Madhya Pradesh

• 04 Jul 2024

Madhya Pradesh Budget

Why in News?

Recently, Madhya Pradesh finance minister Jagdish Deoda presented a budget of Rs 3.65 lakh crores in the state assembly.

Key points

• Highlights of the Budget:
  • Provision of Rs 26,560 crore for women and child development. An 81% jump in the allocation of funds from the previous Budget.
  • In the health sector, the government has allocated Rs 21,444 crore.
    • Three medical universities to be set up in Neemuch, Mandsore and Siwani districts.
  • For roadways, the government has allocated Rs 10,000 crore for the financial year 2024-25.
    • Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana target for construction of 1,000 km roads in the financial year 2024-2025.
  • Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana has provision of Rs 520 crore in the budget for financial year 2024-25.
  • Provision of Rs 50 crore for Chief Minister Teerth Darshan Scheme.
  • Provision of Rs 4,725 crore for forest and environment.
  • Estimated cost of Ken-Betwa Link Project’ is Rs 44,605 crore. This project will be a boon for the people in Bundelkhand region.
  • For education, the government has allocated Rs 22,600 crore.
  • For the Sports and Youth Welfare Department the government has allocated Rs 586 crore.
  • For Gaushalas in the state, a provision of Rs 250 crore has been made in the Budget 2024-25.
  • A budget provision Rs 1,081 crore is proposed for the Culture Department and Rs 666 crore is proposed for tourist facilities.
  • A provision of Rs 13,596 crore was proposed for the construction and maintenance of irrigation projects.
  • A budget provision of Rs 27,870 crore is proposed for panchayat and rural development.
  • Over 57 lakh beneficiaries have benefited in Fiscal year 2023-24 under the following schemes:
    • National Widow Pension Scheme, National Disabled Pension Scheme, National Family Assistance Scheme,Samagra Samajik Suraksha Pension Yojana, Mukhyamantri Kanya Abhibhavak Pension Yojana, Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah and Nikah Yojana etc.

Broken Idols Found at Bhojshala Complex

Why in News?

Recently, 1,710 relics, including 39 broken idols, were found during a survey carried out by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to establish Bhojshala/ Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district.

Key Points

• Hindus consider Bhojshala, an ASI-protected 11^th-century monument, to be a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim community call it Kamal Maula Mosque.
• As per an arrangement made by the ASI on 7^th April 2003, Hindus perform puja in the Bhojshala premises on Tuesdays, while Muslims offer namaz in the complex on Fridays.
• The high court had on 11^th March 2024 ordered the ASI to conduct a "scientific survey" of the Bhojshala-Kamal Moula mosque complex within six weeks.
  • The idols which were uncovered include those of Vagdevi (Saraswati), Mahishasur Mardini, Ganesh, Krishna, Mahadev, Brahma and Hanuman.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

• ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
• It administers more than 3650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and remains of national importance.
• Its activities include carrying out surveys of antiquarian remains, exploration and excavation of archaeological sites, conservation and maintenance of protected monuments, etc.
• It was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham- the first Director-General of ASI. Alexander Cunningham is also known as the “Father of Indian Archaeology”.