Madhya Pradesh should become role model for country: Dr. Kalam

Bhopal: Former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has hoped that Madhya Pradesh will become a model state for entire country. Dr. Kalam was launching ambitious scheme of 24-hour power supply in Bhopal district under Atal Jyoti Abhiyan here today. Addressing a grand function held on the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that he will make Madhya Pradesh most important state in the country and world by providing employment to all, water to every field and supplying power for 24-hours.

Under the campaign, all the villages in the district will get 24×7 power supply. Bhopal is the seventh district in the state to get facility of 24-hour power supply under Atal Jyoti Abhiyan.
Describing supply of power for 24 hours to non-agriculture consumers and 8 hours to agriculture consumers under Atal Jyoti Abhiyan as a great achievement, former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam congratulated Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and the State Government. He said that availability of power creates possibility of manpower generation. He said that every citizen of Madhya Pradesh will be empowered with implementation of scheme for making the state power-surplus by the year 2014.
Referring to importance of energy in development and prosperity of human society, Dr. Kalam said that energy conservation is the best way of energy generation. For this, social awareness is necessary. He said that power distribution losses are quite high in some states. Energy consumption can be reduced by upto 50 percent.
Lauding the initiative for empowering people through availability of energy, Dr. Kalam said that all the people will get the chance to earn livelihood. He said that Madhya Pradesh’s efforts for energy generation, distribution and marketing are unique experiences.
Referring to distribution capacity, the former President said that power transmission and distribution should be with minimum losses. Stressing the need to increase transmission capacity as per global standards, power losses and demand should also be brought down. He lauded outstanding performance of Madhya Pradesh in the spheres of power transmission and distribution.
Regarding energy conservation, Dr. Kalam said that buildings should be constructed through eco-friendly modern technology for reducing power consumption.
Dr. Kalam said that every citizen should be provided energy security. For this, energy generation should be environment friendly. Houses run on solar energy should be constructed. He said that India has about 200 million houses of which 60 million houses do not have access to electricity. For this, it is necessary in the national policy. Solar panels should be installed in housing units. About 50 thousand to 60 thousand MW energy will be generated through solar panel-based houses and streetlights, which will be useful for various fields of economy.
Referring to concept of PURA for rural prosperity, the former President said that PURA can be a mission for Madhya Pradesh since the state is rich in there major resources including energy, water and youth power. The mission will bring people over poverty line.
Power tariffs to be reduced in Madhya Pradesh
Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that it has been resolved to make Madhya Pradesh the most prosperous state of the country through creative manipulation of rural youth power. A network of small industries will be laid in rural Madhya Pradesh. In it, 24-hour power supply will play an important role. Shri Chouhan said that no hike has been effected in power tariff in Madhya Pradesh at a time when all other states are increasing it. Amidst uproar of cheers, he said that power tariff in the state will be reduced by 5 percent next year. Madhya Pradesh will be the first state to reduce power tariff.
Shri Chouhan said that people call me ‘merchant of dreams’. Accepting this, Shri Chouhan said that he dreams for integrated development of the state and also works towards their fulfillment dedicatedly. As a result, Madhya Pradesh is the pioneer state in the country now with 10.02 percent growth rate. Agriculture growth rate is about 19 percent. Skill Development Mission has been started for youths. Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarozgar Yojna has been chalked out.
Shri Chouhan said that his government wishes that youths become entrepreneurs and provide jobs to others. State’s irrigation capacity has increased from 7.50 lakh hectare to about 24 lakh hectare. He said that conservation of power is also necessary and it should be used judiciously. He administered pledge to people to contribute in making their village, state and country better.
Energy Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla said in the welcome address that the State Government has allocated Rs. 25,000 crore for providing 24X7 power supply and construction of necessary infrastructure in the state. Now, power generation capacity in the state has increased from 4600 MW in 2005 to 10 thousand 245 MW. By the end of 2014, power generation capacity in Madhya Pradesh will go up to 14 thousand 500 MW. MP Shri Kailash Joshi said that removal of shortage of power is among priorities of the State Government.
At the function, booklet “Lok Mitra Yojna” focusing on Atal Jyoti Abhiyan was released. Atal Jyoti Abhiyan kits were also distributed to sarpanchas of Phanda and Berasia. Former Chief Ministers Shri Kailash Joshi and Shri Sundarlal Patwa, MP Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Urban Administration & Development Minister Shri Babulal Gaur, Finance Minister Shri Raghavji, Home Minister Shri Umashankar Gupta, Mayor Smt. Krishna Gaur, MLAs, farmers from various areas and large number of youths were present on the occasion. In-charge of Bhopal district and Water Resources Minister Shri Jayant Malaiya proposed a vote of thanks.