Now, network of small and cottage industries to be laid in MP

Bhopal: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that now, a network of small and cottage industries to be laid in Madhya Pradesh. This will create new employment opportunities in villages apart from agriculture. He said that with supply of 24X7 power in villages, financial assistance will also be extended to youths to set up business and industries.
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan was addressing a massive public function after inaugurating Atal Jyoti Abhiyan in Sheopur district today. Shri Chouhan inaugurated Atal Jyoti Abhiyan by remote control. MP Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Energy Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla and Minister of State for General Administration and in-charge Minister of the district Shri Kanhaiyalal Agrawal were also present on the occasion. At the function, the Chief Minister also inaugurated and laid foundation of works costing Rs. 39 crore.
Shri Chouhan said that state’s economy will improve through power. He urged youths to come forward for setting up small and cottage industries to increase income in rural areas apart from agriculture. He said that the State Government will give bank guarantee to youths for availing loans to set up business and industries. Besides, rural craftspersons will also be provided assistance upto Rs. 50 thousand and interest subsidy for 5 years.
The Chief Minister said that BPL and Antyodaya beneficiaries will be provided wheat at the rate of Rs. 1 per kg and rice Rs. 2 per kg from June. He said that free medicines and pathological test facilities are being provided to the poor in government hospitals. Upto Rs. 1.50 lakh assistance will be given in serious diseases. He said that scholarships and free cycles, uniforms and books are being provided to students. Bank guarantee to youths is also being given to avail higher education loans.
The Chief Minister worshipped girls’ feet, provide Atal Jyoti flag kits to sarpanchas and distributed plants of Tulsi to women.
Shri Narendra Tomar informed that Rs. 12 thousand crore has been provisioned in the budget to provide facility of 24X7 power supply. Shri Rajendra Shukla said that all the villages in the state will be provided round-the-clock power launch of which has been made with 24X7 power supply in 547 villages of Sheopur district. He said that the Chief Minister made available Rs. 25 thousand crore for ensuring power availability. In this regard, 5 thousand power sub-stations are being set up.
Under the Abhiyan, 527 villages in Sheopur district will get uninterrupted 24-hour power supply including 11 thousand 282 permanent agriculture pumps consumers. Thus, 65 thousand 257 consumers in the district will get benefit of Abhiyan directly. Under major infrastructure works, 12 new 33/11 KV power sub-stations were set up, capacity of 52 distribution transformers was increased and 1054 new distribution transformers were installed. In all, 33 KV lines have been laid in 159 kilometers, 11 KV lines in 686 kilometers and aerial cables in 537 kilometers. This has led to increase in number of domestic consumers by 15 thousand 350. Rs. 91 crore has been spent on the Abhiyan in the district.
On girls’ demand, the Chief Minister announced to introduce MSc classes in the local college and get survey conducted for expansion of irrigation facilities. He sanctioned Rs. 1 crore for Baroda Nagar Panchayat, construction of a stadium and opening of high school. He also interacted with common people and heard their problems.
It is noteworthy that one-by-one, 24X7 power supply is being ensured in state’s districts. So far, the scheme has been launched in 12 districts including Sheopur to supply round-the-clock power to domestic electricity consumers throughout the state.