Madhya Pradesh becomes pioneer state in macro economics

Bhopal: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that Madhya Pradesh will be developed as one of the pioneer states in the country where the parameter of development is only welfare of weaker section of society. Shri Chouhan was speaking at “State of States” programme of India Today Group in New Delhi today. At the programme, Madhya Pradesh was felicitated for best performance in macro economics category. At the programme, Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan was honoured with the award by India Today Group Chairman Shri Arun Poorie.
States are felicitated under various categories every year at the programme held by India Today Group. It was tenth year of the programme. States are selected for awards on the basis of data of excellent performance provided by the Union Government. Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Goa, Jammu-Kashmir and Delhi also participated in the programme. Union Agriculture Minister Shri Sharad Pawar was the chief guest.
Receiving the award, Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed gratitude towards India Today Group. He said that earlier Madhya Pradesh was counted among sick states. During that period, Madhya Pradesh could not make the progress at desired pace despite being rich in resources. He said that it was failure of the then leadership. Shri Chouhan informed that situation of road, water and power was bad in Madhya Pradesh eight years ago. State’s infrastructure was also dilapidated. State’s growth rate was then only 5 percent. But now the state has entered the list of developed states as a result of effective tapping of resources and public-oriented schemes. Shri Chouhan informed that state’s average growth rate was 10.20 percent during the 11th Five-Year Plan and a target of 12 percent growth rate has been set for the 12th Five-Year Plan.
Shri Chouhan informed that a network of roads is being laid throughout the state. About 80 thousand kilometer roads have been constructed. A target has been set to link every village of the state with roads in future and 24-hour power supply to every village till the year 2013. Similarly, unprecedented increased has been made in irrigation capacity. Efforts have been made to make agriculture a profitable profession. This year, state’s agriculture growth rate has been 18.68 percent, which is the highest in the country. A separate Agriculture Cabinet has been constituted to take policy-related decisions regarding agriculture. He said that agricultural loans are being made available to farmers in the state at zero percent interest. They are also being provided Kisan Credit Cards. Shri Chouhan said that 85 lakh metric tonnes of wheat were procured on support price in Madhya Pradesh and Rs. 100 per quintal bonus was given to farmers.
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan informed that MoUs worth about Rs. 4 lakh 31 thousand crore have been signed at the recently concluded Global Investors Summit at Indore. Shri Chouhan said that e-tendering has been started in the state to put a leash on corruption. Besides, time-limit has also been set for delivering government services under Public Service Delivery Guarantee Act. Shri Chouhan informed that special courts have also been set up so that cases can be disposed of within time-limit. A provision of confiscate corrupt officers and employees’ assets has also been made.