New era of 24-hour power supply begins in state’s villages

Bhopal: An era of 24-hour power supply to villages in Madhya Pradesh has begun from Jabalpur today. All 1352 villages in the district have started receiving 24-hour power supply following completion of feeder separation work. Farmers in these villages will also get non-stop power for eight hours. Besides Jabalpur, all villages in the state will be covered by this campaign during the current year in phases.
Addressing a massive gathering on the premises of Jawaharlal Nehru Agriculture University, Jabalpur, Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the State Government has achieved success in ostensibly impossible task of making available power for 24 hours. He said that the process launched from Jabalpur will be extended to all villages of the state. The State Government is committed to making the state power cut-free. About Rs. 12 thousand crore will be spent on various works including feeder separation works under the campaign. He said that he will now allow Madhya Pradesh to lag behind in any sector. Madhya Pradesh has already shed the tag of sick state and joined the list of fast-developing states.
Referring to Krishi Karman Award bestowed by the President on Madhya Pradesh, Shri Chouhan said that even the Union Government has lauded state’s growth. Giving credit of making Madhya Pradesh the largest food grains producing state in the country to farmers, Shri Chouhan said that the country and state cannot progress without prosperity of farmers and even business cannot be transacted without it. Shri Chouhan said that area under irrigation in the state has been increased to 21 lakh hectares to ensure farmers’ progress. It will be increased to 24 lakh hectares this year. A campaign will be launched to take water of Bargi to Ganga basin. Irrigation from state’s projects will be made till the tail end of canals. He urged the Union Government to increase wheat support price to Rs. 1600 per quintal in the interest of farmers.
Shri Chouhan exhorted rural youths to establish small industries in villages taking advantage of 24-hour power supply. He said that State Government will give margin money on establishment of small industries worth upto Rs. 50 thousand. He informed that strict punishment will be given to those who dishonour women and girls. Their database will be prepared and they will be deprived of government facilities, service etc. He urged people to boycott those who misbehave with women and girls.
Referring to “Maa Tujhe Pranam Yojna” for youths, the Chief Minister said the State government stands by families of martyr soldiers. The State Governemnt has taken innovative initiative of taking youths to country’s borders with a view to inculcating spirit of patriotism in them.
Congratulating officers and employees of the Energy Department and distribution companies, the Chief Minister exhorted them to remain alert towards distribution of power for 24 hours and streamlining the system further. He also appealed to consumers to consume power judiciously and to help the government curb incidence of power theft.
Vidhan Sabha Speaker Shri Ishwardas Rohani said that rural areas in the state are prospering under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He described Atal Jyoti Abhiyan as a means of rural prosperity. Energy Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, power generation in the state has increased to 10 thousand 210 MW from 4000 MW. The state will be in a position to supply power to other states by increasing power generation upto 14000 MW by the next year. Animal Husbandry & Renewable Energy Minister Shri Ajay Vishnoi and local MP Shri Rakesh Singh also addressed the function.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister released souvenir “Atal Jyoti Abhiyan”. In-charge of Jabalpur district and Home Minister Shri Umashankar Gupta, Jabalpur Mayor Shri Prabhat Sahu, MLAs Shri Moti Kashyap, Smt. Nandini Marawi, Smt. Pratibha Singh and Shri Sharad Jain were also present. MLA Shri Narendra Tripathi proposed a vote of thanks.