Development in Madhya Pradesh during the last 10 years under the leadership of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan proves true to people's expectation. Benefit of this development has been extended to every section of society including the poor, weaker sections, farmers, labourers, women, elders and youths. Novel initiatives have catapulted Madhya Pradesh to newer eights of development.
Madhya Pradesh became pioneer in the country in growth rate. People have also been mesmerized by historic agriculture growth of the state. Madhya Pradesh introduced such welfare schemes, which were lauded in the country and abroad. Unparalleled initiative to frame policies and schemes as per people's requirement in consultation with the people was also made in the state. A number of innovative schemes lauded at national and international levels are the products of Panchayats held with various sections of society.
Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana has been introduced after appreciating common people's sufferings. The scheme takes care of marriages of poor families' daughters. Revolutionary schemes like ladli laxmi Yojana have been implemented which makes daughters boon and not bane. Arrangements have also been made to give pension to parents who have only daughters.
Mukhyamantri Tirth-Darshan Yojana gives opportunity to senior citizens to undertake free journey to pilgrim centres. The state government is sending trains under the scheme to pilgrimage centres of all religions. Mukhyamantri Mazdoor Suraksha Yojana has been introduced to provide assistance of labourers' families, medical assistance, help for education etc. The scheme is a milestone in labour welfare sector.
Chief Minister himself comes from a farming background. Therefore, he very well understands requirements of farmers. Due to it, he thought of a scheme like providing agriculture loans to farmers at zero percent interest rate. In a step further, he has announced 10 per cent subsidy on agriculture loans. As a result of these efforts, state's agriculture growth rose stupendously to 24.9 percent and the state has received Krishi Karman Awards 4 times. Humbly, the Chief Minister gives its credit to farmers.
He understands significance of irrigation in agriculture and has been making constant efforts to increase irrigation capacity in the state.
After realising problems faced by common people regarding delay in their works in various government offices, Madhya Pradesh Public Services Delivery Guarantee Act was implemented. Under the Act, officials guilty of delay in delivering services are punished. This novel scheme has been replicated by a number of states in the country. These positive efforts for development have been profusely lauded by the masses. As a result, they have elected Chouhan as the Chief Minister for consecutive third time. During this decade, Madhya Pradesh has shrugged off the tag of backwardness and joined developed states of the country.