The responsibility of fulfilling the promises made to the people of the State is of the State Government, headed by Chief Minister Kamal Nath from day one. Everyone, including farmers, tribals, employees, youth all were viewing this change, in the State, with hope and expectations. For the new Government, it was indeed challenging to face financial vacuum, economic downturn and non-cooperation of the centre in financial matters and yet coming up to the people’s expectations after assuming power.
The main goal before the new Government was to strengthen the social, economic and physical structure of the State.
All this would not have been possible without a strong economic base and better financial management. The State Government gave top priority to better financial management to deal with this situation.
This made it possible to provide constant funds to Government departments for necessary expenses.
In order to ensure the progress of the State and safeguard the interests of all, the highest priority was given to the farmers, the mainstay of our economy.
In collaboration with the departments related to Jai Kisan Crop Loan Waiver Scheme, time out loans of up to Rs 2 lakhs and current loans of up to Rs 50 thousand of eligible farmers were waived off.
Under the scheme, loans worth Rs 1,950 crore were waived by banks in a lump sum settlement scheme. In total, loans of more than Rs 7,000 crores of more than 20 lakh farmers were waived.
Efforts for the betterment of Government servants who have worked shoulder-to-shoulder for the implementation of the schemes and programmes of the State Government and have been the basis of disaster management were started immediately. Government servants were paid the second installment of the seventh pay scale arrears. Also, action was taken to make payment of arrears of seventh pay scale to employees of public corporations / boards. Teacher's cadre was linked to the treasury system. Process of approval and payment of pension of Government servants was simplified. The Staff Commission was constituted to consider salary discrepancies and service conditions.
For fast progress of the State, a smooth and proper transport system is very important.
The State Government decided to get Rs 3,400 crore (US $ 490 million) from the Asian Development Bank for the construction of roads with a view to ensuring the necessary infrastructure of transportation. Similarly, it was decided to obtain Rs 1600 crore (US $ 225 million) from New Development Bank for Indore Metro Rail Project.
Innovative efforts are also being made by the State Government for the all-round development of the tribal community of the State.