Think high, dream big, move ahead : CM

Bhopal: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has exhorted state’s youths to think high, dream big and move ahead in life. They should work in such a way that their names are written in history. Madhya Pradesh stands shoulder-to-shoulder with youths to help them realise their dreams and remove their difficulties.

Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan was addressing SC, ST post-matric meritorious students’ awareness camp amidst unprecedented enthusiasm here today. He said that everyone has right over natural resources including air, water and land. Madhya Pradesh government is undertaking integrated development. But in this, the government is preferring the sections which have been left behind in the race for prosperity and development. Water Resources Development and Finance Minister Shri Jayant Malaiya, Commerce & Industries Minister Shri Kailash Vijayvargiya, Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Ranjana Baghel, Minister of State for SC, ST Welfare Shri Harishankar Khatik, Scheduled Castes Commission Chairman Shri Ramlal Rautel, Scheduled Tribes Finance Development Corporation Chairman Shri Indresh Gajbhiye, Chief Secretary Shri R. Parasuram and large number of students were present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister announced that State Government will pay fees of SC, ST students securing admission in private medical and engineering colleges in prescribed numbers. Similarly, State Government will also pay fees of students securing admission in 8 courses including B. Ed. BDS, engineering diploma, nursing, pharmacy etc. State Government will extend facility of foreign study assistance to 50 SC, ST students each. Earlier, 10 students each of both sections were provided this assistance. Now, new cycles will be provided to SC girls on securing admission in class XI. Thirty percent subsidy upto a maximum of Rs. 3 lakh will be provided to SC, ST youths for setting up industries under Tantya Bhil Swarozgar Yojana. They can also avail benefit of Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarozgar Yojana. He said that youths should become employers and not job-seekers.
Shri Chouhan said that Madhya Pradesh has the tradition of honouring great heroes. A memorial to freedom struggle hero Tantya Bhil is being constructed. A grand memorial has been constructed at the birthplace of Baba Saheb Ambedkar. There, Ambedkar Mahakumbh is held every year. Sant Ravidas Mahakumbh and Kabeer Prakatotsav are also celebrated in Madhya Pradesh. He said that steps towards development are taken only after establishing practice of paying respect to great persons.
He said that it is the same Madhya Pradesh, which was termed as a sick state 9 years ago with minus growth rate. Now, Madhya Pradesh is the fastest growing state in the country. Madhya Pradesh’s growth rate and agriculture growth rate are highest in the country. Better work has also been done in infrastructure sector. A number of schemes have been launched for SC, ST students. Scholarships and stipends given to them have been linked with dearness index. Budget for Tribal and Scheduled Castes Sub-Plans have been increased 8-fold during last 9 years. Arrangements for free coaching to Public Service Commission exams have been made. English-medium schools have been started in tribal-dominant development blocks. Three new government medical colleges and 2 new government engineering colleges will be opened in the state this year in which quota of SC, ST students will be reserved.
Delivering the welcome address, SC, ST Welfare Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah said that a number of important schemes have been implemented for SC, ST welfare in the state. Polytechnics and ITIs have also been opened for these sections. English-medium schools have been started in 89 tribal-dominant development blocks in the state. Awareness camps are being held throughout the state.
At the programme, Sushri Suhasini Joshi and companions presented Vande Mataram and Madhya Pradesh Gaan. The Chief Minister showered flower petals on students attending the programme. Patriotic songs were also sung. Minister of State for SC, ST Welfare Shri Harishankar Khatik proposed a vote of thanks.