Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said that his Council of Ministers would be sworn in next week and that ability as well as regional and other equations would be taken into consideration while allocating ministerial berths.
Chouhan reached his office at the State Mantralaya and assumed charge as the State’s head for the third consecutive term. Chief Secretary Anthony DeSa welcomed the Chief Minister at VVIP entry and exit gate number 2 of Mantralaya.
Talking to reporters later, he said all the 165 winning legislators could not be appointed as Ministers. Several Ministers, who had performed their duties sincerely, were re-elected by people.
Pointing out that the priority of his Government would be overall welfare of women, children, youths, farmers, poor and other sections, Chouhan said that his Government has begun work towards this direction.
Replying to a query about atrocities against women and children, he said that strict directives have been given to lodge First Information Reports (FIRs) in such cases. This has resulted in more number of cases coming to light. However, the Government is sensitive in this matter.
After assuming work, he passed his first order of increasing assistance amount under Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana and Mukhyamantri Nikah Yojana from `16,000 to `25,000 and signed the file.
He also signed the file of sending names from Non-Administrative Service to Indian Administrative Service. Chief Secretary Anthony DeSa, Principal Secretary to CM Manoj Shrivastava and officers of CM's Secretariat were present on the occasion.
Earlier, on Monday morning, Chouhan offered worship at the world-renowned lord Mahakaleshwar Temple, which is the abode of one of India's dozen jyotirlingas, in Ujjain.
Chouhan was accompanied by his wife Sadhna Singh. On the occasion, he told reporters that he intended to work with full dedication for the welfare of people. He said he had sought blessings from God in this regard.
He also visited under-construction Bharat Mata Mandir and sought information about it. later, Chouhan along with his family also offered worship at Harsiddhi Mandir, Mangalnath and Kalbhairav Mandir. T
The Chief Minister was accompanied by MlAs Paras Jain and Mohan Yadav, Anil Firodia, Bahadur Singh Chouhan, Satish Malviya and other public representatives.