also facilitating free permanent registration of land holdings for eligible patta holders.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the state government is continuously working for public welfare, development and the upliftment of every section of society. Several schemes are being implemented for tendu leaf collectors, farmers, Ladli Behnas, students and tribal families. He said, referring to bonus payments to tendu leaf collectors, Bhavantar payments and Kisan Samman Nidhi assistance to farmers, and financial support to Ladli Behnas, that the government is committed to the equitable development of all sections of society.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that providing quality education and modern facilities to students is among the government's priorities. Schemes providing laptops to meritorious students and scooters to outstanding school students are encouraging young people to excel academically. He referred to the construction of 34 high school buildings and Bhoomi Poojan for tribal girls' hostels in Shahdol at a cost of approximately ₹150 crore. These facilities would provide students with a better learning environment. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said. making an important announcement regarding scholarships for tribal students,that eligible students would now receive scholarships for the full 12 months instead of 10 months. This would provide financial support to help them continue their education throughout the year.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that football enjoys considerable popularity in Shahdol division and that the region has immense potential to nurture young sporting talent. Sports facilities are being developed at a cost of ₹5.10 crore to promote sporting activities. Announcing the construction of an indoor sports complex in Shahdol, he said that it would provide children and young people with better opportunities to practise various sports and prepare for competitions.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav announced, responding to local suggestions for Shahdol's development, that the construction of a road connecting the Shahdol-Rewa main road with the college and Industrial Training Institute in the Nagar tehsil area. He also announced the construction of a Geeta Bhawan in Shahdol to facilitate social, cultural and religious events.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that higher education facilities need to be expanded in Shahdol so that local students can access better educational opportunities within their region. He announced that a co-educational college would be made available in Shahdol, with facilities suited to students' needs. He also announced the establishment of a new private university in the coming academic session.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the proposed steel plant in Shahdol would create new employment opportunities in the region. Around 4,000 people are expected to benefit from employment generated by the project. He said that industrial development would strengthen the local economy and accelerate economic activities in the region.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav referred to a proposed scheme to encourage dairy farming, under which the government would provide financial assistance of ₹10 lakh for a ₹40 lakh dairy project involving 25 cows. He said that the initiative would encourage livestock owners to adopt dairy farming and increase milk production.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that special attention is being given to expanding basic infrastructure across the state. He referred to initiatives involving housing for approximately 17,000 families, construction of 65 kilometres of roads and provision of water supply to 28,000 families in the Shahdol region. The government aims to ensure that every eligible family receives the benefits of welfare schemes and that basic amenities in rural areas are strengthened. He announced that MPRDC would construct a new road in Umaria. Referring to the Chief Minister's Bus Service, he said that improved road connectivity and public transport would make travel easier for people living in rural and remote areas.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that recruitment processes are being taken forward in various departments to provide employment opportunities to young people. He informed that more than 85,000 posts had been filled during the tenure of the present government, while efforts were underway to recruit another one lakh employee in the coming period.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav encouraged citizens to assist people injured in road accidents, emphasising the importance of ensuring timely medical treatment. He referred to a scheme providing financial assistance of up to ₹1.5 lakh for the treatment of accident victims and an incentive of ₹25,000 to those who help transport injured persons to hospitals.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that expanding education, housing, roads, drinking water, sports and employment facilities in tribal regions is a priority of the state government. Efforts are being made to provide better amenities to local residents through development projects and welfare schemes in the Shahdol region. He reiterated that families whose houses had been damaged by wild elephants would be provided pucca houses. Fencing would also be arranged around farmers' fields. The Chief Minister announced that rescue and zoo centres would be developed near Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The government would also provide additional assistance of ₹2 lakh for establishing homestays.

Member of Parliament Smt. Himadri Singh said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, the state government is continuously working for the welfare of the poor and tribal families. She said that the distribution of bonuses to tendu leaf collectors ensures that the financial benefits of their hard work reach them directly. Continuous efforts are being made to promote Shahdol's development potential, provide better opportunities to tribal communities and bring positive changes to people's lives.

Jaisinghnagar MLA Smt. Manisha Singh said that tendu leaf collectors make a significant contribution to the livelihoods of tribal families and the state's economy. Providing bonuses and essential facilities to collectors is an important initiative to recognise their hard work and promote their welfare. The Shahdol MLA highlighted the district's immense tourism potential, citing its natural beauty, river confluences and rich heritage of religious sites. These destinations could be systematically developed to promote environmentally sustainable tourism.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav visited a photo exhibition organised by various departments at the venue of the tendu leaf bonus distribution programme in Shahdol. He reviewed displays showcasing departmental activities, public welfare schemes, local arts and handicrafts, and the collection and marketing of forest produce.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav encouraged meritorious students and woodcraft artisans, appreciated their work and gathered information about various activities. The Revenue Department organised an exhibition on the Swamitva Yojana, highlighting benefits available to beneficiaries and activities related to the scheme's implementation. Eligible beneficiaries were also provided benefits under the scheme. The exhibition brought together displays on education, technical training, forest produce collection and marketing, agriculture, tribal culture, traditional seeds and local handicrafts.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla, Minister of State for Forest and Environment Shri Dilip Ahirwar, State Scheduled Tribes Commission Chairman Shri Ramlal Rautel, MLAs Shri Jaisingh Maravi, Shri Sharad Kol and Shri Bisahulal Singh, Shahdol District Panchayat President Smt. Prabha Mishra, Umaria District Panchayat President Smt. Anuja Patel, Amarkantak Development Authority Chairman Shri Rajendra Bharti, Principal Secretary Forest Shri Raghvendra Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri Shubh Ranjan Sen, District Planning Committee Member Smt. Amita Chapra, other public representatives and a large number of tendu leaf collectors attended the programme.