Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on Thursday announced a development package worth ₹356.89 crore for Madhya Pradesh's Alirajpur district, unveiling 271 infrastructure and welfare projects during the Balram Krishi Mahotsav held at Chandrashekhar Azad Nagar. The projects include road construction, irrigation schemes, educational infrastructure, and initiatives aimed at improving agriculture and tribal welfare. The announcement came as the Chief Minister visited the district despite adverse weather conditions, travelling by road after helicopter services were suspended due to poor visibility.

The Alirajpur development projects are expected to benefit farmers, students, women, and tribal communities, while strengthening infrastructure in one of the state's key tribal regions.

Major Development Push

During the event, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for development works worth ₹303.34 crore and inaugurated completed projects valued at ₹53.55 crore, taking the total investment announced for the district to ₹356.89 crore.

He also distributed ₹2.10 crore in loans to women belonging to self-help groups and honoured organic farmers, meritorious students, and social media influencers for their contributions.

Focus On Agriculture

The Balram Krishi Mahotsav featured exhibitions by the departments of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, cooperative societies, and agricultural engineering.

Addressing farmers, Dr. Yadav said the state government remains committed to improving agricultural productivity and farmers' incomes through irrigation expansion, natural farming, dairy development, and infrastructure projects.

He noted that despite lower-than-normal rainfall this season, farmers in Alirajpur had demonstrated resilience in continuing agricultural activities.

Roads And Irrigation Projects

Among the key announcements, the Chief Minister highlighted the construction of 64 roads worth ₹130 crore in the Bhabhra development block and a ₹22 crore Sandipani School at Kadwaniya.

He also said the Kondwa Irrigation Project would provide irrigation facilities to nearly 70,000 farmers, while the Dahi Narmada Pipeline Project, being developed at an estimated cost of ₹1,100 crore, is nearing completion and is expected to be inaugurated after Diwali this year.

Welfare Initiatives Highlighted

The Chief Minister said more than 10,000 residents in Alirajpur had received land ownership documents under the SVAMITVA Scheme.

He also highlighted that over 90,000 beneficiaries in the district had received permanent houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, while more than 5.7 lakh people continue to receive free food grains through government welfare programmes.

Dr. Yadav reiterated the government's commitment to welfare schemes such as the Ladli Behna Yojana, under which eligible women receive monthly financial assistance.

Tribal Region Development

Calling the tribal belt of Madhya Pradesh a priority for the government, the Chief Minister said districts including Alirajpur, Jhabua, Mandla, Dindori, and Balaghat hold special significance in the state's development agenda.

He paid tribute to freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad on his birth anniversary and remembered tribal icons such as Jitu Kirad, Raja Alia Bhil, and Tantya Mama for their contribution to India's freedom movement.

New Announcements Made

Among the major announcements, Dr. Yadav said a memorial park dedicated to Chandrashekhar Azad would be developed in Bhabhra, while Rani Kajal Mata Lok would also be established.

The government also plans to expand accommodation facilities in girls' hostels and continue strengthening irrigation, dairy farming, and rural infrastructure across the tribal region.

Referring to the recently passed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) legislation in the state, the Chief Minister said tribal communities would remain outside its ambit in recognition of their traditional customs and practices.