Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that agriculture will be linked with cottage and small industries' development. It will increase employment opportunities. Actual benefit of development is being provided to farmers and the poor ones in the State. Supply of 24X7 power in rural areas will boost rural economy and development will gather momentum. Chouhan was addressing an Agriculture and Antyodaya Mela at Bahoriband in Katni district today.
He said that total attention has been paid to 3 most important sectors for development including power, roads and water. `132 crore 48 lakh has been sanctioned for construction of road from Hata to Kumhari, Patehra, Salaiyya and Sihora. The State Government has laid a network of roads in rural areas. Internal cement-concrete roads are being constructed in villages under Panch Parmeshwar Yojana.
He said that every possible effort has been made for farmers' welfare and making agriculture profitable. Meetings have been held with NVDA officers for expansion of irrigation facilities in Bahoriband. He directed to increase irrigation facilities in the area by constructing a reservoir. The Chief Minister said that it is not easy to bring water from Bargi dam since the terrain is hilly and uneven. Despite this, a survey will be conducted to supply water to fields through lift irrigation system.
He said that power generation capacity in the State has been increased to 10 thousand 400 MW.
Katni district will start getting 24X7 power supplies by June. Now, poor people will be provided wheat at the rate of Re. 1 per kg, rice at `2 per kg and iodised salt at Re. 1 per kg. Now, one quintal wheat can be taken home at one time for `100.
He said that bonus marks will be given to guest teachers at the time of teachers' recruitment.
Employees will be given dearness allowance at par with their Central counterparts. The Chief Minister administered pledge of development of Madhya Pradesh to those present on the occasion.
He said that a scheme will be chalked out to increase drinking water supply in Bahoriband and smooth drinking water supply will be ensured through a special package.
He said that a college will be opened at Bahoriband. He said that Roopnath and Tigwan, which have archaeological and religious importance, will be preserved and developed.
`70 lakh each has been provided for both these places. Action will be taken to give tahsil status to Sleemanabad after examining proposal. Relief will be given if paan barejas are destroyed by fire. The Chief Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 22 development works costing `86 crore.
He gave away benefits worth `14 crore 05 lakh to 18 thousand 68 beneficiaries. The Chief Minister went round development exhibition and performed Kanya Poojan.