Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Approves Landmark Relief for Narmada Displaced Families
The Madhya Pradesh state cabinet, in a significant decision chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, has granted free registration of residential land pattas to families displaced by the Sardar Sarovar Project in the Narmada Valley. This move extends long-awaited legal ownership to more than 25,600 households, primarily tribal communities, who have faced displacement due to the project.
Financial Burden and Implementation Details
Briefing reporters after the cabinet meeting, Minister for MSME Chaitanya Kashyap explained the implications of this decision. "Families displaced by the Sardar Sarovar Project were given land pattas, and the cabinet has now decided to register these pattas for them free of cost," he stated. This initiative is expected to impose a financial burden of approximately Rs 600 crore on the state exchequer.
According to Kashyap, these affected families are spread across eight assembly constituencies, including four represented by Congress MLAs such as Gandhwani, the constituency of Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar. "However, without any discrimination, the government will register the pattas for these families in Dhar, Badwani, and Alirajpur districts," he assured.
Standard Operating Procedure and Benefits
A state government release outlined the procedural framework for this relief measure. As per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), the registration fee and stamp duty payable will be reimbursed by the Narmada Valley Development Authority. This decision is poised to benefit over 25,600 families, providing them with secure legal ownership of their allotted lands.
Approval of Irrigation Projects
In another crucial decision, the cabinet approved two major irrigation projects in Maihar and Katni districts, with a total cost of Rs 620.65 crore. These projects aim to enhance agricultural productivity and support local farmers.
- Dhanwahi Micro Pressure Irrigation Project: Sanctioned at an estimated expenditure of Rs 53.73 crore, this project will provide irrigation facilities over 3,500 hectares, benefiting 2,810 farmers from nine villages in Maihar and Katni districts.
- Barhi Micro Lift Irrigation Project: Approved at a cost of Rs 566.92 crore, this initiative will extend irrigation facilities over an area of 20,000 hectares, benefiting 11,500 farmers from 27 villages in the Barhi and Vijayraghavgarh tehsils of Katni district.
Financial Allocations for Various Schemes
The cabinet also approved an outlay of more than Rs 15,009 crore for the continuation of 10 schemes across six departments from fiscal years 2026–27 to 2030–31. Key allocations include:
- Rs 115.06 crore sanctioned for eight schemes of the finance department.
- Rs 5,000 crore approved for the Mukhya Mantri Jan Kalyan (Sambal 2.0) Scheme of the labour department.
- Rs 3,376.66 crore sanctioned for the Legislative Assembly Constituency Election Scheme and Establishment and Office Schemes of the Planning, Economics and Statistics Department.
- Rs 6,472.18 crore approved for schemes under the animal husbandry and dairy department, including the Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Kamdhenu Scheme, Veterinary Science University Jabalpur Block Grant Scheme, and Cow Conservation Scheme.
- Rs 24.70 crore sanctioned for the Adolescent Welfare Fund Scheme and the Assistance Scheme for Victims of Domestic Violence under the women and child development department.
- Rs 21 crore approved for the Minority Self-Employment/Enterprise Scheme of the Backward Classes and Minority Welfare Department.
Dissolution of Social Welfare Board
In yet another decision, the cabinet approved the dissolution of the Madhya Pradesh State Social Welfare Board. Employees of the board will be absorbed into the Women and Child Development Department, streamlining administrative functions and ensuring continued support for social welfare initiatives.
These comprehensive decisions underscore the state government's commitment to addressing displacement issues, enhancing agricultural infrastructure, and supporting various social and economic schemes for the welfare of Madhya Pradesh's residents.
