MP CM Mohan Yadav interacts with villagers in former Naxal-affected Balaghat, announces Rs 225 crore development push

Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh) [India], August 29 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited Bondari village, a former Naxal-affected village, in Balaghat district on Saturday and held an interaction with local residents under the Jan-Vishwas Abhiyan.
He enquired about their well-being, discussed their issues and requirements, and reviewed the benefits they were receiving under various government schemes. CM Yadav also suddenly stopped his convoy at two places in the former Naxal-affected areas of Korka and Devarbeli and discussed with local villagers about the benefits they were receiving under various government schemes. He further raises awareness about integrating these areas into the mainstream.

Additionally, the Chief Minister announced a Rs 225 crore development and livelihood initiative for 100 villages in Balaghat, with a focus on strengthening social infrastructure and creating employment opportunities in areas previously affected by Naxalism.
The Chief Minister said the government's clear resolve is 'security with development and development with employment'. He said that the focus will now be on strengthening basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, drinking water, education and healthcare, while expanding local employment and self-employment opportunities in areas freed from the influence of Naxalism.
Under the Rs 225-crore initiative, development works will be undertaken through various departments, including Panchayat and Rural Development, Energy, Education, Industries, Women and Child Development, AYUSH, Food, Fisheries, Health, Public Health Engineering, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Horticulture, Tribal Affairs and Tourism.
CM Yadav said that the target is not only to build roads but also to connect roads with markets, villages with employment and youth with opportunities. He added MSMEs and local industries would be promoted to create employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth. Agriculture, dairy, animal husbandry, fisheries, horticulture and food processing would be developed as avenues to increase rural household incomes.
The Chief Minister also emphasised promoting women and self-help groups through economic activities and small enterprises. He said efforts would be made to provide youth with skills, training and entrepreneurship opportunities so that they become job creators rather than merely job seekers.
Highlighting Balaghat's natural resources and cultural heritage, CM Yadav said tourism, eco-tourism and tribal tourism would also be promoted. (ANI)