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Development of infrastructure is Chauhan's priority area

Staff Correspondent

Shivraj Singh Chauhan

BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan is enthused by the "fastest moving State" award he received from President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at a function in Delhi recently.

In an exclusive interview here, Mr. Chauhan said that the selection of Madhya Pradesh as the "fastest moving State" in areas of agriculture, infrastructure and overall development comes as recognition of the all-round progress made by the State in vital sectors during the two-and-a-half years of the BJP rule. He said the "recognition would encourage us to move even more rapidly on the path of development".

Mr. Chauhan said that as Chief Minister of a large State that continues to face the challenge of illiteracy, poverty and gender discrimination, he was fully committed to the task of taking the State on the path of development by rationalising budgetary allocation in priority areas. "The Government's efforts are focused on developing the infrastructure for economic growth without compromising even an iota of initiative on the social sector front."

Mr. Chauhan said that a large section of the female population in Madhya Pradesh continues to suffer due to poverty, extreme backwardness and gender biases. To bring women into the social mainstream a Mahila Panchayat was organized here recently to invite suggestions from women to draw a State-level policy for women. The State Government has also launched the Surakshit Kanya Yojana under which Rs. 1 lakh would be deposited in the name of poor girls till they attain the age of 21.The State Government has also announced a cash reward of Rs. 10,000 for those giving information about female foeticide, he added.

Reiterating his Government's commitment to the farm sector, the Chief Minister said that 2006 had been declared as Farmers' Year. Government departments had been asked to take up special activities to benefit the farmers throughout the year.

Mr. Chauhan also talked about the Farmers' Welfare Fund being created for the first time in the State to provide modern training and other essential facilities to farmers.

To a pointed query on the Scheduled Tribes (Recognition of Forest Rights) Bill, 2005, Mr. Chauhan said a Joint Parliamentary Committee had made some recommendations. The Chief Minister said the record spell of rain and floods have caused extensive damage to life and property in different parts of the State. Different departments of the Government were working round- the- clock to provide relief to the flood-affected people, he said.

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