Relief to farmers, construction works later: CM

Bhopal: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that relief to farmers will be given first suspending construction works in the state to help drought-hit farmers tide over crisis. He asked farmers not to lose hope as the state government stands by them. Shri Chouhan was addressing farmers at drought-hit villages Shivrajpur and Asati in Tikamgarh district today.

No loan recovery from affected farmers

When Shri Chouhan reached village Shivrajpur, he went directly to farmers Chaupal instead of dais. He did not accept any kind of welcome. Shri Chouhan said that as per preliminary assessment, Rs. 103 crore relief will be distributed in Tikamgarh district. Besides, farmers will also be given benefit of crop insurance. He said that loans will also not be recovered from affected farmers during the period. Moneylenders will also not recover loans from farmers. He directed officers to strictly ensure that no loan recovery is made from farmers.

Shri Chouhan said that emergency and long-term policies for giving relief to farmers are being chalked out. He said that works under MNREGA should be opened in every village and maximum number of ponds should be dug.

Ken-Betwa rivers to be linked

At village Asati, the Chief Minister inspected crops and told farmers that efforts are being made to set up factories in Tikamgarh and Chhatarpur districts to provide jobs to youths. He said that Ken and Betwa rivers will be linked to make available irrigation facility in the district. Electricity bills will not be realised in the areas where crops have been fully destroyed. Affected farmers will also be provided maximum assistance by the state government for marriage of their daughters. He announced opening of an Inter College and Ayurvedic hospital at Asati. He directed the collector to chalk out an emergency action plan to solve drinking water problem. He also directed to start employment oriented works in affected areas in coordination with public representatives.

Shri Chouhan also announced to open a High School at village Shivrajpur. MP Dr. Virendra Kumar, Zila Panchayat President Shri Parwatlal Ahirwar, member of District Planning Committee Shri Abhay Pratap Sigh, MLA Smt. Anita Naik, Shri Anil Jain and Shri Dinesh Ahirwar were also present on the occasion.