Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on 4th May 2022 announced scholarships for students studying Sanskrit and stated that the scholarship would begin in July. This announcement was made ahead of the Cabinet meeting at Vallabh Bhawan. Chouhan said that students will be able to apply for the scholarship through an online portal.
He stated that the scholarship is intended to help students and priests studying Sanskrit. This will result in the filling of vacant Sanskrit teacher positions. As of May 4, 1900, positions had been filled, and recruitments were being made on the remaining posts.
Lesson on Bhagwan Parshuram to be included in school curriculum
CM Chouhan made a number of announcements in early May, including the state government's decision to include a lesson on Bhagwan Parshuram in the school curriculum.
"The priests of temples without property will be given an honorarium of Rs 5,000 per month," Chouhan said at a gathering after unveiling a 21-foot-tall metal statue of Bhagwan Parshuram is a programme called 'Akshayotsava' at Bhopal's Gufa Mandir premises.
There are also temples with extensive grounds. Priests' honoraria in such temples will be arranged through (the management of) their land." A committee would be formed, according to MP CM, to protect the temple's property.
Stating that people can never leave behind the “Sanatan Dharma”, but “Raj Dharma” is also necessary, Chouhan said, “Therefore, Sanskrit scholars are necessary for social welfare. We have started recruitment of Sanskrit teachers. I will direct the curriculum committee to include lesson on Bhagwan Parshuram in the syllabus".
The announcements were made from a stage graced by senior Brahmin politicians from both the BJP and the Congress, including state BJP president VD Sharma.
Also present in the event ex-Bhopal mayor and senior BJP leader Alok Sharma, senior Congress leader and ex-union minister Suresh Pachauri, and ex-MP minister and sitting Congress MLA PC Sharma, who was the minister for religious affairs and spirituality in the Kamal Nath-led Congress government in MP.