Development Through Good Governance - New Government's Resolve

     Development through good governance and advancement of all sections of society are the two formidable tasks, the new government has taken up on priority. Powered by a massive mandate, the new government resolves to transform Madhya Pradesh into a model state by giving opportunities to one and all in reconstruction of the state.

     Humbly accepting the mandate, the Chief Minister Sushri Uma Bharti has started finalizing strategies to fulfill the expectations of people and honour the faith of people in the new government. Arrangements have immediately been made to ensure six hour power supply to the farmers. The major decisions, which will have a far reaching impact on the state include total ban on slaughter of cows, reinstatement of daily wage employees, abolition of form 75 and approving the scheme for bringing holy Narmada water to Bhopal.

     Centering focus on efficient harnessing of financial resources for faster development of the state, the new government is strengthening taxation structure. Weaker sections will be sensitively taken care of by ensuring that they do not suffer from taxation. The state remained neglected in respect of economic infrastructure in last one decade. Power crisis and bad roads impeded the growth and also upset the implementation of development programmes. The new government is bringing out white papers on financial conditions, power sector and Simhastha preparations.

     Strengthening infrastructure is going to be the foremost priority. Availability of power is the prime requirement for economic growth. Eliminating power crisis born miseries of course is the top priority. Power sector requires streamlining. Be it transmission or distribution system, there is much scope for improvement. Now a system is being evolved for the common consumers to pay bills on the basis of consumption. Increasing power generation is the topmost priority. The new power projects including the hydel power projects will be efficiently managed to ensure that they are synchronized in a shorter period. The declining financial condition of Madhya Pradesh State Electricity Board will be improved by extending every possible cooperation and support.

     The previous government badly neglected the road conditions. The new government is committed to improving and constructing roads on top priority. A time-bound programme would be chalked out for improving roads in rural and urban areas. Maximum number of villages will be connected to pucca roads. The state government is mobilizing funds for development of roads.

     Committed to building up an egalitarian society, the new government's target is to promote education of women, safeguard their self-respect and launch economic activities for self-reliance. Functioning of police administration would be freed from political interference. Initiatives have been outlined to effectively control criminals and protect women and weaker sections. Schemes are on cards to tackle dacoit menace and steps are being taken to check entry of I.S.I. and terrorist organization members in the state.

     The district governments, which infringed the powers of Panchayats, civic bodies and Legislature have been abolished and Panchayats and System of Local Self Governance are being strengthened. The Panchayats would be genuinely empowered enabling them to play a constructive role in rural development.

     The issue of self-employment and a vexed question of unemployment would be addressed on top priority and steps would be taken to generate employment opportunities in key sectors. Extension of agriculture, expansion of education, improving health delivery system, skill upgradation, effective marketing system would be the key areas. Education sector will be the most important one for which ambitious and challenging goals have been decided. Compulsory primary education to children, making accessible to people the quality medical, technical and higher education and discouraging commercialization of higher education will be major talks.

     Increased Infant mortality, and Maternal Mortality Rates are largely attributed to the poor health delivery system, which needs a drastic change. Corrective measures have been planned out by the new government. Ayurveda system of medicine would be promoted. The rural health infrastructure will be improved without delay and doctors will be posted. Vacant posts of doctors will be filled up shortly and availability of trained birth attendants or dais will be ensured. Effective steps will be taken to arrest population growth. Major health programmes will be effectively implemented to improve health indicators.

     Madhya Pradesh is richly endowed with precious forest wealth, which has not been harnessed rationally. The Minor Forest Produce Harvesting policy will be made tribal-oriented. Process is underway to convert forest villages into revenue ones and give pattas of forest land encroached upon prior to 1980. Immense potential in Information Technology, Bio Technology and Tourism will be harnessed for the people. Untapped mineral resources will be exploited to intensify the pace of development.

     Industry sector has shown a sluggish progress in past few years. The new government will earn confidence of capital investors and build up investors friendly environment to attract massive investments. The 75 number form will be abolished in the interest of traders.

     A total ban on slaughter of cows will be effected shortly. The farm sector is on top of new government's agenda. The crop insurance scheme will be implemented with the cooperation of Government of India. Measures to increase productivity, promote advance methods of farming, give low interest farm loans, encourage organic farming will be implemented. An initiative is being taken to provide grants to the farmers belonging to scheduled castes and tries for purchasing farm implements. The Excise Policy will be suitably amended.

     Respecting the strength of human resources, the removed daily wage workers are being taken back into services. Problems of Shiksha Karmis will be resolved sensitively. The decision to bring Narmada waters to Bhopal will have a far reaching impact. The new government has clearly shown a strong political will and manifested its commitment.