Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan told the state Assembly on Thursday that stringent action will be initiated against those indulging in corruption, irrespective of their position, even as Opposition Congress attacked the Government over huge amounts recovered in lokayukta raids in the State.
Participating in a debate on a motion of thanks to Governor’s address, which was later passed by voice vote, Chouhan said “to eradicate corruption, it is necessary to bring about a change in the system. The Government has taken a number of steps towards this direction such as inviting tenders online,” said Chouhan.
likewise, transparency had been maintained in recruitments in the Police department and examinations conducted Professional Examination Board, he said.
Chouhan said that stern laws were being brought so that strict action could be taken against corrupt officials. Confiscating properties of such employees was a step in that direction. Stressing the need for changing the mindset of the people to prevent crime against women, he said that law would take its own course, but such offences would continue unless attitudes were altered.
“Steps are being taken to curtail crime against women. In a recent meeting with the Madhya Pradesh High Court Chief Justice, it was decided that medical examinations would be conducted within 24 hours and investigation would be completed within 15 days,” said Chouhan, adding that such steps had facilitated speedy decisions.
He said he would continue his ‘Beti Bachao Abhiyan’ even if he did not remain the Chief Minister. Chouhan said that comprehensive development made by the State Government in Madhya Pradesh was neither motivated by politics nor election. “We do not believe in winning elections by management or manipulation, but practice politics for the sake of public welfare,” he said. Terming Opposition’s allegation baseless, he dwelt on proofs of development and welfare works underway in the State. He said that tradition of respect to all religions had been strengthened in the State. Not a single riot was allowed, nor would it be allowed in future. Chouhan described ideological difference as natural in democracy saying that politics should not come in the way of development. Chouhan said that Madhya Pradesh would be a pioneer State among developed states in the next 5 years.
The Chief Minister said a proposal was under consideration to increase the relief amount from Rs8,500 to Rs10,000 per hectare for crop loss due to natural calamities. Relief amount for loss to orange and lemon crops would be increased from Rs7,000 to Rs8,000.
Relief amount on loss to Paan Barejas would be increased from Rs25,000 to Rs28,000 per hectare.
He announced that surcharge on outstanding electricity bills of farmers would be fully waived. Of the remaining amount, 50 per cent would be paid by the State Government and farmers would be given the facility to pay the remaining 50 per cent amount in ten installments.
The Chief Minister said that Madhya Pradesh was a pioneer in construction of roads. Referring to Sidhi-Singrauli Road, he said that it was a National Highway. Madhya Pradesh had sent a proposal to construct it to the Union Government, which was approved on October 10, 2011 and tender permission was given on March 31, 2012. Delay had been caused by the Centre, he said.
