Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari has written to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, urging the state government to announce a special festive relief package for farmers, small traders, women, and youth ahead of Dhanteras and Diwali. Patwari argued that rising inflation and delayed payments have left ordinary families financially strained during one of the year's most important festival seasons.

Farmers at the Centre of Demands

The letter, written on the occasion of Dhanteras, placed farmers at the core of its proposals. Patwari demanded that payments for soybean and paddy procured at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), along with the announced bonus, be released within 48 hours through a fully transparent system at procurement centres.

'Farmers should receive the MSP for their produce, particularly soybean and paddy, along with the announced bonus on time. The payment process at procurement centres should be completely transparent, with payments ensured within 48 hours,' Patwari said.

He further argued that timely festive-season payments would not only relieve farm families but also boost purchasing power in villages, directly benefiting local markets, small shops, and traders.

Relief for Traders, Artisans and MSMEs

For small traders, potters, handicraft artisans, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Patwari proposed interest-free loans or special grants on easy terms, along with tax relief on household goods and LPG. He described small businesses as the backbone of the festive economy, warning they are under mounting pressure from rising costs and weak demand.

Among his additional proposals was direct financial assistance of up to ₹10,000 to traditional potters and artisans associated with the Matikala Board, a waiver of late-payment charges on electricity bills for domestic consumers and small traders, and a special incentive package for folk artists and cultural workers to promote local art and tourism.

Employment and Women's Welfare

Raising concerns about unemployment and household expenses, Patwari called for a timely increase in financial assistance under the Ladli Behna scheme and completion of all pending government recruitments within a fixed timeframe. He also demanded strict implementation of an employment calendar to give youth clarity on examinations, results, and joining dates.

'Concrete measures are needed to strengthen the financial security of families and provide relief to people amid rising inflation,' he said.

Pending MGNREGS Wages and Broader Context

Patwari also sought immediate payment of pending wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), a demand that reflects ongoing concerns about rural distress in the state. This comes amid a broader Opposition push to highlight agrarian discontent in Madhya Pradesh, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) under Chief Minister Yadav has been in power since late 2023.

The Congress leader said his proposals were aimed at making Madhya Pradesh economically self-reliant and ensuring that no section of society feels excluded during the festival season. Whether the Yadav government responds to the letter before Diwali will be closely watched by both Opposition and farmer groups.