Bhopal, Apr 19: Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the district-level Jalabhishek Abhiyan in Chhindwara today. On this occasion, he laid the foundation stone of much-awaited Charai dam which would be constructed at a cost of Rs 12.95 crore. The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone of ten other development-oriented works which would cost Rs three crore and inaugurated Dr Ambedkar Mangal Bhawan. Chouhan distributed cheques of loans worth Rs five crore and material to the beneficiaries of 15 development-oriented schemes. Announcing to accord Nagar Panchayat status to Gram Panchayat Badkuhi, the Chief Minister gave instructions for conducting a survey in this connection.

Chouhan said that state government's top priority is all round development of Madhya Pradesh and welfare of its people. He said that on one hand a number of welfare schemes and policies have been implemented in the state and on the other hand Ladli Laxmi Yojana has been launched with all the seriousness with a view to removing disparity in sex ratio. This scheme has made girls a boon for their parents.

The Chief Minister informed that Viklang Panchayat would be held at his residence on April 29 for redressing problems faced by disabled persons. This would be followed by Yuva Panchayat on May 6. The government would provide sources and resources of employment to five lakh youths during the next year. On this occasion, he also released a souvenir of Third Jalabhishek Abhiyan 2008.

On this occasion it was informed that in Chhindwara district, 4092 cases under Ladli Laxmi Yojana were forwarded for approval against the target of 900. Out of these 3039 cases were approved.

Those present on the occasion included Woman and Child Development Minister Ms Kusum Mehdele, Public Health Engineering Minister Chandrabhan Singh, District Panchayat president Ms Navodita Doble, MLA Pandit Ramesh Dube, Tarachand Bawariya, Ram Das Uike and Jhanaklal Thakur.