Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government has launched a development campaign covering 100 villages in Balaghat district that were previously affected by Maoist activity, with Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav directing officials to assess local needs and prepare development plans in consultation with residents.
Under the initiative, government officials visited villages across the Baihar, Birsa, Lanji and Kirnapur development blocks on October 26 and 28. The visits focused on understanding residents’ basic needs, identifying local problems and assessing opportunities for development.
The administration is preparing proposals based on feedback from villagers, with attention to essential infrastructure, public services and employment-related activities.
100 Villages Divided into Four Clusters
The district administration has divided the 100 identified villages into four clusters and assigned officials from different departments to visit them.
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Officials have been directed to complete visits to their allotted villages over a 14-day period. During this exercise, they are expected to assess existing facilities, interact with residents, identify gaps and prepare proposals for development works.
The campaign aims to improve access to basic amenities and strengthen education, healthcare, nutrition and livelihood opportunities in the identified areas.
Officials Visit Villages Across Four Development Blocks
On October 26, teams led by Lanji Sub-Divisional Magistrate Aditya Narayan Tiwari visited Kattipar, Satona, Bargud and Devarbeli villages.
A team led by Baihar SDM Aniket Shandilya visited Dadekasa, Bilalkasa, Songudda, Lud, Hirri, Bharri, Sonpuri and Bithri. Executive Engineer of the Rural Engineering Services Department Manoj Dhurve interacted with residents in Sitapar and Borvan villages in the Kirnapur area.
Assistant Commissioner of the Tribal Affairs Department Shakuntala Damor inspected hostels in the Ukwa-Bithli area to review their facilities and arrangements.
Other officials participating in the field exercise included Deputy Director of Veterinary Services Dr Ghanshyam Parte, Deputy Director of Fisheries Pooja Rodge and District Project Coordinator for the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, G.P. Barman.
On October 28, Balaghat Collector Aditya Singh visited Bargud-Satona, Keradih, Sair and Sanduka villages under Devarbeli Gram Panchayat in Lanji block and interacted with residents.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Zila Panchayat led a team to Chhindikua, Borvan, Sakritola and Siriyatola villages in Kirnapur block. Officials from other departments also visited Adori, Kundekasa and Bondari villages in Birsa block, along with Latri, Bamhni and Sarad villages in Baihar block.
Roads, Drinking Water, Education and Healthcare Among Priorities
The field assessments are examining the availability and condition of essential infrastructure and services in the identified villages.
Key areas under review include:
- Road connectivity: Roads, bridges and culverts.
- Drinking water and irrigation: Access to drinking water and irrigation facilities.
- Education: School buildings and educational infrastructure.
- Childcare and nutrition: Anganwadi buildings and related facilities.
- Electricity: Availability of power infrastructure.
- Healthcare: Access to health services and facilities.
Officials are gathering information on which facilities are most urgently needed and which problems should be addressed first. The findings will be used to prepare proposals for infrastructure development and improvements in public services.
Departments have also been instructed to identify eligible beneficiaries who can receive assistance through existing government schemes.
Administration Explores Employment and Self-Employment Opportunities
The campaign also includes an assessment of livelihood opportunities suited to local conditions and residents’ interests.
The district administration is focusing on potential activities in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, dairy farming, fisheries and other self-employment sectors.
Officials from the relevant departments have been asked to prepare proposals based on the interests of villagers and young people, along with the economic and geographical conditions of the area.
The initiative seeks to expand livelihood options within the villages and support residents in accessing relevant government programmes.
Collector Directs Officials to Complete 14-Day Exercise
Collector Aditya Singh has instructed officials to complete their assigned village visits within the stipulated 14-day period and prepare detailed reports on their findings.
The reports are expected to document existing facilities, local requirements and proposals for development works. These assessments will help the administration identify infrastructure gaps and determine where government schemes and departmental interventions may be required.
Through the campaign, the state government aims to extend basic facilities and livelihood opportunities to the 100 villages identified in Balaghat district, with development priorities shaped by consultations with local residents.
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