Concrete steps to be taken to improve National Highways in Madhya Pradesh: CM

Bhopal: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan along with PWD Minister Shri Sartaj Singh and Panchayats & Rural Development Minister Shri Gopal Bhargava had a marathon meeting with Union Surface Transport Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi today. Union Labour Minister and MP from Gwalior Shri Narendra Singh Tomar was specially present on the occasion. Chairman of National Highways Authority and representatives of construction agencies were also present.
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan threw light in detail one by one on the condition of 9 National Highways in the state. He informed that the state government has spent Rs. 290 crore from its own resources on repair of these roads. He urged to re-imburse this amount. At the meeting, Bhopal-Sanchi, Gwalior-Shivpuri, Obaidullahganj-Betul, Indore-Dewas, Khajuraho-Jhansi, Shivpuri-Dewas, Jabalpur-Lakhnadaun, Rewa-Katni-Jabalpur, Sidhi-Singrauli, Shahdol-Katni, Jabalpur-Mandla-Chilpi, Rewa-Sidhi (NH 75) and National Highways connecting Indore with Gujarat were minutely reviewed and practical solutions were suggested to dispose of the hurdles coming in the way of construction works.
Describing Jhansi-Khajuraho road as of international importance from tourism point of view, the Union Surface Transport Minister stressed the need to complete it on priority. The Chief Minister urged to accelerate pace of works of National Highways and sanction construction of Vidisha bypass. Shri Gadkari assured that work order will be issued as soon as 90 percent land for the bypass road is acquired. At present, he asked to present DPR for the bypass so that technical sanction can be given.
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan urged for selection of villages under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana on the basis of census of 2012 and that the Centre should bear the cost of over 50 meter long bridges. He urged to promote construction of pucca and permanent infrastructural assets under MNREGA and fixing ratio of labour and material as 40:60 instead of 60:40.
Shri Chouhan informed Shri Gadkari that the state government has chalked out an ambitious rural transport scheme. It envisages making available 10,000 vehicles to unemployed youths for public transport in villages and towns. The Chief Minister said that it would be better if the Union Government sanctions this scheme.
The Chief Minister urged to improve conditions for disability and widow pension schemes. He said that age limit for pension eligibility of disabled persons and widows should be abolished and quantum of disability should also be reduced from 80 percent to 40 percent.
Referring to discrimination against the state in Indira Aawas Yojana, Shri Chouhan said that 37 lakh families in the state live in shanties, but the Central Government has given much lesser allotment. He said that state’s allotments in Indira Aawas Yojana should be increased.