Madhya Pradesh

• 17 Nov 2022

President Lays Virtual Foundation Stone of Two Projects in Madhya Pradesh

Why In News?

On November 15, 2022, President Draupadi Murmu laid the virtual foundation stone of the Ratapani-Obaidullaganj-Itarsi Four lane Project (NH-46) of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Maximum Microvile Containment Laboratory (BSL 4) at the Defense Research and Development Institute, Gwalior, Ministry of Defense did.

Key Points

• The lab, costing around Rs 300 crore, will help in meeting challenges like Covid-19. Important research can be done here.
• The project is a part of the NH-46 (old NH-69) Obaidullaganj to Betul Inter Corridor route in the Bharatmala project, which gives connectivity from Bhopal to Nagpur.
• 12.38 km of this route. The Ratapani section falls under the Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ratapani section is part of the Bhopal-Nagpur corridor.
• The project includes necessary measures to protect wildlife and environment. The provisions of animal underpass in the wildlife sanctuary area will make it easier for wild animals to move.
• The total length of the project is 12.38 km. is. Its construction will cost Rs 417 crore 51 lakh. The construction work of the project will be completed in a period of 18 months.
• To reduce the impact of widening of this route on the movement/habitat of wild animals, 5 large animal underpasses (100 m, 420 m, 1226 m, 65 m. and 65 m) and 2 small animal underpasses (10 m) and 10 m) Understructures will be built. A minor bridge and two vehicle underpasses are also to be constructed in this project.
• The major benefit of this project will be better connectivity to Bhopal, Hoshangabad, Betul and Nagpur. Also, heavy traffic will facilitate road users.
• Better connectivity to Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary and Satpura Tiger Reserve will boost the tourism sector and increase employment opportunities. While this will reduce pollution with saving time and fuel, it will also improve the safety of road users. With the completion of the project, the work of rapid social and economic prosperity of the people of the region will be done.

Tribal Pride Day Convention

Why In News?

On November 15, 2022, President Draupadi Murmu attended the State Level Tribal Pride Day Conference at Lalpur, Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, where she released the complete health program plan booklet of Madhya Pradesh.

Key Points

• Speaking on the occasion, the President said that all the projects launched for the welfare of tribals are of national importance. The new rules made for scheduled areas will be effective in empowering tribal areas and giving their rights to the tribal class.
• Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel handed over the first copy of pesa act rules to President Draupadi Murmu on the occasion.
• It is known that Birsa Munda's birthday is celebrated as Tribal Pride Day.
• Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that according to the new rules of the PESA Act, every year the Patwari will have to bring the land map, Khasra Nakal to the village and show it in the Gram Sabha, so that no one can make any mistake in the records. In case of any discrepancy, the Gram Sabha will have the right to correct it.
• According to the new rules of the PESA Act, the management of water, land and forests, settlement of minor disputes, inspection of health centers, schools, anganwadi centers, monitoring of various schemes, etc. will be in the hands of the Gram Sabha.
• Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that according to the new rules of PESA Act, every year Patwari will have to bring village, land map, khasra copy, to the village and show it in the gram Sabha, so that no one can disturb the record. If there is a disturbance, the gram Sabha will have the right to fix it.
• The consent of the Gram Sabha will be required to take land for a scheme. No person will be able to grab the land of the villagers by cheating, converting etc. If that happens, the Gram Sabha will have the right to get it back.
• The Gram Sabha will also decide whether to give contracts for sand mining, ballast stones or not. These will first be given to the Tribal Society Cooperative Society. The Gram Sabha will give consent for management of ponds, fisheries and water chestnut cultivation. The Gram Sabha itself will manage hundred acres of irrigation ponds, collect forest produce and determine the minimum price.
• According to the new rules of the PESA Act, only the Gram Sabha will decide which work should be done with the MNREGA money in the tribal areas. The Gram Sabha will also see the master roll of the work. If the laborers are to be taken out of the village, the Gram Sabha will have to be informed first. The information about the person coming from outside in the village will also have to be given to the Gram Sabha.
• In tribal areas, only licensed moneylenders will be able to lend money at the prescribed rate of interest. This information will also have to be given to the Gram Sabha. Action will be taken on charging more interest. Gram Sabha will decide the priority as to who will get the benefits first in the beneficiary oriented scheme. No new liquor shop will be opened without the permission of the Gram Sabha. Gram Sabha can recommend removal of any liquor shop. The Gram Sabha will also have the right to settle minor disputes.
• If an FIR is registered in a police station in a tribal area, it will have to be informed to the Gram Sabha. Gram Sabha will also have the right to inspect schools, health centers, anganwadi centers, ashram schools, hostels, etc. The Gram Sabha will also manage the fair and market.
• Pesa coordinators will be appointed for effective implementation of the new rules.