Time bound scheme for development will be chalked out: CM

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that a time-bound scheme for development for the next year will be chalked out on the basis of conclusions to be drawn at the collector-commissioners’ conference. The scheme will be implemented from October.

Chouhan said that Madhya Pradesh has witnessed development at rapid pace. The State topped the nation in the primary sector during the last Five-Year Plan and also secured second position in average growth rate.

“But this is only one leg of the journey and not the destination. Madhya Pradesh has miles to go in the development sector. Officers should given better results by working with passion,” he said.

The CM was addressing the inaugural session of the three-day collector-commissioners conference here on Saturday.

Chouhan said that efforts have been made to evolve an innovative work culture in Madhya Pradesh. Growth rate of 7.5 per cent was fixed under the 11th Five-Year Plan in year 2006, which has been far surpassed by achieving 10.2 percent growth rate in the State. Besides, agricultural growth rate of 18 per cent was also achieved, which is highest in the country. During the first year of the 12th Five-Year Plan, 12 per cent growth rate has been achieved. This growth rate shows that results of efforts made during past few years have started to bear fruits.

The Chief Minister said despite these achievements, more efforts are needed. Per capita income in the State has to be increased further. He said that united efforts can change the future of Madhya Pradesh. “It is our duty to work to full capacity and leave no stone unturned. Make service to people target of your lives since the democratic set-up is for the people’s welfare. Responsibility of a welfare State will be fulfilled only when common people get basic facilities and their living standard is increased. Priorities have been fixed in Madhya Pradesh with this in view after chalking out a road map of development. These priorities include infrastructure, energy, irrigation, industries, agriculture and social security,” he said.

The CM said health programmes will have to be implemented more effectively. Employment opportunities through industries will have to be increased. Skill development activities must also be undertaken on large scale. The Chief Minister exhorted officers to work so that the light of development reaches the poor.

Earlier, Chouhan has said that besides decentralisation and simplification in the mining sector in Madhya Pradesh, transparent arrangements have also been ensured. Though some complexities are present even today, these will be removed after considering all the aspects. Even the Central Government has talked about adoption of Madhya Pradesh’s Mining Policy, he said.

The CM was expressing his views following a presentation by the mining department at the third session of conference. Chouhan said that process of giving mining concessions has been simplified in the State. Collectors have now been empowered to dispose of applications for mining concessions.

Regarding functioning of the revenue department, Chouhan said that revenue is an important department. Suggestions to be put forth at the commissioner-collectors’ conference will be implemented in two parts. Issues of instantaneous nature will be addressed promptly while long-term policy-related matters will be taken up after due consideration.

It was informed through departmental presentation that the Madhya Pradesh Land Revenue Code has been amended to ensure simplification of provisions pertaining to early disposal of revenue cases, pronouncing fine and appellate provisions. It was informed that cases used to remain pending for generations due to long-winding process in revenue cases. Some provisions of the Land Revenue Code have been changed with a view to ensuring prompt disposal and preventing unnecessary litigation.