Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held one-to-one discussions with senior officers throughout Thursday to assess the magnitude of crisis arising out of deficient rainfall in the state. He apprised himself of the actual situation from these officers who have returned from visits to the villages and also sought suggestions from them about improving agriculture, employment, drinking water and implementation of beneficiary-oriented schemes.
The Chief Minister started separate discussions with officers at Mantralaya at 9.30 am on Thursday. These officers have assessed the actual situation by staying in the villages for 3 days. The process of discussions started with Chief Secretary Anthony DeSa. He apprised the Chief Minister of feedback given by farmers during his visit to the villages. He also put forth suggestions.
Similarly, the Chief Minister held 4 to 5 minutes long one-to-one discussions with over 150 IAS, IPS and IFS officers.
The Chief Minister made it clear that he wishes to apprise himself of everything about available resources and facilities in the villages along with the situation following deficient rainfall. This will help in dealing with drought, making agriculture profitable, providing alternative sources of livelihood and ensuring concrete and permanent arrangements for improving implementation of beneficiary-oriented schemes.
The Chief Minister sought information from officers regarding the situation of crops, availability of fertilizers, seeds, irrigation, power, crop loan and situation of drinking water, public distribution system, pension schemes, education and health services etc. Besides, he also sought suggestions from officers for making agriculture profitable, alternative sources of income in addition to farming and long-terms arrangements for employment.
Following the discussions with the Chief Minister, the officers will again hold discussions in 5 groups on October 30 and prepare their reports, which will be presented on November 3. Meanwhile, a meeting of the Task Force will be held on October 31. On the basis of this information and suggestions, effective and permanent arrangements will be made.