THE MP BULLETIN January 2014

Year-2, Volume–1

...on page 2

Happy New YearHappy New Year

A monthly publication of Directorate of Public Relations Government of Madhya Pradesh

mpinfo.org - A Gateway to Madhya Pradesh

DAYREPUBLIC DAY CELEBRATION

C.M. Shri Chouhan for Government–People

Joint Action to Accelerate Pace of DevelopmentReiterates Commitment to dedicate every moment to State's Development

he Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called for collective action of People and the

Government to accelerate pace of development in order to make Madhya Pradesh a top ranking state.

exhorted people to realize the vision of a Developed Madhya Pradesh. He said that the ongoing Aao Banaye Apna Madhya Pradesh drive seeks to enlist the cooperation of people in development processes. He unfurled the national flag and took salute of the ceremonial parade.

Addressing the Republic Day function at Vidisha he

Extending greetings to people on Republic Day, Shri Chouhan urged them to resolve to see that benefits of development reach out to the neediest. He paid tributes to all those who made supreme sacrifices for the mother land.

Listing the landmark achievements, the Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to dedicate every moment to the development and prosperity of the State. He said that cooperation of every section is being ensured in development processes through different platforms like Aao Banaye Apna Madhya Pradesh drive.

T

Editorial2014 – An Excellent BeginningA Happy New Year. The 2014 has made a good beginning. The 2013 was an eventful year and witnessed a number of

milestones. The journey continues with the same pace in 2014 with many new and renewed strategies. The 2014 begins

with new resolves, fresh commitments and a host of new hopes. New priorities emerge in the new contexts forcing the

administrative machinery to modify or overhaul policies and programmes. Change is law of the Nature. The Positive

Change comes through Positive Interventions. The performance of the State Government was rewarded by the people.

The political leadership stands undisturbed like a deep rooted pillar. The fresh positive mandate has boosted confidence

and revitalized itself to take even more robust decisions in favour of people.

The policy of zero tolerance towards corruption is clearly known. Let the best performing staff be appreciated and the

negligent one be punished. Let people be given enough space to speak out against corruption and facilitate prompt

delivery of justice. This approach will go a long way and help root out corruption from wherever it persists despite

sincere efforts. Abatement of corruption is possible only through good governance practices with extensive use of

Information Technology. The human and ill-intentions can be overcome by introducing IT-enabled services,

which leave no room for personalized prejudices. The State Government has given a clear message to all administrative

wings.

What gives the reason of celebration for the state is the announcement of Krishi Karman Award for the second time. It is a

tribute to the entrepreneurship of farming community and state’s commitment to evolving policies more friendly to the

farmers. Madhya Pradesh is ranked among the front ranking foodgrain producing states. A decade ago, efforts and

enterprises in farm sector were largely individualized. A committed leadership filled the despondent farmers with a

confidence. They got a motivating message that agriculture cannot stop and will never be allowed to suffer.

Some radical decisions like Krishi Cabinet, zero percent interest on cooperative loans for cultivation, availability of water

and power, timely supply of farm inputs and policy support made an impact. In a little span of time, agriculture witnessed

a big change. Commitment, convergence, collaboration and cooperation played a key role. Farmers rose to become

entrepreneurs and scripted new chapters. A lot has been done and a lot more needs to be done.

The State’s understanding is clear. Farmers are never at fault. Their performance suffers only due to lack of timely

counseling. Deceptive monsoon plays havoc. In crisis they need supportive systems. All these issues have been

addressed in a sensitive manner. The Krishi Karman Award has rightly been dedicated to the laborious and optimistic

farmers. More recognitions and awards are in store. Madhya Pradesh is advancing at pace. The Government-Citizen

partnership will reshape the State’s Destiny. The 2014 has made an excellent START.

follies

Rakesh Shrivastava

...from page 1

2 THE BULLETINMP THE BULLETIN MP 3

Describing as unprecedented the achievement of double digit growth rate in last seven years, Shri Chouhan attributed the achievement to the contribution of every section of the society. He said that utilisation of the strength of people's energies and their enterprise in favour of State's welfare is realization of the Spirit of Republic in the truest sense.

Shri Chouhan said that divisive forces cannot upset the peace because people are law abiding and believe in the rule of law. The State is observing zero tolerance policy against corruption and has created mechanisms like CM Helpline for government-citizen dialogues, he added.

The Chief Minister said that the prestigious Krishi Karman Award is the result of enterprise of farming community and farmer-friendly policies. Referring to the decisions in favour of farmers and agriculture development Shri

this year would encourage plantations on private lands. More than one crore electricity connections have been provided due to farmer-friendly policies. The state is getting 24 hour electricity. Now the efforts are being made to utilize the availability of power for spreading small and cottage industries in rural Madhya Pradesh by encouraging young population to start their own units. An ambitious target has been set to increase power availability to 20 thousand MW. India's biggest solar pant is coming up in Neemuch district.

Underlining the significance of road network in state's growing economy, the Chief Minister said that 11000 km state highways will be made world class highways network. In coming five years, major district road network measuring 19000 km. will be upgraded. The world class accident response system is being put up at state highways to check road accidents. He said that the urban infrastructure development sector has seen phenomenal investments. The urban poor would get housing facility with five lakh housing units in next five years. Estimated Rs. 3000 crore would be invested on establishment of 11 new industrial areas and existing 13 industrial areas. Besides, 48 lakh persons would be given training in various skills to make them employable under the Madhya Pradesh Skill Development Mission.

Underlining tourism potential, Shri Chouhan said that it is the top priority to ensure that tourism sector emerges as a major contributor to the state's economy. Reiterating his commitment to providing basic facilities the Chief Minister said that 38000 habitations will have piped water supply by 2018. He called upon people to come forward and

Chouhan said that increasing the use of advanced farm technologies and development market infrastructure for farm produces will be the priority. The initiatives like Chief Minister Khet Tirth Yojana or Farm Pilgrimage Scheme and foreign study tours of farmers will prove motivating factors. He said that increased irrigation facilities and uninterrupted electricity supply helped the farmers immensely. In coming five years irrigation capacity would be increased to 40 lakh hectare. As many as 200 small irrigation projects will be completed by the year end.

Referring to former Prime Minister Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee's vision of river linking, the Chief Minister said that Madhya Pradesh is going to be the first state in the country to have realized the vision and very soon Narmada Kshipra Simhasth project will be dedicated to people.

The Chief Minister said that Kisan Laxmi Yojana started

support government's efforts to eradicate the practice of open defecation.

About education sector, Shri Chouhan expressed concern over quality of education and said that it will be improved. The Pratibha Parva programme will be extended to higher secondary level. He said that making higher education job-oriented is a challenge. Skill development efforts will be maximized. Targets under the Chief Minister Minority Self-employment Scheme will also be increased. Residential problems of the tribal students going to urban areas for higher education will be solved.

Shri Chouhan resolved to ensure total health for all adding that Madhya Pradesh is going to be the first state in the country to have provided health services guarantee by bringing 16 services under the Public Service Delivery Guarantee Act. The State is going to have three new government medical colleges.

Referring to the recently launched Swagatam Laxmi Yojana, Shri Chouhan said that it is a noble cause to pay respect to girl child at every stage of life. He said that the Chief Minister Women Empowerment Scheme will help the helpless and destitute women and those in crisis. The Chief Minister SOS Centres will help violence affected women.

Regarding Integrated Social Security Programme, Shri Chouhan said that this will ensure transfer of money direct into the accounts of beneficiaries and also help maintain transparency at various levels of implementation. The Senior Citizen Welfare Commission is scripting a model rehabilitation policy. He also talked about some historic achievements in culture and sports sectors.

Editorial2014 – An Excellent BeginningA Happy New Year. The 2014 has made a good beginning. The 2013 was an eventful year and witnessed a number of

milestones. The journey continues with the same pace in 2014 with many new and renewed strategies. The 2014 begins

with new resolves, fresh commitments and a host of new hopes. New priorities emerge in the new contexts forcing the

administrative machinery to modify or overhaul policies and programmes. Change is law of the Nature. The Positive

Change comes through Positive Interventions. The performance of the State Government was rewarded by the people.

The political leadership stands undisturbed like a deep rooted pillar. The fresh positive mandate has boosted confidence

and revitalized itself to take even more robust decisions in favour of people.

The policy of zero tolerance towards corruption is clearly known. Let the best performing staff be appreciated and the

negligent one be punished. Let people be given enough space to speak out against corruption and facilitate prompt

delivery of justice. This approach will go a long way and help root out corruption from wherever it persists despite

sincere efforts. Abatement of corruption is possible only through good governance practices with extensive use of

Information Technology. The human and ill-intentions can be overcome by introducing IT-enabled services,

which leave no room for personalized prejudices. The State Government has given a clear message to all administrative

wings.

What gives the reason of celebration for the state is the announcement of Krishi Karman Award for the second time. It is a

tribute to the entrepreneurship of farming community and state’s commitment to evolving policies more friendly to the

farmers. Madhya Pradesh is ranked among the front ranking foodgrain producing states. A decade ago, efforts and

enterprises in farm sector were largely individualized. A committed leadership filled the despondent farmers with a

confidence. They got a motivating message that agriculture cannot stop and will never be allowed to suffer.

Some radical decisions like Krishi Cabinet, zero percent interest on cooperative loans for cultivation, availability of water

and power, timely supply of farm inputs and policy support made an impact. In a little span of time, agriculture witnessed

a big change. Commitment, convergence, collaboration and cooperation played a key role. Farmers rose to become

entrepreneurs and scripted new chapters. A lot has been done and a lot more needs to be done.

The State’s understanding is clear. Farmers are never at fault. Their performance suffers only due to lack of timely

counseling. Deceptive monsoon plays havoc. In crisis they need supportive systems. All these issues have been

addressed in a sensitive manner. The Krishi Karman Award has rightly been dedicated to the laborious and optimistic

farmers. More recognitions and awards are in store. Madhya Pradesh is advancing at pace. The Government-Citizen

partnership will reshape the State’s Destiny. The 2014 has made an excellent START.

follies

Rakesh Shrivastava

...from page 1

2 THE BULLETINMP THE BULLETIN MP 3

Describing as unprecedented the achievement of double digit growth rate in last seven years, Shri Chouhan attributed the achievement to the contribution of every section of the society. He said that utilisation of the strength of people's energies and their enterprise in favour of State's welfare is realization of the Spirit of Republic in the truest sense.

Shri Chouhan said that divisive forces cannot upset the peace because people are law abiding and believe in the rule of law. The State is observing zero tolerance policy against corruption and has created mechanisms like CM Helpline for government-citizen dialogues, he added.

The Chief Minister said that the prestigious Krishi Karman Award is the result of enterprise of farming community and farmer-friendly policies. Referring to the decisions in favour of farmers and agriculture development Shri

this year would encourage plantations on private lands. More than one crore electricity connections have been provided due to farmer-friendly policies. The state is getting 24 hour electricity. Now the efforts are being made to utilize the availability of power for spreading small and cottage industries in rural Madhya Pradesh by encouraging young population to start their own units. An ambitious target has been set to increase power availability to 20 thousand MW. India's biggest solar pant is coming up in Neemuch district.

Underlining the significance of road network in state's growing economy, the Chief Minister said that 11000 km state highways will be made world class highways network. In coming five years, major district road network measuring 19000 km. will be upgraded. The world class accident response system is being put up at state highways to check road accidents. He said that the urban infrastructure development sector has seen phenomenal investments. The urban poor would get housing facility with five lakh housing units in next five years. Estimated Rs. 3000 crore would be invested on establishment of 11 new industrial areas and existing 13 industrial areas. Besides, 48 lakh persons would be given training in various skills to make them employable under the Madhya Pradesh Skill Development Mission.

Underlining tourism potential, Shri Chouhan said that it is the top priority to ensure that tourism sector emerges as a major contributor to the state's economy. Reiterating his commitment to providing basic facilities the Chief Minister said that 38000 habitations will have piped water supply by 2018. He called upon people to come forward and

Chouhan said that increasing the use of advanced farm technologies and development market infrastructure for farm produces will be the priority. The initiatives like Chief Minister Khet Tirth Yojana or Farm Pilgrimage Scheme and foreign study tours of farmers will prove motivating factors. He said that increased irrigation facilities and uninterrupted electricity supply helped the farmers immensely. In coming five years irrigation capacity would be increased to 40 lakh hectare. As many as 200 small irrigation projects will be completed by the year end.

Referring to former Prime Minister Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee's vision of river linking, the Chief Minister said that Madhya Pradesh is going to be the first state in the country to have realized the vision and very soon Narmada Kshipra Simhasth project will be dedicated to people.

The Chief Minister said that Kisan Laxmi Yojana started

support government's efforts to eradicate the practice of open defecation.

About education sector, Shri Chouhan expressed concern over quality of education and said that it will be improved. The Pratibha Parva programme will be extended to higher secondary level. He said that making higher education job-oriented is a challenge. Skill development efforts will be maximized. Targets under the Chief Minister Minority Self-employment Scheme will also be increased. Residential problems of the tribal students going to urban areas for higher education will be solved.

Shri Chouhan resolved to ensure total health for all adding that Madhya Pradesh is going to be the first state in the country to have provided health services guarantee by bringing 16 services under the Public Service Delivery Guarantee Act. The State is going to have three new government medical colleges.

Referring to the recently launched Swagatam Laxmi Yojana, Shri Chouhan said that it is a noble cause to pay respect to girl child at every stage of life. He said that the Chief Minister Women Empowerment Scheme will help the helpless and destitute women and those in crisis. The Chief Minister SOS Centres will help violence affected women.

Regarding Integrated Social Security Programme, Shri Chouhan said that this will ensure transfer of money direct into the accounts of beneficiaries and also help maintain transparency at various levels of implementation. The Senior Citizen Welfare Commission is scripting a model rehabilitation policy. He also talked about some historic achievements in culture and sports sectors.

The key factors that propelled agriculture growth

Irrigation – In last ten years, the irrigation potential increased tremendously efficiently utilized. The water resources management pattern saw an impressive trend. Completion of major reservoirs after a gap of two to three decades, simultaneous of canal systems irrigating the fields, which remained water-deficient for years, construction of wells under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme or innovative schemes like Balram Talab Yojana proved instrumental.

Energy is the soul of farm sector. A decade before farm sector suffered a lot owing to intermittent supply of electricity. Power deficiency obstructed the agriculture growth in many ways. A number of steps like improving power sector infrastructure, feeder separation, the farming community the burden of power tariff, waiving off Rs. 1800 crore in favour of agriculture consumers, launching Atal Jyoti Abhiyan for ensuring at least 10 hour electricity yielded fruitful results.

Availability of quality seeds is a prime input. A number of measures have been taken to ensure timely supply of quality seeds. Seed production programmes like Beejgram Yojana, Surajdhara Yojana, and Seed Exchange programme have been implemented flawlessly. There is a tremendous increase in distribution of quality seeds in last five years.

and has also been

construction

giving relief to by sharing

Electricity –

Input Supply –

Madhya Pradesh has urged the Centre to accept in the

Central Pool, the custom-milled rice received after

May 31, 2013.

The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan in a letter to

the Union Minister of State for Food, Consumer Affairs and

Distribution Shri K.V. Thomas, said that the carrying cost of

paddy beyond June 30, 2012 should be borne by the Centre.

The Chief Minister in the letter said that production of

paddy is constantly increasing in Madhya Pradesh. It was

14 lac MT in 2009-10, which has increased to 40 lac MT in

2013-14. Paddy procurement in the state was 2.23 lac MT

in 2009-10, which is expected to touch upto 20 lac MT

this year.

Shri Chouhan pointed out that unprecedented increase in

procurement is creating a challenge in terms of timely

milling and disposal. State's milling capacity is limited.

However, 22 new mills have been sanctioned. This will

certainly increase the milling capacity by nearly 3 lakh

MT per annum.

Drawing attention towards difficulties, the state is facing in milling the procured paddy, the Chief Minister informed Shri Thomas that the Central Government usually gives time till June 30 i.e. 5 months for milling of the paddy procured in a season. During year 2011-12, Madhya Pradesh produced unprecedented large quantity of 9.40 lac MT paddy. The Central Government extended this limit upto May 31, 2013 but made it clear that storage cost and interest on such quantity will not be borne by it. This condition was not fair. It was not because of administrative inefficiency but lack of milling capacity. The state government tried to complete the milling process by the given deadline but still a quantity of 13,662 MT of custom-milled rice (CMR) could be received only after the given deadline of May 30, 2013. State's Food & Civil Supplies Department had requested the Central government to accept this CMR but was turned down.

The Chief Minister urged the Union Government to accept custom-milled rice received after May 31, 2013 in the central pool and bear its carrying cost beyond June 30, 2012.

M.P. urges Centre to accept custom-milled riceCM Shri Chouhan Writes To Union Minister of State for Food Shri K.V. Thomas

Madhya Pradesh gets prestigious

Krishi Karman Award for 2nd time

M adhya Pradesh has been selected for the Government of India's prestigious Krishi Karman

Award recognizing State's excellent record in foodgrain production. Madhya Pradesh won the Award in 2011-12 also.

The Award will be presented by President Shri Pranab Mukherjee. The Union Agriculture Ministry has congratulated Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Minister, all concerning officers and farmers.

The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has dedicated the Award to enterprising farmers. He said that farmers have brought laurels to Madhya Pradesh securing top position in respect of food grains production in the country.

The Government of India's selection committee found that Madhya Pradesh excels amongst major foodgrain producing states, which include Bihar, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. It was found that maximum increase of 13.4 percent was registered in foodgrains production.

It is noteworthy that Madhya Pradesh gave an awesome farm output in 2012-13 by producing 277 lac MT foodgrains including 161 lac MT wheat. Madhya Pradesh tops the list of States that have been contributing immensely to Nation's granary. Madhya Pradesh has appreciatively maintained double digit farm growth rate consecutively second time.

The State is performing excellently in production of wheat, rice and coarse cereals. During 2012-13, production of pulses touched 50 lac tones, paddy 30 lac tones and coarse cereals 36 lac tones. Fruit productivity was also a parameter to judge the performance for the Award. Madhya Pradesh registered 14.42 percent increase in fruit productivity. The State performed outstandingly with a record procurement of wheat for last two years.

The performance of States in terms of farm input supply

was also judged in which Madhya Pradesh scored high

marks. A number of innovative steps taken in the State led

to a record increase in foodgrain production. Some of them

include Krishi Cabinet for quick decision making,

disbursement of cooperative loans at zero percent interest

rate, expansion of seed producing cooperative societies,

paddy cultivation using SRI method, distribution of hybrid

Innovative Steps

maize at 90 percent subsidy, introduction of Yantradoot

Gram Yojana, advance storage of fertilizers and e-

Procurement, realization of irrigation potential,

promotion of horticulture crops.

paddy and maize proved a boon for them.

loans worth Rs. 1273 crore were

Going a step further,

the

Credit

The credit facilities to farmers have improved the

performance of agriculture sector ensuring its robust

share in State’s Gross Domestic Product. The state

government has been closely pursuing an objective of

ensuring participation of farmers having small land

holdings. A decade ago, a sizeable number of farmers

feared to invest due to lack of credit facilities. The State

Government is now offering agriculture credit at zero

percent interest through cooperatives. In last five years

over loans worth Rs. 40,000 crore have been distributed to

farmers. Farmers are using Kisan Credit Cards. Bonus on

wheat, Bonus on

maize is being distributed from this year. The cooperative

distributed in 2003-04. It

increased manifold since then. As many as 32 lakh farmers

will get loans worth Rs. 12 thousand crore by March end

this year. In coming five years, crop loans to the tune of Rs.

25 thousand crore will be distributed.

cooperative banks have started core banking facility for

them.

4 THE BULLETINMP THE BULLETIN MP 5

Farmers are getting cooperative loans at ZERO Percent interest rate.

It was 16 percent before 2004.

Before2004

2006-08

16

7%7%

3%

1% 0%

%

2008-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

The key factors that propelled agriculture growth

Irrigation – In last ten years, the irrigation potential increased tremendously efficiently utilized. The water resources management pattern saw an impressive trend. Completion of major reservoirs after a gap of two to three decades, simultaneous of canal systems irrigating the fields, which remained water-deficient for years, construction of wells under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme or innovative schemes like Balram Talab Yojana proved instrumental.

Energy is the soul of farm sector. A decade before farm sector suffered a lot owing to intermittent supply of electricity. Power deficiency obstructed the agriculture growth in many ways. A number of steps like improving power sector infrastructure, feeder separation, the farming community the burden of power tariff, waiving off Rs. 1800 crore in favour of agriculture consumers, launching Atal Jyoti Abhiyan for ensuring at least 10 hour electricity yielded fruitful results.

Availability of quality seeds is a prime input. A number of measures have been taken to ensure timely supply of quality seeds. Seed production programmes like Beejgram Yojana, Surajdhara Yojana, and Seed Exchange programme have been implemented flawlessly. There is a tremendous increase in distribution of quality seeds in last five years.

and has also been

construction

giving relief to by sharing

Electricity –

Input Supply –

Madhya Pradesh has urged the Centre to accept in the

Central Pool, the custom-milled rice received after

May 31, 2013.

The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan in a letter to

the Union Minister of State for Food, Consumer Affairs and

Distribution Shri K.V. Thomas, said that the carrying cost of

paddy beyond June 30, 2012 should be borne by the Centre.

The Chief Minister in the letter said that production of

paddy is constantly increasing in Madhya Pradesh. It was

14 lac MT in 2009-10, which has increased to 40 lac MT in

2013-14. Paddy procurement in the state was 2.23 lac MT

in 2009-10, which is expected to touch upto 20 lac MT

this year.

Shri Chouhan pointed out that unprecedented increase in

procurement is creating a challenge in terms of timely

milling and disposal. State's milling capacity is limited.

However, 22 new mills have been sanctioned. This will

certainly increase the milling capacity by nearly 3 lakh

MT per annum.

Drawing attention towards difficulties, the state is facing in milling the procured paddy, the Chief Minister informed Shri Thomas that the Central Government usually gives time till June 30 i.e. 5 months for milling of the paddy procured in a season. During year 2011-12, Madhya Pradesh produced unprecedented large quantity of 9.40 lac MT paddy. The Central Government extended this limit upto May 31, 2013 but made it clear that storage cost and interest on such quantity will not be borne by it. This condition was not fair. It was not because of administrative inefficiency but lack of milling capacity. The state government tried to complete the milling process by the given deadline but still a quantity of 13,662 MT of custom-milled rice (CMR) could be received only after the given deadline of May 30, 2013. State's Food & Civil Supplies Department had requested the Central government to accept this CMR but was turned down.

The Chief Minister urged the Union Government to accept custom-milled rice received after May 31, 2013 in the central pool and bear its carrying cost beyond June 30, 2012.

M.P. urges Centre to accept custom-milled riceCM Shri Chouhan Writes To Union Minister of State for Food Shri K.V. Thomas

Madhya Pradesh gets prestigious

Krishi Karman Award for 2nd time

M adhya Pradesh has been selected for the Government of India's prestigious Krishi Karman

Award recognizing State's excellent record in foodgrain production. Madhya Pradesh won the Award in 2011-12 also.

The Award will be presented by President Shri Pranab Mukherjee. The Union Agriculture Ministry has congratulated Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Minister, all concerning officers and farmers.

The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has dedicated the Award to enterprising farmers. He said that farmers have brought laurels to Madhya Pradesh securing top position in respect of food grains production in the country.

The Government of India's selection committee found that Madhya Pradesh excels amongst major foodgrain producing states, which include Bihar, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan. It was found that maximum increase of 13.4 percent was registered in foodgrains production.

It is noteworthy that Madhya Pradesh gave an awesome farm output in 2012-13 by producing 277 lac MT foodgrains including 161 lac MT wheat. Madhya Pradesh tops the list of States that have been contributing immensely to Nation's granary. Madhya Pradesh has appreciatively maintained double digit farm growth rate consecutively second time.

The State is performing excellently in production of wheat, rice and coarse cereals. During 2012-13, production of pulses touched 50 lac tones, paddy 30 lac tones and coarse cereals 36 lac tones. Fruit productivity was also a parameter to judge the performance for the Award. Madhya Pradesh registered 14.42 percent increase in fruit productivity. The State performed outstandingly with a record procurement of wheat for last two years.

The performance of States in terms of farm input supply

was also judged in which Madhya Pradesh scored high

marks. A number of innovative steps taken in the State led

to a record increase in foodgrain production. Some of them

include Krishi Cabinet for quick decision making,

disbursement of cooperative loans at zero percent interest

rate, expansion of seed producing cooperative societies,

paddy cultivation using SRI method, distribution of hybrid

Innovative Steps

maize at 90 percent subsidy, introduction of Yantradoot

Gram Yojana, advance storage of fertilizers and e-

Procurement, realization of irrigation potential,

promotion of horticulture crops.

paddy and maize proved a boon for them.

loans worth Rs. 1273 crore were

Going a step further,

the

Credit

The credit facilities to farmers have improved the

performance of agriculture sector ensuring its robust

share in State’s Gross Domestic Product. The state

government has been closely pursuing an objective of

ensuring participation of farmers having small land

holdings. A decade ago, a sizeable number of farmers

feared to invest due to lack of credit facilities. The State

Government is now offering agriculture credit at zero

percent interest through cooperatives. In last five years

over loans worth Rs. 40,000 crore have been distributed to

farmers. Farmers are using Kisan Credit Cards. Bonus on

wheat, Bonus on

maize is being distributed from this year. The cooperative

distributed in 2003-04. It

increased manifold since then. As many as 32 lakh farmers

will get loans worth Rs. 12 thousand crore by March end

this year. In coming five years, crop loans to the tune of Rs.

25 thousand crore will be distributed.

cooperative banks have started core banking facility for

them.

4 THE BULLETINMP THE BULLETIN MP 5

Farmers are getting cooperative loans at ZERO Percent interest rate.

It was 16 percent before 2004.

Before2004

2006-08

16

7%7%

3%

1% 0%

%

2008-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

STATE OF THE YEAR title for Madhya Pradesh C.M. Shri Chouhan Receives Award

M.P.'s Development Priorities

100 - DAYS Agenda

Madhya Pradesh has designed 100-Days Action Plan. The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan asked his ministerial colleagues to list the priority tasks and chalk out a comprehensive 100-Day Action Plan. He reviewed ongoing and proposed activities of every department giving instructions that each department should come out with a development agenda to be implemented in coming 100 days. This, he said will help departments understand each others' priorities and find out areas needing requisite cooperation. The following table shows major actions to be taken up by key departments in coming hundred days.

Madhya Pradesh was conferred State of the Year Award. It has been acknowledged as the fastest growing State. The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan received the Award at a grand function at Mumbai. Instituted by the CNBC-TV-18, the Award was in the series of its Annual Business Leadership Award.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Chouhan said that transforming a sick state into a fast growing economy was a big challenge. It was a sick State and took painstaking efforts in every sector to push it forward. He said that partnership of people played a key role. Initiatives like organizing a series of Panchayats – or open dialogue forum inviting different sections of society and prospective stakeholders in order to seek their opinion and suggestions before formulating policies and designing schemes deepened people's faith in governance. Development programmes incorporated people's aspirations. Attention was paid to key sectors like agriculture, irrigation, surface connectivity, power, industries etc. The result is that Madhya Pradesh achieved double digit growth rate.

Shri Chouhan said that Madhya Pradesh received Krishi Karman Award last year and this year too has won the Award second time. Hard work was rewarded. He expressed desire to see Madhya Pradesh as the Most Developed State in the country. He said that the industries will get all requisite support and cooperation and quick solutions to their problems regarding investment and establishment. He said that the number of industries in the state is increasing faster. The youth will get jobs through a widening network of small and cottage industries in rural areas.

Shri Chouhan said that the vision of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee about river linking has been realized in Madhya Pradesh by linking holy rivers Kshipra and Narmada. Other rivers will also be linked he added.

Departments Priority Actions Chief Minister's Instructions

Labour Ÿ Increasing service period of labourers from 58 years to 60 years being considered.

Ÿ Wages of bidi workers to be reviewed.Ÿ Process of simplifying labour laws will start. Ÿ Labour Welfare Centres to be set up in all districts

Ÿ Ensure effective implementation of laws meant for labour welfare and protection of their interests.

Revenue Ÿ Training in basic computer operation to all naib tahsildars.

Ÿ Complete assessment of crop loss in all districts and distribute compensation accordingly. People should get land-related documents without difficulty.

SC, ST Welfare Ÿ Benefits of Aawas Sahayata Yojana to be ensured to students going to cities for higher education.

Ÿ Make available best instructors and tutors to guide students for competitive exams.

Women & Child Development

Ÿ Chief Minister Community Leadership Development Scheme to be designed.

Ÿ Special training sessions for women in SHGs, leadership roles in Panchayats, Urban bodies must go on in regular interals.

Animal Husbandry

Ÿ 500 new dairy societies to be formed. Ÿ Mobile veterinary clinics to be operative. Ÿ 138 veterinary dispensaries to be upgraded and

80 new treatment facilitation centres will be opened in over 4 thousand villages.

Ÿ Existing veterinary dispensaries should be improved and upgraded.

Ÿ Chalk out a strategy for intensive marketing of Sanchi brand products.

Horticulture Ÿ Comprehensive orientation programme for farmers.

Ÿ The sector offers immense potential of employment generation. Food processing sector can grow with the performance of horticulture sector.

Village Industry Ÿ Strategies for expansion of cottage industries to be drawn out.

Ÿ Thousands of youth can get employment with the promotion of village industries. More serious efforts are needed for improving network of cottage industries.

Fisheries Ÿ Advance training to fishermen community. Ÿ Fish production to increase One lac 45 thousand

MT.

Ÿ Utilize major reservoirs for fisheries. The ponds constructed under Balram Talab Yojana should also be used to supplement income.

6 THE BULLETINMP THE BULLETIN MP 7

The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

receiving the State of the Year award.

A five member team of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) which toured Sidhi forest division's Churhat circle appreciated projects being implemented there.

Led by Sushri Eugenia Katsigris, Texas, America, the team visited Badhwar, Maldeva, Padkhuri, Kolhudeeh, Madila, Gandhi Gram, Madwas villages etc and studied bamboo production, bamboo rhizomes, working of women's SHGs, rolling of incense sticks, sowing of grass, bio-dynamic organic farming technique, manufacture of handicraft from Seesal fibre, manufacturing of ropes with rags, bio-gas plants, production of lac by beneficiaries and other activities.

Sushri Eugenia Katsigris wrote in her report that she was

impressed by livelihoods generation activities at Gandhi

Gram. Sushri Katsigris said that a new relationship has

grown up in the jungles and bamboo rehabilitation has

been impressive. Another team member Gujarat's former

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri Khanna also

appreciated women's enthusiastic participation in

livelihoods programmes and cooperation being extended

for increasing families' economic status in villages

Maldeva, Gandhi Gram and Kolhudeeh.

The team inspected project's documents at village

Badhwar, bamboo rhizomes and bamboo meadows,

women's self-help groups at village Maldeva, bio-dynamic

organic farming activities at village Madila, community

training centre and incense stick making women's SHG at

village Kolhudeeh, manufacturing of ropes with rags, bio-

dynamic organic farming activities and fish farming at

village Gandhi Gram. The team members held separate

discussions with beneficiaries and trainers. The team

inspected lac production in Madwas and Energy Forest

in Khajuriha.

UNDP Team appreciates forest-based livelihoods activities

STATE OF THE YEAR title for Madhya Pradesh C.M. Shri Chouhan Receives Award

M.P.'s Development Priorities

100 - DAYS Agenda

Madhya Pradesh has designed 100-Days Action Plan. The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan asked his ministerial colleagues to list the priority tasks and chalk out a comprehensive 100-Day Action Plan. He reviewed ongoing and proposed activities of every department giving instructions that each department should come out with a development agenda to be implemented in coming 100 days. This, he said will help departments understand each others' priorities and find out areas needing requisite cooperation. The following table shows major actions to be taken up by key departments in coming hundred days.

Madhya Pradesh was conferred State of the Year Award. It has been acknowledged as the fastest growing State. The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan received the Award at a grand function at Mumbai. Instituted by the CNBC-TV-18, the Award was in the series of its Annual Business Leadership Award.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Chouhan said that transforming a sick state into a fast growing economy was a big challenge. It was a sick State and took painstaking efforts in every sector to push it forward. He said that partnership of people played a key role. Initiatives like organizing a series of Panchayats – or open dialogue forum inviting different sections of society and prospective stakeholders in order to seek their opinion and suggestions before formulating policies and designing schemes deepened people's faith in governance. Development programmes incorporated people's aspirations. Attention was paid to key sectors like agriculture, irrigation, surface connectivity, power, industries etc. The result is that Madhya Pradesh achieved double digit growth rate.

Shri Chouhan said that Madhya Pradesh received Krishi Karman Award last year and this year too has won the Award second time. Hard work was rewarded. He expressed desire to see Madhya Pradesh as the Most Developed State in the country. He said that the industries will get all requisite support and cooperation and quick solutions to their problems regarding investment and establishment. He said that the number of industries in the state is increasing faster. The youth will get jobs through a widening network of small and cottage industries in rural areas.

Shri Chouhan said that the vision of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee about river linking has been realized in Madhya Pradesh by linking holy rivers Kshipra and Narmada. Other rivers will also be linked he added.

Departments Priority Actions Chief Minister's Instructions

Labour Ÿ Increasing service period of labourers from 58 years to 60 years being considered.

Ÿ Wages of bidi workers to be reviewed.Ÿ Process of simplifying labour laws will start. Ÿ Labour Welfare Centres to be set up in all districts

Ÿ Ensure effective implementation of laws meant for labour welfare and protection of their interests.

Revenue Ÿ Training in basic computer operation to all naib tahsildars.

Ÿ Complete assessment of crop loss in all districts and distribute compensation accordingly. People should get land-related documents without difficulty.

SC, ST Welfare Ÿ Benefits of Aawas Sahayata Yojana to be ensured to students going to cities for higher education.

Ÿ Make available best instructors and tutors to guide students for competitive exams.

Women & Child Development

Ÿ Chief Minister Community Leadership Development Scheme to be designed.

Ÿ Special training sessions for women in SHGs, leadership roles in Panchayats, Urban bodies must go on in regular interals.

Animal Husbandry

Ÿ 500 new dairy societies to be formed. Ÿ Mobile veterinary clinics to be operative. Ÿ 138 veterinary dispensaries to be upgraded and

80 new treatment facilitation centres will be opened in over 4 thousand villages.

Ÿ Existing veterinary dispensaries should be improved and upgraded.

Ÿ Chalk out a strategy for intensive marketing of Sanchi brand products.

Horticulture Ÿ Comprehensive orientation programme for farmers.

Ÿ The sector offers immense potential of employment generation. Food processing sector can grow with the performance of horticulture sector.

Village Industry Ÿ Strategies for expansion of cottage industries to be drawn out.

Ÿ Thousands of youth can get employment with the promotion of village industries. More serious efforts are needed for improving network of cottage industries.

Fisheries Ÿ Advance training to fishermen community. Ÿ Fish production to increase One lac 45 thousand

MT.

Ÿ Utilize major reservoirs for fisheries. The ponds constructed under Balram Talab Yojana should also be used to supplement income.

6 THE BULLETINMP THE BULLETIN MP 7

The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

receiving the State of the Year award.

A five member team of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) which toured Sidhi forest division's Churhat circle appreciated projects being implemented there.

Led by Sushri Eugenia Katsigris, Texas, America, the team visited Badhwar, Maldeva, Padkhuri, Kolhudeeh, Madila, Gandhi Gram, Madwas villages etc and studied bamboo production, bamboo rhizomes, working of women's SHGs, rolling of incense sticks, sowing of grass, bio-dynamic organic farming technique, manufacture of handicraft from Seesal fibre, manufacturing of ropes with rags, bio-gas plants, production of lac by beneficiaries and other activities.

Sushri Eugenia Katsigris wrote in her report that she was

impressed by livelihoods generation activities at Gandhi

Gram. Sushri Katsigris said that a new relationship has

grown up in the jungles and bamboo rehabilitation has

been impressive. Another team member Gujarat's former

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri Khanna also

appreciated women's enthusiastic participation in

livelihoods programmes and cooperation being extended

for increasing families' economic status in villages

Maldeva, Gandhi Gram and Kolhudeeh.

The team inspected project's documents at village

Badhwar, bamboo rhizomes and bamboo meadows,

women's self-help groups at village Maldeva, bio-dynamic

organic farming activities at village Madila, community

training centre and incense stick making women's SHG at

village Kolhudeeh, manufacturing of ropes with rags, bio-

dynamic organic farming activities and fish farming at

village Gandhi Gram. The team members held separate

discussions with beneficiaries and trainers. The team

inspected lac production in Madwas and Energy Forest

in Khajuriha.

UNDP Team appreciates forest-based livelihoods activities

Public Health Engineering

Ÿ Month long special campaign to be launched for repairing hand-pumps.

Ÿ A pilot project for complaint redressal through SMS. E-Measurement pilot project to be introduced.

Ÿ Piped water schemes in 300 villages. Ÿ Training to 20 thousand Janpad Panchayat level

office-bearers.

Ÿ Ensure that there is no water shortage during summer. Be ready with plans for water transportation.

Tourism Ÿ Calendar of various tourism activities to be prepared.

Ÿ Promotion policy for global marketing of tourism destinations to be proposed.

Ÿ Tourism offers immense possibilities. Aggressive promotion policies needed. More tourism destinations should be developed. New areas should be explored.

Culture Ÿ Conservation of 48 monuments to be completed. Notice boards will also be installed at all 426 protected monuments within time-limit.

Ÿ Make a calendar of cultural events.

Water Resources Ÿ 100 minor irrigation projects to be completed. Ÿ Work of Mohanpur project in Rajgarh district

will be completed

Ÿ Time limit of construction works should be strictly adhered to.

Higher Education

Ÿ 10 colleges to have partnership with national and international level institutions.

Ÿ Internet and wi-fi facility in all university and college campuses.

Ÿ Virtual Classroom Education Programme in 100 colleges.

Ÿ E-Resource Centres under e-Maintained Library Scheme in 15 colleges.

Ÿ First year students of Government colleges to get smart phones.

Ÿ There should be more focus on quality of education. Streamline career counseling.

Ÿ Do away with practice of sending professors and faculty members on deputation.

Ÿ Rationalize postings of teaching staff.

Panchayats & Rural Development

Ÿ Anganwadi buildings to be constructed through MNREGA convergence

Ÿ Cluster of farms will be linked with roads in every Gram Panchayat.

Ÿ Work on construction of 10 thousand km long roads to be started.

Ÿ 10,820 godowns will be constructed. Ÿ 445 Haat Bazaars. 71 thousand 800 wells by

March 2014.Ÿ Desilting of one river in every district.

Ÿ Pace of development works should be accelerated without compromising the quality. Strict monitoring is a must.

Social Justice Ÿ Samagra Smart Cards to be issued to all eligible beneficiaries for social security benefits.

Ÿ List of beneficiaries should be carefully prepared.

Narmada Valley Development

Ÿ Efforts for seeking Government of India's permission for Narmada-Malwa-Gambhir Link Project.

Ÿ Command area development work to be undertaken in 10 thousand 350 hectare by March 2014.

Ÿ Dam construction work will be started in department's projects Upper Narmada and Halon (new projects).

Ÿ Narmada valley development projects are the topmost priority and delay at any level will escalate project costs. The time limit must therefore be observed.

Cooperatives Ÿ 50 seed cooperative societies to be activated.

Ÿ Godowns of 1000 MT capacity to be constructed at 12 places.

Ÿ Counseling Centers for Farmers to be set up in branches of District Cooperative Banks.

Ÿ About 4500 primary cooperative societies to be computerized.

Ÿ Common Facility Centres will also be developed in them.

Ÿ Cooperative Movement needs momentum.

Forest Ÿ Plantation on 97650 hectareŸ Revival of forests on one lac 53 thousand hectare.Ÿ E-surveillance for tiger protection. Ÿ Identification of forest-based cottage industries.

Ÿ Development works should not be hampered Forest dwellers must get livelihoods.

Food and Civil Supplies

Ÿ Food security for one crore families.Ÿ Preparations for procurement of 100 lac MT

wheat.

Ÿ Explore possibilities of implementing Chhattisgarh model of reaching out to the beneficiaries.

Ÿ Make elaborate arrangements for wheat procurement.

Health Ÿ Construction of one thousand sub health centres.Ÿ Launching Health Services Guarantee Scheme.Ÿ Model institutional delivery centres.Ÿ 626 mobile health teams for all development

blocks. Ÿ Construction of Vidisha Medical College to start. Ÿ 1648 Ayurvedic dispensaries to be strengthened.

Ÿ Pay special attention to Janani Express Yojana.

Ÿ Maintain cleanliness in and around hospitals.

Ÿ Ensure quality health services in hospitals affiliated to medical colleges.

Public Works Ÿ Form vigilance teams for inspecting quality of construction.

Ÿ Scheme for service area for facilities at national highway.

Ÿ Putting up a system for payment to contractors in 15 days.

Ÿ 500 fresh engineers to be trained under CM. Yuva Contractor Scheme.

Ÿ Speed up pending construction works.Ÿ B e c a r e f u l a b o u t q u a l i t y o f

construction. Repairing works should completed timely.

Agriculture Ÿ Khet – Tirth Yojana in all districts.Ÿ Mera Khet-Meri Mati scheme to be launched.

Ÿ Take all steps to increase farm output.

Energy Ÿ Sarni power plant to start operation by end of February.

Ÿ Ensure efficient use surplus electricity.

Mining Ÿ Base paper to be prepared for new policy on minor minerals.

Ÿ Ensure that local people get employment in mining projects.

Sports Ÿ Spotting of talented sports persons at block and district levels.

Ÿ The available sports infrastructure should be efficiently utilized.

Industry Ÿ Identification of land for new industrial areas. Ÿ Make single window system more efficient.

Ÿ Concentrate on C.M. Self Employment Scheme.

8 THE BULLETINMP THE BULLETIN MP 9

Public Health Engineering

Ÿ Month long special campaign to be launched for repairing hand-pumps.

Ÿ A pilot project for complaint redressal through SMS. E-Measurement pilot project to be introduced.

Ÿ Piped water schemes in 300 villages. Ÿ Training to 20 thousand Janpad Panchayat level

office-bearers.

Ÿ Ensure that there is no water shortage during summer. Be ready with plans for water transportation.

Tourism Ÿ Calendar of various tourism activities to be prepared.

Ÿ Promotion policy for global marketing of tourism destinations to be proposed.

Ÿ Tourism offers immense possibilities. Aggressive promotion policies needed. More tourism destinations should be developed. New areas should be explored.

Culture Ÿ Conservation of 48 monuments to be completed. Notice boards will also be installed at all 426 protected monuments within time-limit.

Ÿ Make a calendar of cultural events.

Water Resources Ÿ 100 minor irrigation projects to be completed. Ÿ Work of Mohanpur project in Rajgarh district

will be completed

Ÿ Time limit of construction works should be strictly adhered to.

Higher Education

Ÿ 10 colleges to have partnership with national and international level institutions.

Ÿ Internet and wi-fi facility in all university and college campuses.

Ÿ Virtual Classroom Education Programme in 100 colleges.

Ÿ E-Resource Centres under e-Maintained Library Scheme in 15 colleges.

Ÿ First year students of Government colleges to get smart phones.

Ÿ There should be more focus on quality of education. Streamline career counseling.

Ÿ Do away with practice of sending professors and faculty members on deputation.

Ÿ Rationalize postings of teaching staff.

Panchayats & Rural Development

Ÿ Anganwadi buildings to be constructed through MNREGA convergence

Ÿ Cluster of farms will be linked with roads in every Gram Panchayat.

Ÿ Work on construction of 10 thousand km long roads to be started.

Ÿ 10,820 godowns will be constructed. Ÿ 445 Haat Bazaars. 71 thousand 800 wells by

March 2014.Ÿ Desilting of one river in every district.

Ÿ Pace of development works should be accelerated without compromising the quality. Strict monitoring is a must.

Social Justice Ÿ Samagra Smart Cards to be issued to all eligible beneficiaries for social security benefits.

Ÿ List of beneficiaries should be carefully prepared.

Narmada Valley Development

Ÿ Efforts for seeking Government of India's permission for Narmada-Malwa-Gambhir Link Project.

Ÿ Command area development work to be undertaken in 10 thousand 350 hectare by March 2014.

Ÿ Dam construction work will be started in department's projects Upper Narmada and Halon (new projects).

Ÿ Narmada valley development projects are the topmost priority and delay at any level will escalate project costs. The time limit must therefore be observed.

Cooperatives Ÿ 50 seed cooperative societies to be activated.

Ÿ Godowns of 1000 MT capacity to be constructed at 12 places.

Ÿ Counseling Centers for Farmers to be set up in branches of District Cooperative Banks.

Ÿ About 4500 primary cooperative societies to be computerized.

Ÿ Common Facility Centres will also be developed in them.

Ÿ Cooperative Movement needs momentum.

Forest Ÿ Plantation on 97650 hectareŸ Revival of forests on one lac 53 thousand hectare.Ÿ E-surveillance for tiger protection. Ÿ Identification of forest-based cottage industries.

Ÿ Development works should not be hampered Forest dwellers must get livelihoods.

Food and Civil Supplies

Ÿ Food security for one crore families.Ÿ Preparations for procurement of 100 lac MT

wheat.

Ÿ Explore possibilities of implementing Chhattisgarh model of reaching out to the beneficiaries.

Ÿ Make elaborate arrangements for wheat procurement.

Health Ÿ Construction of one thousand sub health centres.Ÿ Launching Health Services Guarantee Scheme.Ÿ Model institutional delivery centres.Ÿ 626 mobile health teams for all development

blocks. Ÿ Construction of Vidisha Medical College to start. Ÿ 1648 Ayurvedic dispensaries to be strengthened.

Ÿ Pay special attention to Janani Express Yojana.

Ÿ Maintain cleanliness in and around hospitals.

Ÿ Ensure quality health services in hospitals affiliated to medical colleges.

Public Works Ÿ Form vigilance teams for inspecting quality of construction.

Ÿ Scheme for service area for facilities at national highway.

Ÿ Putting up a system for payment to contractors in 15 days.

Ÿ 500 fresh engineers to be trained under CM. Yuva Contractor Scheme.

Ÿ Speed up pending construction works.Ÿ B e c a r e f u l a b o u t q u a l i t y o f

construction. Repairing works should completed timely.

Agriculture Ÿ Khet – Tirth Yojana in all districts.Ÿ Mera Khet-Meri Mati scheme to be launched.

Ÿ Take all steps to increase farm output.

Energy Ÿ Sarni power plant to start operation by end of February.

Ÿ Ensure efficient use surplus electricity.

Mining Ÿ Base paper to be prepared for new policy on minor minerals.

Ÿ Ensure that local people get employment in mining projects.

Sports Ÿ Spotting of talented sports persons at block and district levels.

Ÿ The available sports infrastructure should be efficiently utilized.

Industry Ÿ Identification of land for new industrial areas. Ÿ Make single window system more efficient.

Ÿ Concentrate on C.M. Self Employment Scheme.

8 THE BULLETINMP THE BULLETIN MP 9

Madhya Pradesh observed mass Surya Namaskar- Yoga exercise. This annual event takes place on the occasion of Swami Vivekanand Jayanti. The

Surya Namaskar according to sacred scriptures and treatises is considered a complete Yoga as it has 12 basic Asanas or Yogic postures.

thousands

marks the birth anniversary of

Students in performed mass Surya Namaskar yoga exercise organized simultaneously at all educational institutions, Panchayats and other institutions in Madhya Pradesh. The event Swami Vivekananda Jayanti.

The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, School Education Minister Shri Paras Jain, other Ministers, MPs, MLAs, public representatives, social workers, members of NGOs and a large number of people participated in this mega event.

The Chief Minister Shri Chouhan participated in Surya Namaskar at Sardarpur sports complex in Dhar district. He

Mass Surya Namaskar Yoga ExerciseCM Shri Chouhan participates in Surya Namaskar

joined the students and performed all 12 Asanas (postures) of Surya Namaskar.

Describing Surya Namaskar as a complete exercise and key to maintaining good health, Shri Chouhan urged children to make the exercise a part of their daily life. He said that disease-free body is a must for harbouring healthy thoughts and mind. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he said that Swamiji stressed on physical and mental wellness. Swami Vivekananda used to advise playing football before learning the secrets of Atma and Parmatma.

The Chief Minister said that Surya Namaskar is an easy way of exercise. He said that it is not a religious activity. Anyone can do it. He exhorted children to study hard and achieve highest positions in desired fields.

The Members of Council of Ministers in different districts participated in the mass Surya Namaskar and interacted with children about the advantages of practicing Yoga and Yogic Kriyas.

NEWS WATCH

Home Ÿ Emergency Respose Centres to be set up. Ÿ Office of State Disastrous Management Authority

to be set up. Ÿ Tender process to be completed for construction

of 2500 housing units for police.

Ÿ Strictly deal with law breakers. Protect innocent.

Ÿ Constantly review security systems in jails.

School Education

Ÿ Caste certificates from class First.Ÿ Pratibha Parva to be observed.Ÿ Answer sheets of class V and VIII to be examined

by other schools' teaching staff.

Ÿ Give top priority to construction of toilets in high, higher secondary schools.

Ÿ Ensure that schools have laboratories.

Urban Development

Ÿ Metro rail project's DPRs to be prepared. Ÿ Policy for multi storied parking in big cities to be

drafted. Ÿ Policy for urban lease renewal to be formulated. Ÿ Automatic building plan approval system to be

implemented in five mega cities.

Ÿ Draw out long term planning for affordable housing for lower income groups.

Ÿ Streamline the set up of urban bodies. Ÿ Work out integrated development

planning of areas adjacent to major cities.

University status to Baba Saheb Ambedkar Institute MhowDr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Institute at Mhow, Indore has got University status. The Governor and Chancellor of Universities, Shri Ram Naresh Yadav chaired the governing body meeting of Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Institute Mhow, and approved a proposal according University status to the Institute. It will now be known as “Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Social Science and Management University”. This will be a campus university with 5 main teaching institutes and 3 directorates. International Cooperation Programme will also be conducted.

The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan participating in the mass Surya Namaskar Yoga exercise.

10 THE BULLETINMP THE BULLETIN MP 11

The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan wishing the Governor Shri Ran Naresh Yadav a happy New Year.

The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited Bhopal’s Rain Basera - Night Shelter Units where workers coming to the city from villages stay. They are served subsidized food here. Shri Chouhan visited them to know whether they are getting the requisite facilities.

Madhya Pradesh observed mass Surya Namaskar- Yoga exercise. This annual event takes place on the occasion of Swami Vivekanand Jayanti. The

Surya Namaskar according to sacred scriptures and treatises is considered a complete Yoga as it has 12 basic Asanas or Yogic postures.

thousands

marks the birth anniversary of

Students in performed mass Surya Namaskar yoga exercise organized simultaneously at all educational institutions, Panchayats and other institutions in Madhya Pradesh. The event Swami Vivekananda Jayanti.

The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, School Education Minister Shri Paras Jain, other Ministers, MPs, MLAs, public representatives, social workers, members of NGOs and a large number of people participated in this mega event.

The Chief Minister Shri Chouhan participated in Surya Namaskar at Sardarpur sports complex in Dhar district. He

Mass Surya Namaskar Yoga ExerciseCM Shri Chouhan participates in Surya Namaskar

joined the students and performed all 12 Asanas (postures) of Surya Namaskar.

Describing Surya Namaskar as a complete exercise and key to maintaining good health, Shri Chouhan urged children to make the exercise a part of their daily life. He said that disease-free body is a must for harbouring healthy thoughts and mind. Quoting Swami Vivekananda, he said that Swamiji stressed on physical and mental wellness. Swami Vivekananda used to advise playing football before learning the secrets of Atma and Parmatma.

The Chief Minister said that Surya Namaskar is an easy way of exercise. He said that it is not a religious activity. Anyone can do it. He exhorted children to study hard and achieve highest positions in desired fields.

The Members of Council of Ministers in different districts participated in the mass Surya Namaskar and interacted with children about the advantages of practicing Yoga and Yogic Kriyas.

NEWS WATCH

Home Ÿ Emergency Respose Centres to be set up. Ÿ Office of State Disastrous Management Authority

to be set up. Ÿ Tender process to be completed for construction

of 2500 housing units for police.

Ÿ Strictly deal with law breakers. Protect innocent.

Ÿ Constantly review security systems in jails.

School Education

Ÿ Caste certificates from class First.Ÿ Pratibha Parva to be observed.Ÿ Answer sheets of class V and VIII to be examined

by other schools' teaching staff.

Ÿ Give top priority to construction of toilets in high, higher secondary schools.

Ÿ Ensure that schools have laboratories.

Urban Development

Ÿ Metro rail project's DPRs to be prepared. Ÿ Policy for multi storied parking in big cities to be

drafted. Ÿ Policy for urban lease renewal to be formulated. Ÿ Automatic building plan approval system to be

implemented in five mega cities.

Ÿ Draw out long term planning for affordable housing for lower income groups.

Ÿ Streamline the set up of urban bodies. Ÿ Work out integrated development

planning of areas adjacent to major cities.

University status to Baba Saheb Ambedkar Institute MhowDr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Institute at Mhow, Indore has got University status. The Governor and Chancellor of Universities, Shri Ram Naresh Yadav chaired the governing body meeting of Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar Institute Mhow, and approved a proposal according University status to the Institute. It will now be known as “Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Social Science and Management University”. This will be a campus university with 5 main teaching institutes and 3 directorates. International Cooperation Programme will also be conducted.

The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan participating in the mass Surya Namaskar Yoga exercise.

10 THE BULLETINMP THE BULLETIN MP 11

The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan wishing the Governor Shri Ran Naresh Yadav a happy New Year.

The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited Bhopal’s Rain Basera - Night Shelter Units where workers coming to the city from villages stay. They are served subsidized food here. Shri Chouhan visited them to know whether they are getting the requisite facilities.

NEWS-WATCH

nown for diamonds across the world, Panna district now scripts a new chapter in the wildlife

conservation history setting a glaring example of human intervention for rehabilitation and revival of tigers.

Once devoid of tigers, Panna Tiger Reserve has 23 tigers. The Tiger Relocation Project has an enlightening success story to tell the world and wildlife conservationists. The Tiger Relocation Project completes four and half years of its inception. The net result is that 23 tigers roam in the Panna Tiger Reserve. The task of relocating tigers was believed to be the most challenging and next to impossible by the experts from India and abroad. The Panna Tiger Reserve achieves a pilgrimage status with respect to wildlife conservation and reintroduction of tiger.

The Tiger Relocation Project was started in November 2009. A tiger and 4 tigresses were brought from Kanha and Bandhavgarh national parks. They were released here 4 years ago. Of these, tigress T-1 has given birth to cubs twice and T-2 and T-4 became mother for third time giving birth to three cubs each. The two tigers of the first litter of tigress T-1 have established their territory in the park. Similarly,

T-2 and T-4 have separated cubs of their second litter only at the age of 12-13 months. At present, T-2 and T-4 tigresses are nourishing the 5-month old cubs.

Radio collars are being attached to growing up tiger cubs. Tigers are making their territories across the Park area. The cubs are growing up in a natural environment. They have begun hunting activity. The second phase of Tiger Relocation Project has been launched with the relocation of a tigress from Pench national park. The tigress T-6 is three years of age.

The sex ratio of tigers in the Panna reserve was upset as the number of male tigers has gone up. Two tigresses are being relocated here. The tigers raised in the Panna Tiger Reserve may be relocated in other tiger reserves in the state keeping in view the success of the project. The second phase of Tiger Relocation Project has been designed on the basis of the first phase experiences.

In order to make people aware of importance and significance of Tigers' existence and forest conservation

Relocation of two more tigresses

Panna Scripts Wildlife Conservation History

A Global Example in Tiger Relocation

NEWS-WATCH

the Panna Nature Camps are being organized. So far, 72 such camps have been organized. More than 2000 villagers from surrounding villages attended these camps.

Panna is the twenty second Tiger Reserve of India and fifth in Madhya Pradesh. The Reserve is situated in the Vindhyan Ranges and spreads over Panna and Chattarpur districts in the north of the State.

Panna National Park was created in 1981. It was declared a Project Tiger Reserve by Government of India in 1994. The National Park consists of areas from the former Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary created in 1975. This sanctuary comprised territorial forests of the present North and South Panna Forest Division to which a portion of the adjoining Chhatarpur forest division was added later. The reserved forests of the Park in Panna district and some protected forests on Chhatarpur side were the hunting preserves of the erstwhile rulers of Panna, Chhatarpur and Bijawar that were princely states.

The Ken river, which flows through the Reserve from south to north, is home for Gharial and Mugger, and other aquatic fauna. It is one of the less polluted rivers and a tributary of Yamuna. It is one of the sixteen perennial rivers of Madhya Pradesh and is truly the life line of the Reserve. Ken offers some of the most spectacular scenery to the visitor while it meanders through the Reserve covering a distance of 55 km.

The terrain of the reserve is characterised by extensive plateaus and gorges. The reserve which has a bench topography, can broadly be divided into three distinct tablelands on Panna side: the upper Talgaon Plateau, the middle Hinnauta plateau and the Ken valley. Series of undulating hills and plateaus rise on the other side of Ken river in Chattarpur district.

A Profile

12 THE BULLETINMP THE BULLETIN MP 13

K

Salient Features

MAMMALS

BIRDS

REPTILES

FLORA

Total Area - 1645.08 sq. km

Core Area - 542.66 sq. km

Buffer - 1002.42 sq. km.

Ken Ghariyal Sanctuary - 45.20 sq. km

Panna (Gangau) Sanctuary - 45.20 sq. km

Rainfall - 1100 mm, average

Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), leopard (Panthera pardus), wild dog (Cuon alpinus), wolf (Canis lupus), hyaena (Hyaena hyaena) and caracal (Felus caracal) and smaller cats. Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) has his most favourite home in the rock escarpments. The wooded areas are dotted with sambar (Cervus unicolor) - the largest of Indian deers, chital (Axis axis) and chowsingha (Tetracevos quadricornis). One can easily see nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and chinkara (Gazella gazella) in most open areas in the grasslands, specially on the periphery.

The avifauna comprises more than two hundred including a host of migratory birds. White necked stork, barheaded goose, honey Buuzzard, King Vulture, Blossom headed Parakeet, Paradise flycatcher, Slaty headed Scimitar babbler can be spotted easily.

Different species of snakes, including the python and other reptiles inhabit the park.

The characteristic floral species of this area include tree species such as Tectona grandis, Diospyros melanoxylon, Madhuca indica, Buchnania latifolia, Anogeissus latifolia, Anogeissus pendula, Lannea coromandelica, Bosswelia serrata etc. Major shrub species includes Lantana camera, Grewia sp., Nyctanthus arbortristis, Ixora sp., Zyziphus mauritiana, Zyziphus oenoplea, etc. The dominant grass species are Apluda mutica, Themeda quadrivalvis, Meteropogon contortus, Arishtida sp. etc.

NEWS-WATCH

nown for diamonds across the world, Panna district now scripts a new chapter in the wildlife

conservation history setting a glaring example of human intervention for rehabilitation and revival of tigers.

Once devoid of tigers, Panna Tiger Reserve has 23 tigers. The Tiger Relocation Project has an enlightening success story to tell the world and wildlife conservationists. The Tiger Relocation Project completes four and half years of its inception. The net result is that 23 tigers roam in the Panna Tiger Reserve. The task of relocating tigers was believed to be the most challenging and next to impossible by the experts from India and abroad. The Panna Tiger Reserve achieves a pilgrimage status with respect to wildlife conservation and reintroduction of tiger.

The Tiger Relocation Project was started in November 2009. A tiger and 4 tigresses were brought from Kanha and Bandhavgarh national parks. They were released here 4 years ago. Of these, tigress T-1 has given birth to cubs twice and T-2 and T-4 became mother for third time giving birth to three cubs each. The two tigers of the first litter of tigress T-1 have established their territory in the park. Similarly,

T-2 and T-4 have separated cubs of their second litter only at the age of 12-13 months. At present, T-2 and T-4 tigresses are nourishing the 5-month old cubs.

Radio collars are being attached to growing up tiger cubs. Tigers are making their territories across the Park area. The cubs are growing up in a natural environment. They have begun hunting activity. The second phase of Tiger Relocation Project has been launched with the relocation of a tigress from Pench national park. The tigress T-6 is three years of age.

The sex ratio of tigers in the Panna reserve was upset as the number of male tigers has gone up. Two tigresses are being relocated here. The tigers raised in the Panna Tiger Reserve may be relocated in other tiger reserves in the state keeping in view the success of the project. The second phase of Tiger Relocation Project has been designed on the basis of the first phase experiences.

In order to make people aware of importance and significance of Tigers' existence and forest conservation

Relocation of two more tigresses

Panna Scripts Wildlife Conservation History

A Global Example in Tiger Relocation

NEWS-WATCH

the Panna Nature Camps are being organized. So far, 72 such camps have been organized. More than 2000 villagers from surrounding villages attended these camps.

Panna is the twenty second Tiger Reserve of India and fifth in Madhya Pradesh. The Reserve is situated in the Vindhyan Ranges and spreads over Panna and Chattarpur districts in the north of the State.

Panna National Park was created in 1981. It was declared a Project Tiger Reserve by Government of India in 1994. The National Park consists of areas from the former Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary created in 1975. This sanctuary comprised territorial forests of the present North and South Panna Forest Division to which a portion of the adjoining Chhatarpur forest division was added later. The reserved forests of the Park in Panna district and some protected forests on Chhatarpur side were the hunting preserves of the erstwhile rulers of Panna, Chhatarpur and Bijawar that were princely states.

The Ken river, which flows through the Reserve from south to north, is home for Gharial and Mugger, and other aquatic fauna. It is one of the less polluted rivers and a tributary of Yamuna. It is one of the sixteen perennial rivers of Madhya Pradesh and is truly the life line of the Reserve. Ken offers some of the most spectacular scenery to the visitor while it meanders through the Reserve covering a distance of 55 km.

The terrain of the reserve is characterised by extensive plateaus and gorges. The reserve which has a bench topography, can broadly be divided into three distinct tablelands on Panna side: the upper Talgaon Plateau, the middle Hinnauta plateau and the Ken valley. Series of undulating hills and plateaus rise on the other side of Ken river in Chattarpur district.

A Profile

12 THE BULLETINMP THE BULLETIN MP 13

K

Salient Features

MAMMALS

BIRDS

REPTILES

FLORA

Total Area - 1645.08 sq. km

Core Area - 542.66 sq. km

Buffer - 1002.42 sq. km.

Ken Ghariyal Sanctuary - 45.20 sq. km

Panna (Gangau) Sanctuary - 45.20 sq. km

Rainfall - 1100 mm, average

Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), leopard (Panthera pardus), wild dog (Cuon alpinus), wolf (Canis lupus), hyaena (Hyaena hyaena) and caracal (Felus caracal) and smaller cats. Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) has his most favourite home in the rock escarpments. The wooded areas are dotted with sambar (Cervus unicolor) - the largest of Indian deers, chital (Axis axis) and chowsingha (Tetracevos quadricornis). One can easily see nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) and chinkara (Gazella gazella) in most open areas in the grasslands, specially on the periphery.

The avifauna comprises more than two hundred including a host of migratory birds. White necked stork, barheaded goose, honey Buuzzard, King Vulture, Blossom headed Parakeet, Paradise flycatcher, Slaty headed Scimitar babbler can be spotted easily.

Different species of snakes, including the python and other reptiles inhabit the park.

The characteristic floral species of this area include tree species such as Tectona grandis, Diospyros melanoxylon, Madhuca indica, Buchnania latifolia, Anogeissus latifolia, Anogeissus pendula, Lannea coromandelica, Bosswelia serrata etc. Major shrub species includes Lantana camera, Grewia sp., Nyctanthus arbortristis, Ixora sp., Zyziphus mauritiana, Zyziphus oenoplea, etc. The dominant grass species are Apluda mutica, Themeda quadrivalvis, Meteropogon contortus, Arishtida sp. etc.

Question - Recently Madhya Pradesh Model of Financial Inclusion – Samruddhi was in news with appreciations from all corners.

Question – Would you please elaborate more and list out initial hurdles that obstructed the implementation of the Model?

Question - Do you think this Model is suitable for geographically vast Madhya Pradesh? if yes then what should be technicalities?

Answer – Yes, you know Samruddhi means prosperity for all – it is the best word to represent inclusive growth with sustainable access to development. Words 'Financial Inclusion' and 'Direct Benefit Transfer' are unfortunately used in a limited sense of just 'devolution of benefits from Government to the beneficiaries'.

Answer - If we have objective of Samruddhi then the first and foremost challenge is to understand the underlying meaning of these two terms and then work on strategy that will translate it into a reality that would be sustainable in nature. This is exactly what the state of Madhya Pradesh focused in its attempts.

There are lessons learnt that are replicable as reiterated by the success and thus the challenge of way forward. This was a journey that involved not only the departments of Government of Madhya Pradesh and constant laisoning with the relevant central ministries but also the banks through State Level Bankers Committee and District level Bankers Committee. The challenge was also to draw out a road map for smooth mechanisms of devolution of funds in terms of post-office and cooperative banks that were not on the platform of core-banking. In all its attempts and success the Madhya Pradesh model, the beneficiary was kept at the center stage. It was the ease of beneficiary that was the pushing factor for all the changes in the policy, mechanism and execution.

Answer – Why not. The State was already in the discipline of devolving 86% of its funds through the bank accounts i.e. the cash disbursement was negligible. The population of Madhya Pradesh is 72 million, an increase of 24.34% and the population density is 196 people per square kilometer. More than 75% of state population resides in villages whose main occupation is agriculture, while the

rest of the population lives in towns. The low density of population was resulting in one-third of the villages to commute ranging from 20km to 90 km to do the financial transaction. Take example of village 'Bataka' in block Harrai of District Chindwara had to walk 60 kms till village Bamkho. Similarly village 'Kalaakhar' had to travel 50kms to Kesla in Hoshangabad District for financial dispensation. With this scenario it was very important to examine the norms and directions given by the Reserve Bank of India and Union Ministry of Finance. It was realized that the n o r m fo r o p e n i n g B u s i n e s s C o r re s p o n d e n c e Arrangements was 2000 population and later modified to 1000 population and below in a graded manner. This would have resulted in the left out areas again being devoid of getting the benefits for a long period. The challenge was to work out a system that would give them immediate solution that will be sustainable. Local laudable experiments were carried out by running mobile vans in Anupur district and shift of accounts to commercial banks and then disbursement of funds in Balaghat district but both the models suffered from being personality based models and thus non replicable and required active role of local banks. Both of these experiments were catering to only devolution of funds and not other products of financial inclusion.

The State model was built upon the above two arrangements that will institutionalize the system. The Lead Bank Officer meeting was called to understand the issue of delay in payments and mechanisms adopted on date for not just devolution but also selling other financial products. Thus, massive exercise was undertaken in the District Level Coordination Committee to map the districts and mark the Commercial Banks, RRBs, Cooperative Banks, Post Offices and thus identify villages that have to cover distance of more than 5km. The distance 5km was worked out on two parameter—one it is walk-able distance and hence ensures access and second it will make the commission of Business Correspondent lucrative to make it sustainable. Once computed we realized out of 53009 villages 14676 villages did not have any of the financial institutions. Thus, the norm of population of 2000 for opening BC did need a re-look to address the issue in the State. Thus, the concept of 'Shadow Area' was evolved.

Question – What is Shadow Area? Would you please explain further?

Question – Is it really a Business Model then ?

Question – Are there more hurdles ahead?

Answer – Of course. Shadow Area is an area that does not have any brick and mortar financial institution. In the SLBC decision was taken that the Ultra Small Bank/Community Service Center to be opened that will ensure these shadow area villages are catered. Again exercise was taken up in the DLCC to identify such locations and 2998 such locations were identified.

Another challenge was to get the necessary directions to the bankers to open these centers at these identified places. Ministry of Finance and RBI were approached and necessary instructions were issued by these organizations. The challenge then was again to sell it as a business model to the banks. During discussions it was expressed that a single BC operated center must be visited by regular Bank official if not once in a week at least in a fortnight should have a turnover of at least 45 lac/annum. The State took up the challenge and offered 100sq feet area in the e-Panchayat room with facilities to set up this USB/CSC. So far, 1761 of such centers are functioning. The balance will be opened very shortly.

Answer – Yes it is because they have done business of 600 crores in last 7-8 months. They are jubilant, enthused and appreciative. They clearly opine that what started as a mandated activity has now turned into a fully fledged business domain. The model creates a win-win for all the stake holders'. It is a business model for bankers and not a charity. The access enabled not just the opportunity for devolution of money but also expand financial literacy pursued strongly by RBI and NABARD and the sale of other financial products especially savings and insurance. Some of the USBs covering only three villages had a turnover of 75lacs in just 5 months. The reported business done by operative USBs is around 600 crore; you will agree that it is an encouraging figure.

Answer – No. The passage is clean now. A big challenge was how to ensure devolution of funds to all the RRB and Post Office that are in core banking and then Cooperative Banks and Post Offices that are not in core banking. The State took up initiative to start process along with cooperation of NABARD to trigger core-banking of Cooperative Banks and all RRBs and Cooperative Banks are expected to be in the core banking. Post Offices have a long way to go. Thus, the State worked out intermediate mechanisms. These mechanisms were tested when the State shifted 100% e-FMS payment in MGNREGA.

The biggest challenge was the post-office without core-banking. The intermediate arrangements were made to ensure quick devolution of fund. Thus a challenge was undertaken by MGNREGA to completely shift to e-FMS mode in all the 50 districts and 313 Janpads and 23006

stpanchayats from 1 of April 2013. This enabled to fine tune

the hiccups experienced in the devolution of the funds. Now, the model is ready for replication. Around 385 crores is devolved through this mechanism.

Answer - With an easy access to the brick and mortar financial institution and conduit of transfer of funds being tested under MGNREGA the next leap has been SSSM. The State, since last couple of years undertook a massive operation of Samagra Samajik Suraksha Mission(SSSM). The endeavor was to convert all the schemes of pension, scholarships, health benefits etc spread within and across departments for common objectives. It was important to evolve mechanism of devolution as per the entitlements.

Thus, data was captured for all the house-holds. A massive

exercise was undertaken since December 2012 to

enumerate the house-holds and punch their data to know

the entitlements. Each house-hold with family members

with their bank account number is captured. Maximum of

devolution of Government schemes lists entitlements on

household and not individual thus this data enables to

compute the benefits entitled, sanctioned and devolved to

a household in terms of number of days of employment in

MGNREGA, pension benefits, scholarships, housing, toilet

given, loan and subsidy if any so on and so forth. This also is

disbursed through the financial inclusion model.

The Direct Benefit Transfer is ready to make a beginning for all the pensions that is to be devolved in the state directly from the treasury. As many as 15 districts have tested the transfer and others would soon follow. The next endeavor is to devolve the scholarships and health benefits. The state will be doing it pan-Madhya Pradesh with common data base model for all the schemes of the State. It adds to the Adhaar as it only ensures individual identity and thus entitlements cannot be worked out. The Samagra Samajik Suraksha Mission (SSSM) enables individual and family based data and family based entitlements are housing, MGNREGA employment of 100 days, and toilets to household, Janshree scholarship to two children of a household. Thus, it is easily linked to all entitlements. The SSSM does have mechanism to seed the Adhaar; and once seeded it will reflect in all the schemes and programmes.

Answer – I can say, the Madhya Pradesh Model is now a well tested business model for holistic Financial Inclusion. The Direct Benefit Transfer is not just 'having the accesses' but also 'gaining the access'. The gaining access will ensure financial literacy, access to all financial products, enabling devolution once a conduit is set for not just pension, MGNREGA payments but for housing, scholarships etc. All can be done at one stroke. The most important is the dynamic SSSM with arrangements to keep it updated. This will always make available real time data for the entire universe of beneficiaries. The entire process is a successful 'business model'.

Question – What impact do you experience?

Question – What is your positive note on the future?

Financial Inclusion Model of M.P.

Road To Prosperity

Converging the functions of key departments - Rural Development, Panchayats, Social Justice and

Banks is a giant step for BANKING THE UNBANKED population in Madhya Pradesh, feels Smt.

Aruna Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary Rural Development, Panchayat and Social

Justice. The Government has evolved an easy-to-practice pro-poor financial inclusion model, which

is easily replicable. The Madhya Pradesh Model has received appreciations from all stakeholders

more particularly the targeted beneficiaries. In a long interview she elaborates about how the

Model was conceptualized and gradually improvised and to what extent it is forward-looking.

14 THE BULLETINMP THE BULLETIN MP 15

INTERVIEW INTERVIEW

Question - Recently Madhya Pradesh Model of Financial Inclusion – Samruddhi was in news with appreciations from all corners.

Question – Would you please elaborate more and list out initial hurdles that obstructed the implementation of the Model?

Question - Do you think this Model is suitable for geographically vast Madhya Pradesh? if yes then what should be technicalities?

Answer – Yes, you know Samruddhi means prosperity for all – it is the best word to represent inclusive growth with sustainable access to development. Words 'Financial Inclusion' and 'Direct Benefit Transfer' are unfortunately used in a limited sense of just 'devolution of benefits from Government to the beneficiaries'.

Answer - If we have objective of Samruddhi then the first and foremost challenge is to understand the underlying meaning of these two terms and then work on strategy that will translate it into a reality that would be sustainable in nature. This is exactly what the state of Madhya Pradesh focused in its attempts.

There are lessons learnt that are replicable as reiterated by the success and thus the challenge of way forward. This was a journey that involved not only the departments of Government of Madhya Pradesh and constant laisoning with the relevant central ministries but also the banks through State Level Bankers Committee and District level Bankers Committee. The challenge was also to draw out a road map for smooth mechanisms of devolution of funds in terms of post-office and cooperative banks that were not on the platform of core-banking. In all its attempts and success the Madhya Pradesh model, the beneficiary was kept at the center stage. It was the ease of beneficiary that was the pushing factor for all the changes in the policy, mechanism and execution.

Answer – Why not. The State was already in the discipline of devolving 86% of its funds through the bank accounts i.e. the cash disbursement was negligible. The population of Madhya Pradesh is 72 million, an increase of 24.34% and the population density is 196 people per square kilometer. More than 75% of state population resides in villages whose main occupation is agriculture, while the

rest of the population lives in towns. The low density of population was resulting in one-third of the villages to commute ranging from 20km to 90 km to do the financial transaction. Take example of village 'Bataka' in block Harrai of District Chindwara had to walk 60 kms till village Bamkho. Similarly village 'Kalaakhar' had to travel 50kms to Kesla in Hoshangabad District for financial dispensation. With this scenario it was very important to examine the norms and directions given by the Reserve Bank of India and Union Ministry of Finance. It was realized that the n o r m fo r o p e n i n g B u s i n e s s C o r re s p o n d e n c e Arrangements was 2000 population and later modified to 1000 population and below in a graded manner. This would have resulted in the left out areas again being devoid of getting the benefits for a long period. The challenge was to work out a system that would give them immediate solution that will be sustainable. Local laudable experiments were carried out by running mobile vans in Anupur district and shift of accounts to commercial banks and then disbursement of funds in Balaghat district but both the models suffered from being personality based models and thus non replicable and required active role of local banks. Both of these experiments were catering to only devolution of funds and not other products of financial inclusion.

The State model was built upon the above two arrangements that will institutionalize the system. The Lead Bank Officer meeting was called to understand the issue of delay in payments and mechanisms adopted on date for not just devolution but also selling other financial products. Thus, massive exercise was undertaken in the District Level Coordination Committee to map the districts and mark the Commercial Banks, RRBs, Cooperative Banks, Post Offices and thus identify villages that have to cover distance of more than 5km. The distance 5km was worked out on two parameter—one it is walk-able distance and hence ensures access and second it will make the commission of Business Correspondent lucrative to make it sustainable. Once computed we realized out of 53009 villages 14676 villages did not have any of the financial institutions. Thus, the norm of population of 2000 for opening BC did need a re-look to address the issue in the State. Thus, the concept of 'Shadow Area' was evolved.

Question – What is Shadow Area? Would you please explain further?

Question – Is it really a Business Model then ?

Question – Are there more hurdles ahead?

Answer – Of course. Shadow Area is an area that does not have any brick and mortar financial institution. In the SLBC decision was taken that the Ultra Small Bank/Community Service Center to be opened that will ensure these shadow area villages are catered. Again exercise was taken up in the DLCC to identify such locations and 2998 such locations were identified.

Another challenge was to get the necessary directions to the bankers to open these centers at these identified places. Ministry of Finance and RBI were approached and necessary instructions were issued by these organizations. The challenge then was again to sell it as a business model to the banks. During discussions it was expressed that a single BC operated center must be visited by regular Bank official if not once in a week at least in a fortnight should have a turnover of at least 45 lac/annum. The State took up the challenge and offered 100sq feet area in the e-Panchayat room with facilities to set up this USB/CSC. So far, 1761 of such centers are functioning. The balance will be opened very shortly.

Answer – Yes it is because they have done business of 600 crores in last 7-8 months. They are jubilant, enthused and appreciative. They clearly opine that what started as a mandated activity has now turned into a fully fledged business domain. The model creates a win-win for all the stake holders'. It is a business model for bankers and not a charity. The access enabled not just the opportunity for devolution of money but also expand financial literacy pursued strongly by RBI and NABARD and the sale of other financial products especially savings and insurance. Some of the USBs covering only three villages had a turnover of 75lacs in just 5 months. The reported business done by operative USBs is around 600 crore; you will agree that it is an encouraging figure.

Answer – No. The passage is clean now. A big challenge was how to ensure devolution of funds to all the RRB and Post Office that are in core banking and then Cooperative Banks and Post Offices that are not in core banking. The State took up initiative to start process along with cooperation of NABARD to trigger core-banking of Cooperative Banks and all RRBs and Cooperative Banks are expected to be in the core banking. Post Offices have a long way to go. Thus, the State worked out intermediate mechanisms. These mechanisms were tested when the State shifted 100% e-FMS payment in MGNREGA.

The biggest challenge was the post-office without core-banking. The intermediate arrangements were made to ensure quick devolution of fund. Thus a challenge was undertaken by MGNREGA to completely shift to e-FMS mode in all the 50 districts and 313 Janpads and 23006

stpanchayats from 1 of April 2013. This enabled to fine tune

the hiccups experienced in the devolution of the funds. Now, the model is ready for replication. Around 385 crores is devolved through this mechanism.

Answer - With an easy access to the brick and mortar financial institution and conduit of transfer of funds being tested under MGNREGA the next leap has been SSSM. The State, since last couple of years undertook a massive operation of Samagra Samajik Suraksha Mission(SSSM). The endeavor was to convert all the schemes of pension, scholarships, health benefits etc spread within and across departments for common objectives. It was important to evolve mechanism of devolution as per the entitlements.

Thus, data was captured for all the house-holds. A massive

exercise was undertaken since December 2012 to

enumerate the house-holds and punch their data to know

the entitlements. Each house-hold with family members

with their bank account number is captured. Maximum of

devolution of Government schemes lists entitlements on

household and not individual thus this data enables to

compute the benefits entitled, sanctioned and devolved to

a household in terms of number of days of employment in

MGNREGA, pension benefits, scholarships, housing, toilet

given, loan and subsidy if any so on and so forth. This also is

disbursed through the financial inclusion model.

The Direct Benefit Transfer is ready to make a beginning for all the pensions that is to be devolved in the state directly from the treasury. As many as 15 districts have tested the transfer and others would soon follow. The next endeavor is to devolve the scholarships and health benefits. The state will be doing it pan-Madhya Pradesh with common data base model for all the schemes of the State. It adds to the Adhaar as it only ensures individual identity and thus entitlements cannot be worked out. The Samagra Samajik Suraksha Mission (SSSM) enables individual and family based data and family based entitlements are housing, MGNREGA employment of 100 days, and toilets to household, Janshree scholarship to two children of a household. Thus, it is easily linked to all entitlements. The SSSM does have mechanism to seed the Adhaar; and once seeded it will reflect in all the schemes and programmes.

Answer – I can say, the Madhya Pradesh Model is now a well tested business model for holistic Financial Inclusion. The Direct Benefit Transfer is not just 'having the accesses' but also 'gaining the access'. The gaining access will ensure financial literacy, access to all financial products, enabling devolution once a conduit is set for not just pension, MGNREGA payments but for housing, scholarships etc. All can be done at one stroke. The most important is the dynamic SSSM with arrangements to keep it updated. This will always make available real time data for the entire universe of beneficiaries. The entire process is a successful 'business model'.

Question – What impact do you experience?

Question – What is your positive note on the future?

Financial Inclusion Model of M.P.

Road To Prosperity

Converging the functions of key departments - Rural Development, Panchayats, Social Justice and

Banks is a giant step for BANKING THE UNBANKED population in Madhya Pradesh, feels Smt.

Aruna Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary Rural Development, Panchayat and Social

Justice. The Government has evolved an easy-to-practice pro-poor financial inclusion model, which

is easily replicable. The Madhya Pradesh Model has received appreciations from all stakeholders

more particularly the targeted beneficiaries. In a long interview she elaborates about how the

Model was conceptualized and gradually improvised and to what extent it is forward-looking.

14 THE BULLETINMP THE BULLETIN MP 15

INTERVIEW INTERVIEW

NEWS WATCH

16 THE BULLETINMP THE BULLETIN MP 17

NEWS WATCH

C.M. Shri Chouhan for immediate release of Rs. 575 crore central assistance

Writes to Prime Minister for no action even after months

The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has sought personal intervention of the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for immediately releasing the central assistance of Rs. 575 crore for the state.

Shri Chouhan in his letter to the Prime Minister termed it unfortunate that even after more than three months since the submission of memorandum to Government of India, the central assistance has yet to be received and this is causing unrest. Shri Chouhan sought immediate release of the requested central assistance of Rs. 575 crore.

The Chief Minister in his letter apprised the Prime Minister of large scale damage to Kharif crops due to heavy rains and devastating floods in monsoon season of 2013. He pointed out that continuous heavy rains from the

middle of June to September 2013 caused flooding in many parts of the State particularly in central and western regions. Major rivers like Narmada and Tapti flowed above the danger level, which resulted in damage of Kharif crops. Several human lives and cattle heads were also perished. Large scale damage to houses and public properties was also reported due to heavy floods, he mentioned in the letter.

Shri Chouhan said that after conducting the detailed survey of all kinds of damage including crop damage, a memorandum was prepared as per National Disaster Relief Fund norms and was submitted to Government of India on 28th October, 2013 seeking additional central assistance of Rs. 575 crore to meet the immediate losses.

The Chief Minster reminded the Prime Minister of his meeting in December 2013 saying that the extent of damage and plight of the farmers on account of natural calamity was apprised of and a request was made to sympathetically consider the State's demand.

A business delegation of Taiwan led by Ambassador Shri Chung Kwang met the Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan at State Secretariat and appreciated emergence of Madhya Pradesh as the most favourable investment destination.

The Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that India and Taiwan have close cultural and trade relations. Both the countries can foster the robust relatiohship through trade promotion. Madhya Pradesh offers excellent opportunities. Shri Chouhan informed the delegation that Madhya Pradesh's has successfully maintained its high economic growth rate in double digit for last 7 years. It is the fastest growing state in the country. He said that Madhya Pradesh has also achieved an unprecedented agiculture growth rate of 18.91 percent. Intensive efforts are being made for increasing investment. He said that Taiwan's investment proposals are most welcome in new areas like food processing, electronics, manufacturing, information technology, solar panel manufacturing etc.

The Chief Minister Shri Chouhan informed that state's investment policy and procedures are industry-friendly and totally transparent. He said that a delegation from the state will be sent to Taiwan in order to explore trade potential. He invited Taiwan's investors and delegation to Global Investors' Summit being held at Indore on October 8, 9, and 10, 2014.

Taiwan's Ambassador Shri Kwang described Shri Chouhan as a popular Chief Minister and attributed constant rise in economic growth rate of Madhya Pradesh to his leadership capacity. He said that trade activities have increased in south-eastern countries due to Look East approach by the world economies. Investments worth 200 billion US dollar have been made in these countries. He said that new sectors need to be explored in view of increasing business competition, high labour and excessive demand. He said that Madhya Pradesh has emerged as new investment destination in India. He said that India is the only hope. Shri Kwang underlined the potential in Madhya Pradesh in food processing, automobile, and agriculture sectors.

The Madhya Pradesh Model of financial inclusion-

“Samruddhi” for ensuring transfer of benefits under

various government schemes directly into the bank

accounts of eligible beneficiaries through ultra small banks

has been widely appreciated. The Model is being advocated

for other states. United Nation’s Development

Programme’s Evaluation Report on Madhya Pradesh

Model of Financial Inclusion was released at a national

workshop at India International Centre, New Delhi

recently.

Appreciating the financial inclusion model “Samriddhi”,

the Union Finance Secretary Shri Sumit Bose said that

Madhya Pradesh has emerged as pioneer in innovative

governance. He said that progress of the nation and states

is possible only through robust fiscal infrastructure. The

Madhya Pradesh model of financial inclusion is an

appreciable beginning. Other states should also draw

inspiration from the Madhya Pradesh initiative. Shri Bose

said that like post offices, banking institutions should also

create client-friendly atmosphere in rural areas.

The Chief Secretary Shri Anthony de Sa said that Madhya

Pradesh is leading in various sectors of development.

Describing financial inclusion as key to social inclusion, he

said that innovative use of Information Technology can

make the task easier. In this context, Integrated Social

Security Mission can be termed as a unique initiative of

Madhya Pradesh. He stressed on linkage of ultra small

banks with various financial activities in rural areas.

Additional Secretary Finance, Government of India Smt.

Snehlata Shrivastava gave a detailed account of Central

Government’s efforts for direct benefit transfer.

Appreciating the Madhya Pradesh Model of Financial

Inclusion, United Nations’ Dehi-based Resident

Coordinator and UNDP’s Resident Representative Sushri

Lise Grande congratulated Madhya Pradesh Government

for the initiative. She said that the integrated model brings

under one umbrella all important schemes social

security and protection. She appreciated the success of

initiatives ensuring the reach out of banking services in

rural areas.

Additional Chief Secretary Panchayats & Rural

Development Smt. Aruna Sharma informed that 3000 ultra

small banks are being opened in 14 thousand 667 un-

serviced villages. So far, 2071 ultra small banks have been

opened in remote villages in one and half years. Earlier,

people had to travel 20 to 90 kilometers for availing

banking service. Now, they are getting banking facility

easily through Ultra Small Banks. Benefits and pension

from Central and State Governments are being directly

deposited in bank accounts of all beneficiaries including

those of BPL families, senior citizens, disabled and

destitute persons and widows. Smt. Sharma informed that

Ultra Small Banks have transacted business worth Rs. 800

crore.

Commissioner MNREGA Dr. Ravindra Pastor said that

electronic fund management system (e-FMS) has brought

about transparency in disbursement of MNREGA

payments reducing the complaints to a negligible number.

The Central Bank of India’s Field Manager Shri Umesh

Kumar Singh gave a presentation on successful efforts for

financial inclusion.

aiming at

Madhya Pradesh Model of Financial Inclusion

- “Samruddhi” widely hailed

UNDP’s Evaluation Report Released

M.P. Emerges a favourable

investment destination - Taiwan Ambassador Shri Chung Kwang

NEWS WATCH

16 THE BULLETINMP THE BULLETIN MP 17

NEWS WATCH

C.M. Shri Chouhan for immediate release of Rs. 575 crore central assistance

Writes to Prime Minister for no action even after months

The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has sought personal intervention of the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for immediately releasing the central assistance of Rs. 575 crore for the state.

Shri Chouhan in his letter to the Prime Minister termed it unfortunate that even after more than three months since the submission of memorandum to Government of India, the central assistance has yet to be received and this is causing unrest. Shri Chouhan sought immediate release of the requested central assistance of Rs. 575 crore.

The Chief Minister in his letter apprised the Prime Minister of large scale damage to Kharif crops due to heavy rains and devastating floods in monsoon season of 2013. He pointed out that continuous heavy rains from the

middle of June to September 2013 caused flooding in many parts of the State particularly in central and western regions. Major rivers like Narmada and Tapti flowed above the danger level, which resulted in damage of Kharif crops. Several human lives and cattle heads were also perished. Large scale damage to houses and public properties was also reported due to heavy floods, he mentioned in the letter.

Shri Chouhan said that after conducting the detailed survey of all kinds of damage including crop damage, a memorandum was prepared as per National Disaster Relief Fund norms and was submitted to Government of India on 28th October, 2013 seeking additional central assistance of Rs. 575 crore to meet the immediate losses.

The Chief Minster reminded the Prime Minister of his meeting in December 2013 saying that the extent of damage and plight of the farmers on account of natural calamity was apprised of and a request was made to sympathetically consider the State's demand.

A business delegation of Taiwan led by Ambassador Shri Chung Kwang met the Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan at State Secretariat and appreciated emergence of Madhya Pradesh as the most favourable investment destination.

The Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that India and Taiwan have close cultural and trade relations. Both the countries can foster the robust relatiohship through trade promotion. Madhya Pradesh offers excellent opportunities. Shri Chouhan informed the delegation that Madhya Pradesh's has successfully maintained its high economic growth rate in double digit for last 7 years. It is the fastest growing state in the country. He said that Madhya Pradesh has also achieved an unprecedented agiculture growth rate of 18.91 percent. Intensive efforts are being made for increasing investment. He said that Taiwan's investment proposals are most welcome in new areas like food processing, electronics, manufacturing, information technology, solar panel manufacturing etc.

The Chief Minister Shri Chouhan informed that state's investment policy and procedures are industry-friendly and totally transparent. He said that a delegation from the state will be sent to Taiwan in order to explore trade potential. He invited Taiwan's investors and delegation to Global Investors' Summit being held at Indore on October 8, 9, and 10, 2014.

Taiwan's Ambassador Shri Kwang described Shri Chouhan as a popular Chief Minister and attributed constant rise in economic growth rate of Madhya Pradesh to his leadership capacity. He said that trade activities have increased in south-eastern countries due to Look East approach by the world economies. Investments worth 200 billion US dollar have been made in these countries. He said that new sectors need to be explored in view of increasing business competition, high labour and excessive demand. He said that Madhya Pradesh has emerged as new investment destination in India. He said that India is the only hope. Shri Kwang underlined the potential in Madhya Pradesh in food processing, automobile, and agriculture sectors.

The Madhya Pradesh Model of financial inclusion-

“Samruddhi” for ensuring transfer of benefits under

various government schemes directly into the bank

accounts of eligible beneficiaries through ultra small banks

has been widely appreciated. The Model is being advocated

for other states. United Nation’s Development

Programme’s Evaluation Report on Madhya Pradesh

Model of Financial Inclusion was released at a national

workshop at India International Centre, New Delhi

recently.

Appreciating the financial inclusion model “Samriddhi”,

the Union Finance Secretary Shri Sumit Bose said that

Madhya Pradesh has emerged as pioneer in innovative

governance. He said that progress of the nation and states

is possible only through robust fiscal infrastructure. The

Madhya Pradesh model of financial inclusion is an

appreciable beginning. Other states should also draw

inspiration from the Madhya Pradesh initiative. Shri Bose

said that like post offices, banking institutions should also

create client-friendly atmosphere in rural areas.

The Chief Secretary Shri Anthony de Sa said that Madhya

Pradesh is leading in various sectors of development.

Describing financial inclusion as key to social inclusion, he

said that innovative use of Information Technology can

make the task easier. In this context, Integrated Social

Security Mission can be termed as a unique initiative of

Madhya Pradesh. He stressed on linkage of ultra small

banks with various financial activities in rural areas.

Additional Secretary Finance, Government of India Smt.

Snehlata Shrivastava gave a detailed account of Central

Government’s efforts for direct benefit transfer.

Appreciating the Madhya Pradesh Model of Financial

Inclusion, United Nations’ Dehi-based Resident

Coordinator and UNDP’s Resident Representative Sushri

Lise Grande congratulated Madhya Pradesh Government

for the initiative. She said that the integrated model brings

under one umbrella all important schemes social

security and protection. She appreciated the success of

initiatives ensuring the reach out of banking services in

rural areas.

Additional Chief Secretary Panchayats & Rural

Development Smt. Aruna Sharma informed that 3000 ultra

small banks are being opened in 14 thousand 667 un-

serviced villages. So far, 2071 ultra small banks have been

opened in remote villages in one and half years. Earlier,

people had to travel 20 to 90 kilometers for availing

banking service. Now, they are getting banking facility

easily through Ultra Small Banks. Benefits and pension

from Central and State Governments are being directly

deposited in bank accounts of all beneficiaries including

those of BPL families, senior citizens, disabled and

destitute persons and widows. Smt. Sharma informed that

Ultra Small Banks have transacted business worth Rs. 800

crore.

Commissioner MNREGA Dr. Ravindra Pastor said that

electronic fund management system (e-FMS) has brought

about transparency in disbursement of MNREGA

payments reducing the complaints to a negligible number.

The Central Bank of India’s Field Manager Shri Umesh

Kumar Singh gave a presentation on successful efforts for

financial inclusion.

aiming at

Madhya Pradesh Model of Financial Inclusion

- “Samruddhi” widely hailed

UNDP’s Evaluation Report Released

M.P. Emerges a favourable

investment destination - Taiwan Ambassador Shri Chung Kwang

Writes to All Chief Ministers

The Chief Minister Shri Chauhan has also written letters to all the Chief Ministers apprising them of the stringent and impractical provisions of the Act. He urged the Chief Ministers to bring to the notice of the Prime Minister the impractical and uniplementable nature of provisions of the Act.

Madhya Pradesh lauhced Swagatam Laxmi Yojana, which seeks to end prevailing prejudices about girl child, give respect to girls and women in the society protecting their individual dignity. The scheme will launch a number of activities through inter-departmental collaboration to restore honour of women and girl child.

The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan at launching ceremony said that all possible efforts are being made for socio-economic, political and educational empowerment of women. A number of schemes have been implemented to root out discriminations against them. Schemes like Ladli Laxmi Yojana and Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana have helped build up a positive atmosphere for changing people’s mindset. Swagatam Laxmi Yojana is the latest in the series, he added.

Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Maya Singh said that Swagatam Laxmi Yojana is an important initiative for improving women’s socio-economic status. She informed that 16 lakh girls have been enrolled under Ladli Laxmi Yojana.

M.P. Launches

Swagatam Laxmi

Yojana

NEWS WATCH NEWS WATCH

The President Dr. Pranab Mukherjee presenting national award to Collector of

Shahdol district Shri Ashok Kumar Bhargava for his outstanding

performance in flawless implementation of electoral processes taking innovative steps and educating voters about their

voting right.

The President Dr. Pranab Mukherjee presenting a certificate of honour and special award to the Chief Electoral Officer Madhya Pradesh Shri Jaideep Govind on the occasion of National Voter’s Day at New Delhi recognizing his excellent work in updating voters’ lists and launching an intensive awareness programme for the voters.

18 THE BULLETINMP THE BULLETIN MP 19

The Chief Minister Shir Shjvraj Singh Chouhan has

requested the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to

urgently convene a meeting of all Chief Ministers to

ascertain their views regarding implementation of

provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. He

sought Prime Minister's intervention in keeping the

implementation of the provisions of the Act under

abeyance till the issues are fully resolved.

Shri Chouhan said that provisions of the Act need

reconsideration as they are impractical and cannot be

implemented. Shri Chouhan said that small business

operators have been adversely hit on account of the

stringent provisions of the Act. Unable to cope with the

high benchmarks prescribed, which in some cases are

impractical, most will be forced to close their businesses.

Shri Chouhan brought to the notice of the Prime Minister

extreme hardships being faced by very small food business

operators (FBOs) in Madhya Pradesh. He said that entire

country is facing similar problems on account of

promulgation of the provisions of the Food Safety and

Standards Act, 2006.

The Chief Minister said that Government of India vide its th notification dated 5 February 2013, has stipulated a

deadline of 4th February 2014 for registration and issue of

licenses to all FBOs. He pointed out in the letter that in

Madhya Pradesh the FBOs are estimated to be

approximately 7 lakh. He drew Prime Minister's attention

to the previous letter dated 30th March 2012, requesting

him to reconsider the provisions, as they relate to larger

FBOs and to very poor and petty FBOs like street hawkers

and road side vendors.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government is deeply

concerned and conscious of the need to provide safe food

to the people. However, in doing so, it would not be

appropriate to treat all categories of FBOs by the same

yardsticks of registration. For example, there is no

minimum limit prescribed for turnover in the Act. This

results in the same standards to be applied to poor, petty

and at times illiterate FBOs belonging to Schedule Castes

and Schedule Tribes transacting their businesses in

remote rural hamlets. This does not appear to be fair or

practical, nor it is even necessary. The Act in its present

form is not designed to achieve the noble objective that it

purports to. Shri Chouhan in the letter said that the penal provisions of the Act border on the draconian, stipulating both imprisonment up to 6 months and fine of up to Rs. 5 lakh for carrying out business without license and a fine of up to Rs. 2 lakh for carrying on business without registration. The latter, as it concerns petty FBOs, seems to be extremely harsh and will bring such business to a grinding halt on account of apprehension of punishment. He said that this will also lead to reintroduction of the inspector Raj and incumbent corrupt practices which we are striving to remove at all costs.

The Chief Minister said that another impractical provision is that the Act treats unprocessed commodities such as food grains, on the same footing as processed, packaged or cooked and ready to consume items. This has resulted in traders refusing to purchase food grains from farmers. The Kharif arrivals in the state are peaking and farmers are bringing their produce to various designated Krishi Upaj Mandis spread all over the State. Apprehensive of the harsh provisions of the act, traders have stopped purchase leading to closure of all transactions in Krishi Upaj Mandis and a complete halt of food grain purchase operations in the state. This has led to law and order problem at many places, and also serious resentment and unrest in both, the farmers and FBOs.

Shri Chouhan said that he is aware of the observations of

the Hon'ble Supreme Court on the issue of food safety and

standards. However, it is necessary that the Central

Government place the facts in the correct perspective

before the Hon'ble Court. If this is done the Court would

take a reasonable view in the matter. He said that keeping

in view the approaching deadline of 4th February, 2014 for

issue of licenses and registration of FBOs, the impractical

and unimplementable nature of the provisions, and the

great turmoil that it has caused, the provisions of the Act

need reconsideration and extensive discussion, The fallout

of this in each state of the country also needs to be

examined in detail to look for reasonable solutions, he

added.

C.M. Shri Chouhan for reconsidering impractical provisions

of Food Safety and Standards ActUrges Prime Minister to convene meeting of Chief Ministers

Writes to All Chief Ministers

The Chief Minister Shri Chauhan has also written letters to all the Chief Ministers apprising them of the stringent and impractical provisions of the Act. He urged the Chief Ministers to bring to the notice of the Prime Minister the impractical and uniplementable nature of provisions of the Act.

Madhya Pradesh lauhced Swagatam Laxmi Yojana, which seeks to end prevailing prejudices about girl child, give respect to girls and women in the society protecting their individual dignity. The scheme will launch a number of activities through inter-departmental collaboration to restore honour of women and girl child.

The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan at launching ceremony said that all possible efforts are being made for socio-economic, political and educational empowerment of women. A number of schemes have been implemented to root out discriminations against them. Schemes like Ladli Laxmi Yojana and Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana have helped build up a positive atmosphere for changing people’s mindset. Swagatam Laxmi Yojana is the latest in the series, he added.

Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Maya Singh said that Swagatam Laxmi Yojana is an important initiative for improving women’s socio-economic status. She informed that 16 lakh girls have been enrolled under Ladli Laxmi Yojana.

M.P. Launches

Swagatam Laxmi

Yojana

NEWS WATCH NEWS WATCH

The President Dr. Pranab Mukherjee presenting national award to Collector of

Shahdol district Shri Ashok Kumar Bhargava for his outstanding

performance in flawless implementation of electoral processes taking innovative steps and educating voters about their

voting right.

The President Dr. Pranab Mukherjee presenting a certificate of honour and special award to the Chief Electoral Officer Madhya Pradesh Shri Jaideep Govind on the occasion of National Voter’s Day at New Delhi recognizing his excellent work in updating voters’ lists and launching an intensive awareness programme for the voters.

18 THE BULLETINMP THE BULLETIN MP 19

The Chief Minister Shir Shjvraj Singh Chouhan has

requested the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to

urgently convene a meeting of all Chief Ministers to

ascertain their views regarding implementation of

provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. He

sought Prime Minister's intervention in keeping the

implementation of the provisions of the Act under

abeyance till the issues are fully resolved.

Shri Chouhan said that provisions of the Act need

reconsideration as they are impractical and cannot be

implemented. Shri Chouhan said that small business

operators have been adversely hit on account of the

stringent provisions of the Act. Unable to cope with the

high benchmarks prescribed, which in some cases are

impractical, most will be forced to close their businesses.

Shri Chouhan brought to the notice of the Prime Minister

extreme hardships being faced by very small food business

operators (FBOs) in Madhya Pradesh. He said that entire

country is facing similar problems on account of

promulgation of the provisions of the Food Safety and

Standards Act, 2006.

The Chief Minister said that Government of India vide its th notification dated 5 February 2013, has stipulated a

deadline of 4th February 2014 for registration and issue of

licenses to all FBOs. He pointed out in the letter that in

Madhya Pradesh the FBOs are estimated to be

approximately 7 lakh. He drew Prime Minister's attention

to the previous letter dated 30th March 2012, requesting

him to reconsider the provisions, as they relate to larger

FBOs and to very poor and petty FBOs like street hawkers

and road side vendors.

The Chief Minister said that the State Government is deeply

concerned and conscious of the need to provide safe food

to the people. However, in doing so, it would not be

appropriate to treat all categories of FBOs by the same

yardsticks of registration. For example, there is no

minimum limit prescribed for turnover in the Act. This

results in the same standards to be applied to poor, petty

and at times illiterate FBOs belonging to Schedule Castes

and Schedule Tribes transacting their businesses in

remote rural hamlets. This does not appear to be fair or

practical, nor it is even necessary. The Act in its present

form is not designed to achieve the noble objective that it

purports to. Shri Chouhan in the letter said that the penal provisions of the Act border on the draconian, stipulating both imprisonment up to 6 months and fine of up to Rs. 5 lakh for carrying out business without license and a fine of up to Rs. 2 lakh for carrying on business without registration. The latter, as it concerns petty FBOs, seems to be extremely harsh and will bring such business to a grinding halt on account of apprehension of punishment. He said that this will also lead to reintroduction of the inspector Raj and incumbent corrupt practices which we are striving to remove at all costs.

The Chief Minister said that another impractical provision is that the Act treats unprocessed commodities such as food grains, on the same footing as processed, packaged or cooked and ready to consume items. This has resulted in traders refusing to purchase food grains from farmers. The Kharif arrivals in the state are peaking and farmers are bringing their produce to various designated Krishi Upaj Mandis spread all over the State. Apprehensive of the harsh provisions of the act, traders have stopped purchase leading to closure of all transactions in Krishi Upaj Mandis and a complete halt of food grain purchase operations in the state. This has led to law and order problem at many places, and also serious resentment and unrest in both, the farmers and FBOs.

Shri Chouhan said that he is aware of the observations of

the Hon'ble Supreme Court on the issue of food safety and

standards. However, it is necessary that the Central

Government place the facts in the correct perspective

before the Hon'ble Court. If this is done the Court would

take a reasonable view in the matter. He said that keeping

in view the approaching deadline of 4th February, 2014 for

issue of licenses and registration of FBOs, the impractical

and unimplementable nature of the provisions, and the

great turmoil that it has caused, the provisions of the Act

need reconsideration and extensive discussion, The fallout

of this in each state of the country also needs to be

examined in detail to look for reasonable solutions, he

added.

C.M. Shri Chouhan for reconsidering impractical provisions

of Food Safety and Standards ActUrges Prime Minister to convene meeting of Chief Ministers

Send your insightful views to Dr. Prakash Gaur, Addl. Managing Director &

OSD, Directorate of Public Relations, Government of MP, BhopalPhone : 0755-4096307, 4237559

editorsandesh@mpinfo.org www.mpinfo.org

Published by

Rakesh Shrivastava, Commissioner Public Relations, Government of Madhya Pradesh,

Jansampark Bhawan, Directorate of Public Relations, Banganga, Bhopal (M.P.) 462 003

Edited and Designed by PR Communications, Printed at Scope Information, Bhopal.

Madhya Pradesh will be aggressively promoting trade and export by organzing national and international level trade fairs at Gwalior, Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Khajuraho. Minister for Commerce and Industries Smt. Yashodhara Raje Scindia spelt out an action plan at a meeting of major stakeholders at New Delhi recently.

Smt. Scindia invited organisers to hold trade fairs, exhibitions, meetings and conventions at various places in Madhya Pradesh. Proposals for such events were sought for Gwalior Export Facilitation Centre and Gwalior Trade Fair. The prospective partners were apprised of details of proposed sites at Bhopal, Indore and Jabalpur.

Chairman of Apparel Export Promotion Council Shri

Virendra Uppal proposed to open a branch of Apparel

Management Institute, Gurgaon in Madhya Pradesh. He

also proposed to open Apparel Training and Design Centre.

Smt. Scindia assured cooperation. The Confederation of

Indian Industries assured to promptly act on a proposal for

organising auto expo and horticulture expo in Madhya

Pradesh. The Senior General Manager Trade Promotion

Organisation Shri Dalel Singh asssured cooperation in

organizing large expos at suitable places in Madhya

Pradesh.

Representatives of Laghu Udyog Bharti appreciated initiatives for intensifying the pace of industrialization in the state. They assured maximum support in establishment of small, micro and medium industries. Chairman of Confederation of Small and Micro Industries appreciated state's preparedness and stressed the need to generate maximum employment in rural areas.

M.P. For Aggressive Promotion of Trade and Export

Smt. Scindia Chairs Meeting of Industries' Representative Bodies

NEWS WATCH

Indian Institute of Information Technology at Bhopal Soon

Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) will be established at Bhopal. An MoU and Memorandum of Association (MoA) between Government of India, state government and Mineral Resources Development Corporation was endorsed at a cabinet meeting. .

This will be one of the 20 new Indian Institutes of Information Technology to be established in the country by Government of India under PPP mode. The Government of India will share 50 percent of total Rs. 128 crore to be spent on the establishment of IIIT. The State Government will share 35 percent i.e. Rs.44 crore 80 lakh while Rs. 19 crore 20 lakh will be contributed by the Mineral Resources Development Corporation. Site for the IIIT measuring 50 acre has been earmarked at village Barkhera Nathu near Bhopal.

Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy

Class III Post for Family Courts

Madhya Pradesh will soon have State Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy. The cabinet endorsed it. The policy seeks to ensure easy access to state government-owned sharable, non-sensitive data and information. Collected for public use, the data can be used by civil society for better assessment, analysis to improve decision making. The policy has been formulated in the context of National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy.

The cabinet sanctioned 33 class III posts for family courts at Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar, Ujjain, Gwalior, Tikamgarh, Shahdol, Rajgarh and Hoshangabad. The cabinet decided to purchase land in submergence area of Sighpur Barrage Medium Irrigation Project in Uttar Pradesh from farmers through mutual agreement under Uttar Pradesh government’s policy.