CM Mohan Yadav stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, the Government of India has resolved to eliminate Naxalism across the country by the year 2026. The Madhya Pradesh government is working shoulder to shoulder with the Central Government to fulfil this commitment. As part of this effort, 64 officers and personnel of the Police Force, Hawk Force, and Special Armed Forces involved in recent Naxal encounters in Balaghat district have been granted out-of-turn promotions. This significant step by the state government will boost the morale of police personnel. The Chief Minister described this out-of-turn promotion as a golden moment in the history of the police.
Speaking at the promotion decoration ceremony held in Lanji, Balaghat, on Monday, Dr. Yadav recalled that Balaghat was once listed among the 12 most Naxal-affected districts. Thanks to the government’s resolve and the hard work of the police, Balaghat has now been reclassified by the Centre into a less critical category. The decline in Naxal activity in Balaghat is commendable. CM Mohan Yadav personally pinned the badges of promotion on officers and extended his congratulations.
State Government Fully Equipped to Tackle Naxals
The Chief Minister emphasised that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, the Indian Army humbled Pakistan in just four days of combat. Likewise, under Home Minister Shah’s guidance, anti-Naxal operations are being intensified across India. Madhya Pradesh Police is being equipped with modern weapons and technology to strengthen this campaign. CM Mohan Yadav sent a clear message from Balaghat: “Naxals must surrender, or they will be eliminated. There is no room for Naxalism on Madhya Pradesh soil.”
He honoured 37 brave police personnel who made the supreme sacrifice, stating: “Death is inevitable, but let it be one that makes the nation, the state, and society proud.”
Inauguration and Bhoomi-Pujan of ₹169 Crore Worth of Development Works in Balaghat
CM Mohan Yadav also visited an exhibition showcasing development efforts under the Jal Ganga Conservation Campaign in Balaghat. He inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 93 development projects worth ₹169 crore, which included the foundation laying of the 51st Ayurvedic College of Madhya Pradesh in Balaghat.
Dignitaries present included MP Smt. Bharti Pardhi; MLAs Shri Rajkumar Karrahe (Lanji), Shri Vikki Patel (Waraseoni), Shri Rajkishore Kawre (Nanu), Shri Gaurav Pardhi; and former minister Shri Pradeep Jaiswal.
Balaghat—Rich in Mineral and Water Resources
CM Mohan Yadav highlighted that Balaghat is endowed with abundant mineral and water wealth, including reserves of copper and manganese. The region’s Chinnaur rice recently received a GI tag, a matter of pride. He affirmed that, along with the end of Naxalism, development continues rapidly in Balaghat, especially in Ayurveda-related resources. The Ayurvedic college will also offer nursing and paramedical courses.
He recalled that until 2002–03, Madhya Pradesh had only 5 allopathic medical colleges. Now, there are 30, with 8 more coming soon.
First Road Under PM Janman Campaign Being Built in Balaghat
CM Mohan Yadav announced that Balaghat is witnessing rapid road development, including the first road in India under the PM Janman campaign, stretching 23 kilometres. He affirmed the government’s commitment to uplifting the poor by providing homes to the homeless.
He mentioned the Agricultural Fair scheduled for May 26 in Narsinghpur, where farmers will receive vital information. The government is improving storage and processing infrastructure for tomatoes and other vegetables. Farmers have been offered ₹2,600 per quintal for wheat procurement.
The Water Conservation Campaign is ongoing until June 30, with efforts to protect ponds, rivers, wells, and stepwells.
Creating Rural Employment Opportunities for Youth
CM Mohan Yadav noted that irrigation capacity is increasing through river-linking projects, and the government is distributing over 30 lakh solar pumps to farmers at only 10% of the cost. The state will purchase surplus electricity from farmers to increase their earnings.
Under the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Kamdhenu Yojana, farmers are encouraged to boost their income through dairy farming, with the state buying milk and making daily payments. The target is to increase milk production from 9% to 20%. The grant per cow for gaushalas has been doubled from ₹20 to ₹40.
He also mentioned the launch of the Vrindavan Gram Yojana, aimed at providing employment opportunities to youth within their own villages.
CM Dr. Yadav Cares for All State Employees: Minister Shri Uday Pratap Singh
School Education Minister and Balaghat in-charge Shri Uday Pratap Singh lauded the promoted police personnel for their sacrifice and service. He said their promotions reflect the government’s encouragement of merit and dedication. CM Mohan Yadav is deeply concerned about all state employees and is especially committed to the development of tribal communities and the welfare of women.
Naxals Killed in Balaghat Had ₹1 Crore Bounty
Director General of Police Shri Kailash Makwana stated that Balaghat has faced Naxal challenges since 1990. In alignment with the central resolution, efforts to eliminate Naxalism by 2026 are ongoing. New police appointments and camps have been established. The Centre has reclassified Balaghat and Dindori to a lower-risk category.
In four separate operations, personnel received promotions. Recently, four female Naxals were killed in an encounter. The total bounty on the eliminated Naxals exceeded ₹1 crore.
Inauguration of 300-Year-Old Restored Stepwell
As part of the Jal Ganga Conservation Campaign, CM Mohan Yadav inaugurated the restored ancient 300-year-old stepwell in the Ram Mandir premises of Lanji block, Balaghat. After conducting rituals and worship, he paid homage to the site’s historical significance. The stepwell was restored through community effort under the district administration’s leadership.
Built during the 17th–18th century by Gond ruler Hattisingh Walke, this historic structure, made of stone stairs and 12-inch bricks, once served as a primary water source for temple activities, soldiers, and devotees.