Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that development is meaningless unless its benefits reach the poor. He said that it is the responsibility of the Government to remove common people's problems and uplift their living standards. Chouhan was addressing an Antyodaya Mela at Udaipura in Raisen District. He said that the State is on rapid progress. State's growth rate is highest in the country.
Now, Madhya Pradesh has to be become pioneer State not only the country, but, in the world also. Referring to schemes and programmes which are being implemented in the State, he said that youths are progressive. They can move ahead in life if opportunities should be given.
He said that youths are playing a significant role in helping the State shrug off tag of sick State and include it in the list of developing States. The State Government has launched Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarozgar Yojana under which upto Rs25 lakh loan will be given to youths. Guarantee of this loan to banks and interest subsidy for initial 5 years will also be given by the State Government.
He said that corpus of Chief Minister's Relief Fund has been increased to Rs60 crore so that needy persons can get proper treatment facilities. The Chief Minister said that cottage and small industries should be held at every village to ensure State's speedy development. He said that all villages in Raisen district will start receiving 24X7 power supply by May-end. Surcharge on pending electricity bills of farmers will be waived and half of the original amount will be paid by the State Government. He said that the State Government has fixed Rs1200 per horsepower flat rate of power for farmers and amount of this bill will be payable in two installments. He informed that a number of schemes have been started to make agriculture profitable.
Farmers are being given loan for agriculture at zero percent interest rate. Apart from support price, farmers are also provided Rs150 per quintal bonus on procurement of wheat. He said that a loan scheme has been launched for skill development of rural crafts-persons to help them expand their business. On the occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated Udaipura-Silwani Road costing Rs34 crore and laid foundation stone for 29 additional rooms under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan costingRs2 crore 75 lakh.
The Chief Minister announced sanction of Rs2 crore for development works in Udaipura town. Chouhan directed to chalk out DPR for about Rs120 crore group drinking water schemes for Udaipura development block.