MLA development funds to be raised to Rs 2 crore in Madhya Pradesh: CM

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today said the MLA development funds have been raised to Rs two crore from the current Rs 80 lakh, for the overall development of the state.

"To ensure participation of all members of the House in the state for development of their areas, let's raise the local area MLA development fund to Rs two crore," Chouhan told the state Assembly in response to the motion of thanks to the Governor's address.

"Differences are bound to persist in politics, but whether you are from BJP or Congress or any other party, let us all resolve to develop Madhya Pradesh," he said.

Chouhan also highlighted the state's growth in the last 12 years and compared it with 2002-03 (when Congress was ousted from power in MP) in several sectors to counter opposition charge that no development took place during the BJP rule.

"We have bagged Krishi Karman award four times for highest agriculture growth rate of over 20 per cent, including twice from the previous Congress-led UPA government," Chouhan said.

Responding to Congress' criticism that crores of rupees have been wasted on welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Sehore district for launching guidelines of the new Pradhan Mantri Crop Insurance Scheme, Chouhan said, "He is the Prime Minister of the country and it is our duty to welcome him even if he belongs to any party."

In-charge Leader of Opposition Bala Bachchan and senior Congress MLA Mahendra Singh Kalukheda had criticised the state government for according a "grand" welcome to Modi while taking part in the debate on the motion.

Talking about the power sector, Chouhan said that the electricity generation capacity during the Congress regime in 2002-03 was 2,900 MW, which has now gone up to  18,000 MW.

"This has made the state a power surplus one and it is in a position to sell power to other states," he added.

Chouhan said that the state's irrigation potential has increased from 7.5 lakh hectares to 36 lakh hectares, which has led to robust agricultural growth.

He also said that Rs 75,000 crore will be spent under the "Smart Cities" programme.

Referring to growing population, Chouhan said that to convert it into an advantage the government has launched various skill development programmes and now even started it is in private sector.

Earlier, Bachchan criticised the state government over the "poor" health facilities, and "less" central assistance from the Centre.