Bhopal, Aug 4 (NationPress) The sixth day of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly’s Monsoon Session saw intense debates surrounding tribal land rights, the cancellation of forest leases, and allocations for welfare. The Opposition criticized the BJP-led government, alleging a disregard for tribal interests.

In response, the state government claimed it had issued an unprecedented 26,500 forest rights leases to tribal beneficiaries.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highlighted the launch of the “Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan”, which provides a one-time grant of Rs 2 lakh for constructing homes for tribal families in specified regions.

“We are open to discussing any matters related to tribal welfare, regardless of political affiliations. We have prohibited DJs (disc jockeys) to encourage tribal communities to return to their traditional musical instruments. Consequently, many tribal groups have stopped using DJs at weddings in favor of their cultural instruments,” he stated.

Yadav assured that “no tribal individual will face displacement during the monsoon” and that satellite images from December 2005 would be utilized to verify land possession and validate lease claims.

His comments came in response to a concern raised by Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar (Congress), who alarmed the assembly about the reported cancellation of over 3.5 lakh forest rights leases, alleging a systematic rejection of claims in tribal regions.

Congress MLA Jaivardhan Singh supported this concern, asserting that tribal lands were being “forcibly taken” under the pretense of administrative review.

Tribal Affairs Minister Vijay Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, stating, “We will utilize satellite data from 2005 to honor rightful claims.”

Forest Minister Dilip Ahirwar rejected the allegations of mass evictions, asserting, “It is entirely incorrect to claim that tribal claimants are being denied. The government is acting in their best interest.”

The debate heated up when Jhabua MLA Vikrant Bhuria criticized the government’s nutrition expenditures, revealing that merely Rs 8 per child is allocated for malnourished tribal children, while Rs 19,000 worth of dry fruits were ordered for a single ministerial breakfast.

“This is blatant discrimination,” Bhuria remarked, urging a shift in priorities.

During the session, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya introduced the Madhya Pradesh Metropolitan Area Planning and Development Bill, which seeks to define and regulate metropolitan areas around Bhopal and Indore.

Labour Minister Prahlad Singh Patel put forth two significant amendments: the Factory Madhya Pradesh Amendment Bill 2025 and the Shop and Establishment Amendment Bill 2025, both aimed at enhancing labor welfare and modernizing regulations.

The House is scheduled to review the Madhya Pradesh Motor Vehicles Taxation Amendment Bill and the Legal Aid and Legal Advice for Weaker Sections of Society Repeal Bill on Tuesday.

As the session continues, discussions around tribal welfare, land rights, and equitable governance remain pivotal, with Opposition parties promising to increase scrutiny in the upcoming days.