Undoubtedly, the year 2019 would be recorded in the recent governance history of Madhya Pradesh as a year of intelligent and bold decisions coupled with meaningful events.
The new Government led by Kamal Nath as Chief Minister took its first bold decision by waving off farm loans of upto Rs 2 lakh. Resultantly, about 20 farmers got relief so far and the rest are still receiving the benefit. It was a much-expected decision as the reported suicides by the farmers were largely attributed to heavy indebtedness and crop failure. The farmers needed relief apart from the normal provisions under relevant revenue laws. The government immediately honoured its first promise issuing its maiden order to waive off the farm loans. Doubts were expressed on the decision in view of emptied exchequer. An impressive beginning was made.
It followed a series of intelligent decisions. The second bold decision in favour of debt–ridden tribal families created commotion. It was widely appreciated for its intention to end the practice of money lending in tribal areas. Resultantly, many tribal families came out of the cycle of indebtedness. The unlawful money lending has always been a problem in tribal pockets. For petty financial needs, they depend heavily on informally operating money lenders and indebtedness stays on for years forcing them to lead stressful life.
Almost all sectors of economy witnessed well–intended decisions and strategic steps. The decision to prepare primary school texts in Gondi dialect for the students of Gond tribal community in view of endangered dialects and languages of indigenous people across the world, this decision assumes significance. Serious concerns are being expressed about the loss of linguistic identities. Experts have suggested that these could be saved only when they are spoken and read. Similarly, the 2019 was declared as the Year of Gond Tribal Art.
Renowned artiste late Jangarh Singh Shyam brought Madhya Pradesh to the centre of tribal art across the globe. More recently Bhajju Singh Shyam was honoured with Padmashree for enriching the tradition of Gond paintings. There are many Gond tribal painters exerting themselves to carry forward distinct tradition and style of Gond painting.
Another important decision to construct cowsheds for uncared animals of bovine family has attracted nationwide attention.
During intensive reviews, a little known fact came out that there was no government-owned or operated cowshed for orphan animals. Such animals are out creating menace for the traffic and ruining the standing crops. Immediately after the decision, many people came out in support of the government announcing to donate land and materials to build cowsheds.
A long-standing demand was satisfied by offering 27% reservation to the other backward classes and extending 10% to the economically poor sections of general category.
More recently, a decision with far reaching impact was taken to run a sustained campaign against food adulteration. As public consciousness about using an adulteration–free food and governments across the world are focusing on improving public health consciousness and literacy, States like Madhya Pradesh cannot afford to allow sale of adulterated food items endangering the public health.
The Magnificent Madhya Pradesh at Indore and Corn Festival at Chhindwara and International Herbal Fair remained much talked about events.
Finally, the Government came out with its Vision To Delivery Roadmap 2020–25, unveiled by the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who appreciated the State Government for the initiative and clarity of vision on the economic progress.
(The writer is Deputy Director of Publicity Department at CM Press Cell)