Sidhi:Tuesday, August 26, 2008:The Chief Minister, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that concerted efforts have been made to restore a sense of confidence and self respect among the people belonging to scheduled tribes in Madhya Pradesh. He said that ownership rights are being conferred on tribals who are holding possession on forestland. On the other hand, cases pertaining to forest offences registered against them have also been withdrawn. Also, the agricultural implements seized from them are being given back.
The Chief Minister said this while speaking at the tendu leaf dividend distribution and women empowerment programmes organised in Sidhi today. Shri Chouhan distributed tendu leaf dividend amounting to Rs. 17 crore 27 lakh to one lakh 43 thousand tendu leaf collectors. Besides, he also dedicated and laid foundation of several construction works and distributed assistance worth Rs. 99 crore 89 lakh to 56 thousand 649 beneficiaries under various schemes. The School Education Minister, Shri Jagannath Singh was also present on the occasion.
Shri Chouhan announced on the occasion that Gulab Sagar Project would soon be completed and road construction works wherever necessary would also be undertaken in the district. He said that a huge network of roads has been set up facilitating smooth movement of traffic from one place to the other in the state.