New Delhi, July 17: A strong plea for converting 925 forest villages into revenue villages in Madhya Pradesh was made by Chief Minister Digvijay Singh during a meeting with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee here today. Singh told reporters after the meeting with the Prime Minister that the measure would help in the all round development of the villages.

Stating that the concept of forest villages was made by British by engaging villagers to fell trees, he said the villagers were not given any right.

He said the Centre and the state government should jointly approach the Supreme Court to pray for the vacation of stay on distribution of pattas to adivasis. Asked whether the pattas would be distributed before the assembly polls slated later this year in the state, Singh said that Prime Minister should visit the state and handover the pattas as it was aimed at removing the hardships of adivasis.

On the disinvestment of public sector national fertilizers limited, the Chief Minister said though he was not against disinvestment, workers interests should be kept in mind.

Singh said the Prime Minister gave a patient hearing.

Bureau Report