Luck smiled on groundnut seller Nandram Ahirwar when Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan gave him a cheque of Rs one lakh within 15 minutes. The occasion was state-level loan distribution function for the beneficiaries of scheduled castes at the Lal Parade Ground recently.

After handing over vehicles to the beneficiaries, when the Chief Minister climbed up the dais for delivering his speech and distributing loans, his saw Nandram selling groundnuts at the site. Nandram has been carrying on this business for the last many decades. At the behest of Chief Minister Chouhan, Nandram was brought to the dais carrying his bag of groundnuts over his shoulder. Chouhan talked to the groundnut seller about his means of livelihood and his expectations. Instantly, the Chief Minister sanctioned Rs one lakh on behalf of Scheduled Caste Finance Development Corporation to Nandlal to start a grocery shop. On the instructions of the Chief Minister, officials of the Corporation prepared the cheque of grant within 15 minutes, which Chouhan handed over to Ahirwar. Happiness was writ large on the face of Ahirwar. On the insistence of Chief Minister Chouhan, he also presented groundnuts to him. This is not a stray incident of Shivraj Singh Chouhan's kindheartedness and benevolence towards the poor especially those belonging to schedule tribes and scheduled castes, reports SMS News and Features.

At the same function, said that a number of steps have been taken towards welfare and all round development of scheduled castes by ensuring maximum benefits of the schemes to them in the state. He announced that four post metric hostels of 100 seats each would be set up for the students belonging to scheduled castes at Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior for which Rs eight crore have been sanctioned. The construction of Dr BR Ambedkar memorial has already been completed. It would be dedicated to people on the occasion of Ambedkar Mahakumbh to be organized on April 14 this year. Residential and transport facilities would be provided for the devotees coming to the congregation.

The Chief Minister said that loan distribution functions would be organized for members of scheduled castes at division level. Ambedkar Mangal Bhawans would be constructed at a cost of Rs. 15 lakh each in 189 predominantly scheduled caste blocks.

Chouhan was speaking after launching a programme for distribution of Rs. 100 loans to 10 thousand 234 beneficiaries at Lal Parade Ground here today. He informed that all 44 announcements made by him at Anusuchit Jati Panchayat last year have been fulfilled. The Chief Minister handed over ownership papers of vehicles to 500 beneficiaries on the occasion. He said that the annual income limit for admission in post metric hostels would be increased from Rs. 1 lakh 80 thousand to Rs. three lakh.

The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of great happiness that loans are being distributed to such a large number of scheduled caste beneficiaries. Facilities are being provided to scheduled caste students for studies within and outside the country. A provision of Rs. 15 lakh for each student has been made for this purpose. The girls would be imparted training of air hostage and other trades. He dwelt at length on the seven schemes being implemented for scheduled castes including Maharshi Valmiki Pratishtha Yojana, Sant Ravidas Residence cum Workshop Scheme, Deendayal Market Development Scheme, Sister Nivedita Self-employment Group Development Scheme, Antyodaya Market Promotion Scheme, Dr. Ambedkar Scheduled Caste Self-employment training Scheme and Social Justice and Recovery Incentive Scheme and called upon the members of scheduled castes to derive maximum benefits out of them. Chouhan also informed that the income limit for stipend and the capacity of hostels have been increased. Coaching is being provided in English, mathematics and computer at division level post metric hostels and free textbooks and uniforms are being provided to the students. Assistance is being provided for purchase of cycles to the girls going to school to another village. Arrangements have been made for providing training to the youths of scheduled castes in Indo German Tool Room, Indore and other reputed institutions. He made a token distribution of loans to some beneficiaries on the occasion.