Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Saturday announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh each for families who lost loved ones to serious illnesses, while stressing the state government’s focus on strengthening healthcare and addressing the root causes of diseases.

CM Dr Yadav made the announcement during his visit to Balaghat under the Jan-Vishwas Abhiyan, where he also outlined a ₹225-crore development plan for 100 villages in the district that were formerly affected by Naxal activities.

₹225 crore development push for 100 villages

Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said the government was working with a substantial budget to transform Balaghat and bring villages that were once affected by Naxalism into the mainstream of development.

Under the proposed initiative, ₹225 crore will be spent on strengthening basic infrastructure across 100 such villages. The development works will cover roads, electricity, drinking water, education, healthcare and other essential facilities.

CM Dr Yadav said the initiative would accelerate development in these areas, improve access to basic services for rural residents and help integrate the formerly Naxal-affected villages into the state’s development trajectory.

The Chief Minister said the government was working towards permanent solutions by addressing the root causes of problems rather than merely responding to their consequences.

“I have felt the pain and suffering of the families who have lost their loved ones,” Yadav said, announcing financial assistance of ₹2 lakh each for the affected families. He added that efforts would also focus on preventing the recurrence of such illnesses in the future.

Rural employment and tourism in focus

CM Dr Yadav said the state government would promote livestock-based activities to generate employment and encourage self-reliance in rural areas.

Goat rearing, poultry farming and milk production will be encouraged, alongside homestays and rural tourism, to create new livelihood opportunities at the local level. The government believes the measures will strengthen the rural economy and advance its goal of greater self-reliance among villagers.

Highlighting Balaghat and the Lanji region’s natural beauty, CM Dr Yadav said the area had the potential to rival even Cherrapunji. Its rich cultural traditions and simple way of life, he said, further enhanced its appeal as a tourism destination.

The Chief Minister said there were immense possibilities for developing eco-tourism and tribal tourism by linking the region’s natural and cultural heritage with tourism initiatives.

Focus on Baiga community

CM Dr Yadav said the government had, after a prolonged struggle, helped make Madhya Pradesh, including Balaghat, Naxal-free. The next priority, he said, was to take local residents into confidence and accelerate development across the district.

He called for a collective effort to make Balaghat the state’s leading district in terms of development.

Referring to the guidance of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Yadav said that after achieving a Naxal-free Balaghat, the government was now committed to building a safe and prosperous Balaghat.

He also announced a greater focus on the overall development of the Baiga community. Baiga ashrams would be promoted to help economically empower families and connect children with education.

The state government will also establish a Baiga Development Authority, through which special emphasis will be placed on education, healthcare, drinking water, basic amenities and infrastructure for the community.