Bhopal, May 24: Woman and Child Development and Social Justice Minister Kusum Mehdele distributed cheques worth Rs 1,93,000 to 89 drought-affected farmers at Kunjwan Panchayat in Panna district today. Ms Mehdele exhorted the people to take full advantage of beneficial schemes such as Khet Talab and digging of wells with a view to conserving and augmenting water. This would not only make ample water available for drinking and Nistar, but would also lead to rise in groundwater table. It was informed on this occasion that relief amount to the tune of Rs one crore has so far been distributed among the affected farmers in Panna Tahasil.

The Minister instructed the officers to conduct a survey in Panna Janpad Panchayat for extending benefits of Social Security and Old Age Pension to remaining eligible beneficiaries.

Ms Mehdele took part in Goad Bharai, Anna Prashan and Janma Diwas programmes on the occasion of Mangal Diwas organised by Integrated Child Development Project, Panna and performed the rites. Earlier, she distributed National Savings Certificates worth Rs six thousand each under Ladli Laxmi Yojana to Princy of Asha Bhawan, Anita, Anjana, Ayushi of Manore, Aneema of Kunjwan and Nancy Shivhare of Madla.

Ms Mehdele inaugurated the electric chandelier which has been installed at Baldev temple of Panna as part of beautification. On this occasion, she gave the instruction to raise the number of chandeliers at the temple to 16 to match 16 Kalas of Bhagwan Baldev Ji.

She also gave instructions for cleaning of temple's floor and walls of the temple. Collector Ms Deepali Rastogi gave information about beautification of the temple and arrangements to facilitate devotees.