Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Monday unveiled a major development package for Khandwa district, laying the foundation stones for 18 projects worth Rs 142.90 crore and announcing a series of new initiatives in education, tribal welfare, healthcare and sports.

CM Dr Yadav was in Harsud on October 5 to attend an event marking the birth anniversary of Veerangana Rani Durgavati, where tendu leaf bonus and timber dividend amounts were distributed to beneficiaries. The programme began with a traditional Gond ceremony, including nature worship and a formal puja of Bada Dev.

The Chief Minister also honoured descendants of royal families from 52 forts by presenting them with swords and commemorative symbols.

Rani Durgavati’s legacy highlighted

Addressing the gathering, CM Dr Yadav said the Madhya Pradesh government, under Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi's leadership, was working with a commitment to combine heritage with development and bring greater opportunities to the poorest sections of society.

Speaking on Rani Durgavati's 502nd birth anniversary, he said her life embodied the principles of putting the nation first, self-respect, leadership in difficult circumstances, respect for women, water conservation and protection of nature.

CM Dr Yadav said Rani Durgavati had defeated Akbar's forces three times and emerged victorious in 52 battles through her valour.

Focus on welfare, basic services

CM Dr Yadav interacting with kids present at the event

The Chief Minister said his government was committed to improving people's access to essential services and expanding welfare initiatives. He claimed that the state government was paying Rs 90 lakh in medical education fees for poor students and had distributed scooters and laptops to meritorious students.

Children studying in government schools, he added, were being provided free books and bicycles. According to CM Dr Yadav, Madhya Pradesh currently has 39 medical colleges and hospitals in operation, while 85,000 young people have been appointed to government positions.

He said welfare works worth Rs 1 lakh crore would be undertaken across the state this year. The government has also set a target of extending the Chief Minister Sugam Transport Bus Service to villages across Madhya Pradesh, including tribal areas.

Farmers and tribal areas in focus

CM Dr Yadav said the government was working to strengthen agricultural infrastructure and improve farmers' prosperity. He announced that efforts were being accelerated on the Karwani Lift Irrigation Project in the Harsud region, as the state aims to increase its irrigated area to more than 10 million hectares within five years.

He also said work worth Rs 25 crore would be completed to strengthen electricity supply in tribal areas. The government, he added, was beginning to provide up to 10 hours of electricity during the daytime to support farmers.

CM Dr Yadav clicking selfie with a child attending the event

Education, hostels and sports get major push

Among his key announcements, CM Dr Yadav said six Sandipani Schools would be established in the Khalwa area, while a new 490-seat girls' hostel would be constructed in Harsud.

Hostels will receive roti-making machines at a cost of Rs 34 crore, heavy-duty water coolers and e-libraries worth Rs 18 crore. In addition, 40 new tribal hostels will be built at a cost of Rs 161 crore, while Ashram Schools will receive Rs 143 crore.

Khandwa will also get a hi-tech nursery costing more than Rs 10 crore. Sports complexes will be constructed in Harsud and all other Assembly constituencies of Khandwa district, adding another dimension to the development package.