Staff Reporter, Bhopal Karigar Ayog will be constituted in the state. This was announced by Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan at a public meeting at village Govind Nagar (Palia Pipariya) in Bankheri development block of Hoshangabad district today. The Chief Minister said that the commission will converse crafts and ensure upliftment and welfare of artisans.

He said that traditional artisans will not be allowed to remain unemployed. Shri Chouhan also inaugurated Bhau Saheb Bhuskute Memorial Public Trust Cow Science Research Centre at village Govind Nagar, launched long-term training in manufacturing clay, bamboo, metal and wood crafts. Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that apart from government, society has also to contribute in development of state and country. Underlining importance of small and cottage industries in making villages fully self-reliant, Shri Chouhan said that skill development will take the state towards this direction.

Shri Chouhan described skill development training in 18 crafts of clay, wood, metal and bamboos by the trust as an important step towards prosperity of village. The Chief Minister said that positive initiative for creating awareness to preserve nature is the need of the hour. He said that it is our responsibility to see that rainwater reaches underground. Shri Chouhan said that the State Government has taken a number of initiatives to make agriculture profitable. He said that farmers should adopt animal husbandry and cow breeding along with agriculture to increase their income.

The Chief Minister said that process of setting up small industries in villages has been set in motion. The government is providing basic facilities of roads, power and water to villages. Training and loan guarantee upto Rs. 25 lakh is being provided to unemployed youths under Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarozgar Yojana to start their own industries and businesses. Sarkaryawah Shri Suresh Soni said stressed the need for revive ties of water, animals and land. He described trust’s efforts for increasing skill and quality of craft of artisans as important. Industries Minister Shri Kailash Vijayvargiya said that the government is sensitive towards artisans. Organic farming is also being promoted in the state. Animal Husbandry Minister Shri Ajay Vishnoi said that the State Government has done remarkable works in animal husbandry sector. Country’s first cow sanctuary is being established in the state. In-charge minister of the district Shri Brijendra Pratap Singh stressed the need for organic farming for healthy life. Gau Samvardhan Board Chairman Shri Shiv Choubey also spoke on the occasion.

Staff Reporter, Bhopal Governor Shri Ram Naresh Yadav garlanded a photograph of former Prime Minister late Shri Rajiv Gandhi and paid tributes to him on the occasion of Anti-Terrorism Day at Raj Bhavan here today.

Shri Yadav also administered anti-terrorism pledge to Raj Bhavan’s officers and employees. Principal Secretary to Governor, Shri Vinod Semwal, Law Officer Shri C.C. Dwivedi and other senior officers and employees were also present on the occasion. Minister of State for General Administration Shri K.L. Agrawal administered anti-terrorism pledge to officers and employees at Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Park near Mantralaya here today. Additional Chief Secretary Shri M.M. Upadhyay and officers and employees of Mantralaya, Satpura and Vindhyachal buildings were present on the occasion.

Staff reporter, Bhopal Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan attended a mass marriage function at tribal-dominant village Piplani in Nasrrullaganj tahsil of Sehore district today.

The Chief Minister along with his wife Sadhna Singh blessed 180 newly wed couples of Gond tribe and 4 of other backward classes at the function. Blessing the newly weds, Chief Minister Chouhan said that mass marriage function will be held here every year. He said that there should be no discrimination between sons and daughters. Expressing happiness, he said that no discrimination is made between sons and daughters in Gond tribe. Chouhan also enquired about well being of villagers. The Chief Minister also did not forget to ask children whether they go to school or not. At the outset, girls sang welcome song in Gondi dialect.

Staff Reporter, Bhopal The seven-day 3rd Hockey India Sub-Junior (Men and Women) National Hockey Championship will get underway in the Madhya Pradesh capital tomorrow.

State Bank of India Chief General Manager (Bhopal Circle) Dinesh Kumar Khare will be the chief guest during the inaugural ceremony at Aishbagh stadium here at 4 pm. The first match will be played between the boys teams of Madhya Pradesh Hockey Academy and Chandigarh. The final match will be played on May 27 at Aishbagh stadium here during which Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will be the chief guest.

Women’s team will play league matches at Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre while the men’s team will slug it out at Aishbagh stadium. Semi-finals and finals of both men’s and women’s teams would played at Aishbagh stadium. “A total of 16 teams — eight men’s and as many women’s will take part in the tournament, which will witness participation by 330 under-17 players,” Organising Committee Chairman Mukesh Naik told reporters here. Besides, a 25-member umpire and technical committee will arrive here for conducting the tournament.

Staff Reporter, Bhopal Energy Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla has said that Madhya Pradesh will become power cut-free in June. He said that 24X7 power supply is being launched under Atal Jyoti Abhiyan in all districts one-by-one. Shri Shukla laid foundation stone for a power sub-station costing Rs. 2 crore 39 lakh at village Dadhwa in Rewa district.

Shri Shukla said that the State Government has fulfilled the resolve of ensuring 24X7 power supply. He informed that so far 15 districts have become power cut-free. This month, 20 districts will start getting 24X7 power supply under Atal Jyoti Abhiyan. The Energy Minister said that in entire country, Madhya Pradesh will be the only state after Gujarat to supply power for 24 hours. The Energy Minister informed that SMS system has been introduced to change dysfunctional or burnt up transformers.

New transformer will be installed within 3 days of receiving SMS. Shri Shukla said that a number of schemes are also being started apart from supplying quality power to consumers. He appealed to people to avail benefits of power surcharge waiver, Hitkarni and other schemes.

Shri Shukla informed that Rs. 1000 crore has been sanctioned for bringing additional one lakh hectare under irrigation from Bansagar Dam in Rewa district. He informed that the State Government has sanctioned a solar park at Badrav. The park will be developed over 4000 hectare. MLA Shri Nagendra Singh, a number of local public representatives and officers were also present on the occasion.

Staff Reporter, Bhopal Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired the first meeting of State Security Council here today. Information regarding efforts made by the State Government in the context of general security scenario, increase in police force and complaint redressal was given that the meeting. The council unanimously laid emphasis on more stringent laws for taking strict action against anti-social elements.

Home Minister Shri Umashankar Gupta, Chief Secretary Shri R. Parasuram, Additional Chief Secretary Home Shri I.S. Dani, DGP Shri Nandan Dube, non-government members of the council and other officers were also presented on the occasion. The Chief Minister said that apart from ensuring strict action for curbing crimes against women, it is also necessary to change people’s mindset. The State Government has taken effective steps in this direction. National-level workshops are also being held.

It was informed at the meeting that action is being taken for curbing crimes against women in the state by constituting Women’s Crime Branch at PHQ since June 2012. Challans in rape cases are put up in courts within 15 days. So far, 3,875 complaints have been received by Women’s Crime Helpline of which 3,828 complaints have been disposed of. District-wise special action plans are being chalked out to sensitise kotwars at village level, members of village security committees and town security committees. During last 4-5 months, courts have awarded death sentences to 8 rapists.

It was informed at the meeting that out of one lakh 55 thousand 478 complaints received through Jan-Sunwai programmes, District Complaint Redressal Boards, Tele-Samadhan Yojana and public grievances redressal website, one lakh 55 thousand 463 have been disposed of. The police launched campaign against brewing hooch and registered 8,241 cases. Fines to the tune of Rs. one crore, 58 lakh 51 thousand 210 were also recovered. Under identified crimes yojana launched in the state from year 2008, quantum of fine has been increased from 50 percent to 70 percent.

As many as 21 thousand police personnel are to be recruited in the state. Process is on for recruitment on 5000 posts and 10000 posts are under processing. Police training capacity in the state has also almost doubled. At the meeting, information was also given about status of anti-Naxal campaign, law & order, crime control, further increase in police force, training acquisition weapons etc.

Staff Reporter, Bhopal National Song Vande Matram was sung in chorus at Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Park near Mantralaya in the presence of Urban Administration and Development Minister Shri Babulal Gaur here today.

Additional Chief Secretary Home Shri I.S. Dani, Principal Secretary Devraj Birdi and a number of senior officers also participated in the programme. Main voices to Vande Matram chorus singing were lent by Shri Anil Nema, Shri B.S. Nigam, Shri Rajesh Verma, Shri G.R. Moolchandani, Shri Rajkumar Somkunwar, Ku. Surekha Somkunwar, Smt. Yashoda Thakur and Smt. Tulsi Nautiyal.Officers and employees of offices housed in Mantralaya, Vindhyachal and Satpura buildings also participated in the chorus singing.

Staff Reporter, Bhopal Animal Husbandry Minister Shri Ajay Vishnoi has exhorted veterinary doctors to give a new identity to veterinary treatment through their knowledge & skill.

He said that process is on to expand Veterinary Department, which was in a state of neglect before year 2004. Shri Vishnoi was addressing regional convention of Gazetted Veterinary Doctors’ Association here today. Public Relations Minister Shri Laxmikant Sharma, Pilgrimages and Fairs Authority Chairman Shri Meghraj Jain, Gaupalan Evam Pashudhan Samvardhan Board Executive Council President Shri Shiv Kumar Chaubey and Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh’s National Joint Secretary Shri B. Surendran etc. were specially present on the occasion. Shri Vishnoi said that it is the responsibility of Veterinary Department and veterinary doctors to maintain the honour and dignity they have received during last 3-4 years. Knowledge, dedication and hard work command respect in society.

Therefore, veterinary doctors should not do their duties just to earn bread and butter, but work with total dedication. He informed that it is matter of pride for veterinary doctors that mention of Veterinary Department has also been made in Krishi Karman Award conferred to Madhya Pradesh. Shri Vishnoi informed that State Public Service Commission is undertaking process to fill up 525 posts of Assistant Veterinary Surgeon. As many as 199 Assistant Veterinary Field Officers (AVFOs) have been posted to remove shortage of veterinary doctors. Five diploma colleges have also been opened for AVFOs. This year, mobile veterinary units will be introduced in 89 tribal-dominant development blocks in the state.

A new semen centre has been set up at Bhopal. Induction programme of cattle of advanced breed has also been taken up in which veterinary doctors will play a significant role. Work of embryo transplant has been started through semen of good breed for increasing milk production. Describing contribution of veterinary doctors as important in Indian economy, Shri Laxmikant Sharma lauded their service to mute cattle which cannot explain their pain and suffering. He said that there are still some Gaushalas where more effective works need to be done. Veterinary doctors should pay attention to this. Shri Meghraj Jain asked veterinary doctors to motivate farmers to breed livestock. Farmers should be informed that animal husbandry along with agriculture is an additional source of income.

He expressed happiness over the fact that veterinary development works have been undertaken at a rapid pace during last some years and number of cow progeny has increased. Shri Shiv Kumar Chaubey said that present Madhya Pradesh regime has given so much to employees during last 9 years, which has not been given in any other state. Shri B. Surendran said that veterinary doctors are linked with basic economy of the country. This calls for added responsibility from Veterinary Department’s staff. State Officers Association General Secretary Shri B.R. Vishwakarma suggested to provide 5-tier pay scale and prescribe uniform retirement of 65 years for veterinary doctors like their allopathic counterparts.

Director Veterinary Services Dr. R.K. Rokade welcomed the guests. Association’s State President Dr. Umesh Sharma presented mementoes to the guests. Shri Vishnoi and other guests released quarterly journal “Vets’ Vision” published by the association. A cheque of Rs. one lakh was presented on behalf of the association to the kin of veterinary doctor Dr. Bansal who died in a road accident last month.

Shri Vishnoi also presented a cheque of Rs. 20 thousand from his discretionary fund and suggested that members of the association should be covered under group insurance scheme. Milk Federation Chairman Shri Subhash Chandra Mandge, Vice-Presidents of Gaupalan Evam Samvardhan Board Shri Padam Baraiyya and Shri Naryan Vyas, MLA Shri Vishwas Sarang, President of State Officers Association Dr. R.K. Chaurasia, Dr. T.P. Vaidh and large number of veterinary doctors were present on the occasion.

Staff Reporter, Bhopal Now, stricter steps will be initiated to prevent atrocities on women and children in Madhya Pradesh. Crimes will be regularly reviewed by constituting committees comprising officers in districts.

This was informed by Women & Child Development Minister Smt. Ranjana Baghel at a state-level review meeting in connection with works being ensured in district for preventing violence against women. Principal Secretary Women & Child Development Shri B.R. Naidu and Commissioner Women’s Empowerment Smt. Kalpana Shrivastava were also present on the occasion. Smt. Baghel said that special vigilance will have to be exercised by districts for prevention of crimes against women.

CDPOs and Supervisors of WCD Department, SDO Police, TIs, SDMs and government advocates will jointly undertake initiative for quick disposal of cases. Smt. Baghel informed that Chief Minister Shri Chouhan has fixed responsibility of preventing crimes against women separately in police stations after undertaking review. Toll-free number 1090 has also been introduced. Directives have been given to dispose of cases of crimes against women in 15 days.

Directorate of Women’s Empowerment has also been constituted. She informed that rate of child marriage has come down by 85 percent in the state. Lado Abhiyan has put an effect curb on cases of child marriages in districts. Smt. Baghel asked the Principal Secretary to immediately direct all collectors to review cases of crimes against women in their districts every two months and take effective steps. Women Empowerment Officers in districts must have phone numbers of police and district administration officers. She asked Women Empowerment Officers to take up as challenge the steps being ensured by the State Government to curb crimes and violence against women. Large-scale awareness campaign should be launched to curb incidents of violence against women and girls.

Cooperation of Anganwadi workers and assistants should be taken in this task. Women’s empowerment works should be carried out innovatively. The programmes in place for preventing women and children from violence should be made more effective. Smt. Baghel informed that Shaurya Samitis will be constituted at village-level on the pattern of Dhar district for sensitising common people and reduce maternal and infant mortality rate. Each committee will comprise sarpancha, Anganwadi worker and assistant, teacher, Patwari, police representatives and 5 distinguished citizens. As a pilot project, these committees will be constituted in 2733 villages in 45 development blocks of 6 Tejaswini districts including Dindori, Mandla, Balaghat, Panna, Chhatarpur and Tikamgarh.

Shri B.R. Naidu said that districts must document the activities conducted by them. Those excelling in prevention of violence against women should be rewarded. He informed that process of preparing National Savings Certificates under Ladli Laxmi Yojana will be continued. Smt. Kalpana Shrivastava informed about government’s efforts towards prevention of violence against women and children. She informed that State Women Resource Centre will be opened shortly on the premises of Bal Bhavan at Bhopal. A database of people committing crimes against women will be compiled.

The department plans to construct Women House at every divisional headquarters where vocational training will be imparted, documentary film festival will be held and camps will be held for giving law-related information. Recently, counselling skill training has been imparted to help affected women come out of trauma and behave with them sensitively. She informed that the department will install 1091 tele-advice service centres for timely advice to violence-affected women. The State Women Resource Centre will run it 24X7. At the meeting, pending cases of violence against women were reviewed district-wise. Women Empowerment Officers of all districts attended the meeting.

Staff Reporter, Bhopal Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that the state government is committed to strengthening minorities and ensuring their progress through education, skill development and maximum job opportunities.

He said that following religious tenets, the State Government will not allow new liquor shops and factories to be opened in the state. Shri Chouhan was addressing foundation laying ceremony of Haj House here today. He said that kuchcha road upto Haj House will be concretised. Haj flights will be operated from both Bhopal and Indore airports. He directed to complete construction of Haj House at the earliest. Greeting Qazis and guests from all over the state, Shri Chouhan said that brotherhood, equality and mutual affection are the foundations of life. Religion teaches to live for and serve humanity.

He said that service to poor is the noblest deed. For this, steps like supply of wheat at the rate of Re. 1 and rice at Rs. 2 per kg and electricity supply to the poor and inerest-free loans to farmers have been initiated. Describing education as the most important factor in development, Shri Chouhan appealed to minority community to educate their children. The State Government has made full arrangements for education. Referring to Mukhyamantri Alpsankhyak Swarozgar Yojana and Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarozgar Yojana, Shri Chouhan said that the State Government will extend maximum assistance to youths belonging to minorities to help them start their own business and industries.

Shri Chouhan said that all sections of society should come forward to create an atmosphere where tendencies of dishonouring women are not allowed to raise their tentacles. Minorities Welfare Minister Shri Ajay Vishnoi said that even the Union Government has lauded Madhya Pradesh government for implementation of programmes for minorities’ development. Efforts like training to Haj pilgrims, scholarships to students, imparting vocational training and extending financial help for higher education have proved effective. They have strengthened minority community. The government has also taken initiative to honour people working in the interest of the community.

MP and State BJP President Shri Narendra Singh Tomar said that this special occasion has occurred after a long wait. He said that Madhya Pradesh Government has carried out works for every section’s development without any discrimination or bias. On the occasion, people with excellent service to community were conferred state-level awards. Smt. Firoza Khan received Shaheed Ashfaque Ullah Khan Award and Shri Azizuddin got Abdul Hameed Khan Award.

State-level Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Award was conferred to Shaikh Riyazuddin Patel. Cheque worth Rs. 1 lakh was presented to Messrs Mehboob & Associate, who have chalked out out design of Haj House. Minority committee accorded a grand welcome to the Chief Minister for foundation stone laying of Haj House. Minority community people from all over the state greeted the Chief Minister by offering bouques to him.

Peer Sayeed Mian, Madhya Pradesh Haj Committee Chairman Dr. Sanwar Patel, Shri Arif Beg, Shahar Qazi Syed Mushtaqe Nadavi, MLAs Shri Vishwas Sarang, Shri Jitendra Daga and Shri Dhurvnarayan Singh, office-bearers of Minorities Welfare Commission, Madarsa Board and Haj Committee, Qazis and Maulvis from various cities and large number minority community people were present on the occasion.

Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that 46 more labour classes will be brought under the purview of Shram Nirman Karmkar Adhiniyam. He said that in the first phase, 10 thousand houses will be constructed for labourers in urban areas. Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board will provide Rs. 70 thousand subsidy on each house costing Rs. 3 lakh while Rs. 10 thousand will be cotibuted by the worker and remaining amount will be provided to beneficiary through bank loan. Later, the scheme will be expanded to smaller towns of the state also. Shelter homes will be constructed for labourers coming to cities temporarily in search of employment. In Mukhyamantri Nirman Shramik Pension Yojana, the Labour Welfare Board will provide share of Rs. 500 per annum for five years if a labourer contributes Rs. 500. Rs. 300 per month pension will be given to registered labourers who become unable to do normal works.

Major announcements
#     Work to provide houses to labourers in mission mode in the state. For this, Mukhyamantri    Shramik Aawas Sangathan will be constituted.
#     Mukhyamantri Nirman Shramik Pension Yojana for registered construction workers.
#     Labourers’ wages will increase with rise in inflation.
#     46 more labour classes will be brought under the purview of Shram Nirman Karmkar   Adhiniyam.
#     10 thousand houses in first phase for labourers in urban areas.
#     Ultramodern Education City will be constructed for education of registered labourers’ children in 36 acre land at a cost of Rs. 100 crore at Bhopal.
#     Rs. 10 thousand grant will be given to labourers’ children on getting admission in medical     and Rs. 7 thousand grant on getting admission in engineering colleges
#     Rs. 25000 incentive amount will be given to 500 students on the basis of class X merit list as
well as class XII merit list.
#     Rs. 25000 incentive amount to 500 students on the basis of class X merit list as well as     class XII merit list..
#     Education Loan Scheme for labourers’ children.

Staff Reporter, Bhopal More than two dozen people got trapped under the debris after the roof of the two-storeyed Women’s Ward collapsed this evening at the local Kasturba Hospital. “The Hospital is in the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) area.

There were around twenty fice people in the building at the time of mishap including patients, their kins and the hospital staff. Officials of the Municipal Corporation, district administration and BHEL, besides Central Industrial Security Force personnel, rushed to the scene,” Additional Superintendent of Police Rajesh Singh Chandel said.

Rescue and relief work was instantly enforced after the incident and around 23 people were rescued with another two missing and one dead by the time of filing of this report. Three of the rescued are in critical condition and have been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

Madhya Pradesh Urban Administration and Development Minister and former Chief Minister Babulal Gaur, Mayor Krishna Gaur, Legislator Vishwas Sarang, Congress District President PC Sharma and Collector Nikunj Shrivastava reached the Hospital where the crowd briefly hampered rescue and relief work. Sources tell that construction work was underway at the Hospital building. The building consisted of Medical, Sergical and Women’s Ward and is reportedly 47 years old. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced relief of fifty thousand for each victim in the incident.

Staff Reporter, Bhopal Deputy Election Commissioner Shri Sudhir Tripathi, who is on a visit to Madhya Pradesh on the directives of Election Commission of India to review preparations for Vidhan Sabha elections, held video-conferencing with commissioners and collectors of Bhopal, Jabalpur, Sagar, Ujjain and Indore divisions today.

Shri Sudhir Tripathi directed all divisional commissioners and collectors to increase polling percentage during ensuing Vidhan Sabha elections. He directed to pay special attention to the polling booths where voter turnout was very low during last elections. He instructed to conduct activities for increasing polling percentage with the assistance of SVEEP and by making voters aware. He directed to maintain polling percentage at the polling booths where it was high. Shri Tripathi said that summary revision of electoral rolls will not be done now. Errors in electoral rolls should be removed at the earliest. Physical verification of EVMs should be ensured at the earliest in the districts where it has not been done so far. Apart from safety of EVMs, attention should also be paid to their maintenance.

Shri Tripathi informed that the Election Commission is trying to complete all election-related preparations six months earlier. For this, all the sectors are being comprehensively reviewed. He expressed satisfaction over the fact that very good work has been undertaken in Madhya Pradesh for rectification of electoral rolls. As many as 85 lakh names were included in electoral rolls out of which 10 lakh names were rejected due to different reasons and remaining 75 lakh were found to be correct.

He also expressed happiness that the work of preparing photo electoral rolls has been carried out immaculately. He directed all the commissioners and collectors to work as per directives of the Election Commission. He also expressed happiness that all the districts are evincing interest in removing EPIC gap and gender Gap. He directed to provide names of the officers deployed in elections who have completed 3 years at one place or are posted in their home towns. Shri Jaideep Govind directed commissioners and collectors to compile mobile numbers of voters.

He directed to chalk out a strategy to deal with critical and sensitive polling booths right now. It should be ensured that activities under SVEEP are conducted till elections. The districts where number of duplicate EPIC cards is excessive should ensure their scrutiny immediately. EPIC gap should be removed cent percent as per wish of Election Commission. The districts which have not sent election management action plan should do so at the earliest. On shortage of election staff, he assured that the shortage will be removed by May. Shri Govind also stressed the need to increase polling percentage in urban areas.

He directed to pay special attention to communication plan, transport facility, police force, strong rooms, checking of EVMs etc. in all the districts. He instructed to make media, colleges etc. partners in conducting SVEEP plan. Districts were directed to complete work of digital signature also at the earliest. It is noteworthy that the Deputy Chief Election Commissioner and Chief Electoral Officer had reviewed election preparedness through video-conferencing with commissioners and collectors of Rewa, Gwalior, Chambal, Shahdol and Narmadapuram on April 24.

During his Madhya Pradesh visit, the Deputy Chief Election Commissioner also inspected state and district level voters facilitation centres. [INBOX] Deputy Election Commissioner meets Chief Secretary Staff Reporter, Bhopal Deputy Chief Election Commissioner Shri Sudhir Tripathi paid a courtesy visit to Chief Secretary Shri R. Parasuram at Mantralaya today during his Madhya Pradesh visit. Chief Electoral Officer, Madhya Pradesh, Shri Jaideep Govind was also present on the occasion.

Staff Reporter, Bhopal With an eye on the year-end assembly polls and the next general elections, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi undertook a two-day visit to Madhya Pradesh to infuse a new lease of life in the “faction-ridden” state unit by conducting meetings with representatives of 29 parliamentary constituencies and party office-bearers in Dhar District’s Mohankheda and the state capital.

The Amethi MP, who arrived here by a special plane from Mohankheda this morning, met representatives of 15 Lok Sabha constituencies including Bhopal, Hoshangabad, Jabalpur and Sagar at Manas Bhavan. Congress General Secretary Digvijaya Singh, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Gen Secy and state In-charge BK Hariprasad, the party’s state President Kantilal Bhuria, the Assembly’s Leader of the Opposition Ajay Singh and former Union minister Suresh Pachouri were also present.

According to Congress sources, Mr Gandhi provided valuable tips to contest polls unitedly by brushing aside groupism and to further strengthen the party from the grassroots level. He also discussed selection of candidates and noted down suggestions.

Mr Gandhi is said to have assured the representatives that this time tickets would not be distributed by top leaders but would be given to prospective candidates with the consent of district and block presidents. The state is not the “ancestral property” of top-rung leaders. “Media dubs Mr Gandhi as Yuvraj but in reality he is an extremely simple person and talked with us like a family member and listened patiently. He also heard our suggestions and assured implementation,” a district president said after emerging from the meeting.

In the second gathering at Ravindra Bhavan, Mr Gandhi had one-to-one discussions with representatives of panchayati raj institutions and civic bodies and obtained suggestions. The Congress leader — who left for Delhi at 1530 hrs ahead of his scheduled departure time — met office-bearers and representatives of the Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee at the state party headquarters.

Several top leaders took part in the meeting. Mr Gandhi stressed the need for evolving a system in the party fold by which the voice of grassroots-level workers could be heard and their involvement ensured in the party’s decision-making process. Expressing concern over growing “groupism”, he issued an appeal to remain united in order to come to power in the state after a decade’s gap.

Congress to wrest power in MP: Diggy

Staff Reporter, Bhopal: Describing Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi’s two-day visit to Madhya Pradesh as “infusing a new lease of life” in the party’s state unit, Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh today claimed that the Congress would come to power after this year-end assembly elections in the state. “Several BJP bigwigs, including Industry Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, are all set to lose in the next elections as the BJP’s countdown has begun.

Infact, the BJP’s downfall began after 2004 and the party could not score well in many states,” Mr Singh told media here before attending the meeting in which Mr Gandhi talked to the representatives of 15 Lok Sabha constituencies. The former chief minister said that although Congress failed to come power in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar but the party’s percentage of vote had gone up and number of seats were also increased. He said that before the one-to-one discussions with parliamentarians and other public representatives in Madhya Pradesh for the past two days, Mr Gandhi also conducted such meetings in Orissa, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Kerala also. He wanted to strengthen the party organisations from block level, Mr Singh pointed out.

Staff Reporter, Bhopal Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that suitable spaces will be earmarked for commercial activities of leather craftspersons in urban bodies.

Better training will be imparted to them. Apart from training expenses, allowance will also be provided to trainee leather craftspersons. Social security scheme will be chalked out under which they will be registered and provided identity cards, scholarships will be given to their children and assistance for maternity, treatment and marriage. Assistance will also be provided in case of death of family head. Shri Chouhan was addressing Charm Shipli Panchayat at his residence here today. About 3 thousand leather craftspersons from all over the state were present on the occasion. Shri Chouhan said that a grand Sant Ravidas Memorial will be constructed at Ujjain.

The State Government will help market products manufactured by leather craftspersons. Depots will be set up at Indore and Gwalior to provide raw material to them. Places will be earmarked for leather craftspersons in small shopping centres to be established in rural areas. Places in such complexes will be allotted to leather craftspersons where such complexes are available. Craftspersons will be imparted training as per current demand in eminent skill development institutions including Footwear Development Institute, Chhindwara, CEDMAP, Central Leather Research Centre, Chennai and MAPCOST. The Chief Minister said that laptops will be given scheduled castes students of medical and engineering courses. Besides, upto Rs. 15 lakh annual scholarship will be provided for pursuing education abroad.

The State Government will give guarantee on upto Rs. 25 lakh bank loan and also provide 5 percent interest subsidy for 5 years under Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarozgar Yojana. Youths of leather craftspersons’ families having engineering degree will be registered as A category contractors. Mangal Bhawans will be constructed in every development block. Loan upto Rs. 10 thousand on zero percent interest rate will be provided to leather craftspersons for self-employment on which the State Government will provide 50 percent subsidy. Besides, a separate scheme will also be chalked out to provide upto Rs. 5 lakh capital. As many as 20 clusters of leather products will be established in the state.

Under social security scheme, registration of all leather craftspersons will be made and identity cards will be issued to them. For education of their children, labour scholarship will also be given to them side by side with scheduled caste scholarship. On delivery in family of craftsperson, wife will be given one and a half months’ wages and husband 15 days’ wages apart form Rs. 1000 for nutritious diet. Family of a craftsperson will be given assistance for treatment.

Assistance of Rs. 75 thousand will be given if head of family dies in accident and Rs. 20 thousand for natural death. Assistance of Rs. 15 thousand will be given for daughter’s marriage. Rent will be reimbursed if five students rent an accommodation on Chhatragrih Yojana. The Chief Minister said that leather craftspersons should lead a better life and contribute to progress of country and state through their skill. He said that BPL and Antyodaya families will be provided wheat at the rate of Rs. 1 per kg and rice at Rs. 2 per kg from June 1.

Patta of land on which poor families are residing will be given to them. He said that development is meaningless unless its benefit reach the poor. Cottage and Village Industries Minister Shri Kailash Vijaywargiya said that glimpse of real democracy are seen in Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh has taken initiative to chalk out schemes on the basis of suggestions emerging in public dialogue.

He said that Madhya Pradesh is pioneer in development under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The state leads in the country in agriculture. He said that inflation has increased due to policies of the Union Government. Madhya Pradesh Khadi Gramodyog Board Chairman Shri Satyanarayan Sattan said that the Chief Minister has ensured development of all sections. Former Union Minister Shri Satyanarayan Jatia said that all problems are being redressed gradually. He said that the Chief Minister does this work with full capacity since he is sensitive and understand spoor people’s problems.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister released a booklet containing information about village industry schemes. The Chief Minister felicitated Shri Satyanarain Jatia, Shri Satyanrayan Sattan, Shri Narayan Kesri, Shri Indresh Gajbhiye and Shri Lal Singh Arya for their long-standing social services. At the panchayat, representatives of leather craftsperson community put up their suggestions. Shri Khilam Singh of Raisen suggested skill development of craftspersons. Shri Jaswant Rai of Bhopal said that free stalls should be allotted to leather craftspersons at exhibitions held by Handicraft Development Corporation and Gramodyog Deparment. Shri Shyam Pendharkar suggested to chalk out Charmkar Gumti Yojana and provide shoe polishing machines to leather craftspersons.

Sushri Sandhya said that government should cooperate with the craftspersons to provide basic amenities such as allotment of land etc. to set up new work after training. Shri Radhecharan Ahirwar of Vidisha said that products of leather craftspersons should be purchased by government. Shri Suresh Gaikwad of Betul suggested to set up Leathercraft Development Corporation. Shri Bhagwati Shinde of Betul, Shri Ramesh of Burhanpur, Shri Hari Singh Goyal of Kannaud, Shri Rakesh of Ratlam and Shri Dhanraj of Narsinghpur also put forth their suggestions.

Minister of State for Scheduled Castes Welfare Shri Harishankar Khatik, Minister of State for Urban Administration Shri Manohar Untwal, Madhya Pradesh Handicraft and Handloom Development Corporation Chairman Shri Madhav Singh Dangi, Chief Secretary Shri R. Parasuram, Principal Secretary Gramodyog Smt. Kanchan Jain, Managing Director of Khadi & Village Industry Board Smt. Shikha Dube Smt. Veera Rana, Commissioner Sericulture Shri S.D. Pateriya and large number of leather craftspersons were present on the occasion.

Staff Reporter, Bhopal A state-level task force headed by the Chief Minister will be constituted to ensure effective curb on crimes against girls and women. Apart from immediate measures to curb such crimes, a long-term action plan will also be chalked out and implemented in the state.

Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed that every incident of crime against women should be taken very seriously. At a high-level meeting here today, Shri Chouhan held elaborate discussions about effective curb on crimes against women and immediate as well as long-term measures in this regard. Home Minister Shri Umashankar Gupta and Chief Secretary Shri R. Parasuram also attended the meeting. Shri Chouhan said that such incidents in the state and entire country are distressing though criminals are being caught due to promptness on the part of police-administration and sentences are also being pronounced.

Shri Chouhan said that effective institutional arrangements should be ensured in cities and villages. On the other hand, active participation of social organisations and various institutions should also be increased to enlist community involvement in implementing these measures in right earnest. Along with state-level plan, district-level action plans should also be chalked out. Nation-wide debate should be initiated from Madhya Pradesh on changing people’s mindset of discrimination between sons and daughters and women and men. Cooperation of media should be sought regarding advertisements which are spreading perversions and polluting atmosphere. Legal measures with modern techniques should be ensured for nabbing criminals. He said that efforts should be made to ensure that accused do not go scot-free. During discussions on immediate as well as long-term measures, the Chief Minister directed that arrangement of watchmen should be ensured at village level first of all.

Posts of watchman should be filled up wherever vacant. Along with this, Gram Raksha Samitis, Anganwadi and ASHA workers, panchas and sarpanchas should also be alerted to curb such incidents. Participation of Nagar Suraksha Samitis and various social organisations should be increased in towns. It was decided at the meeting that watchmen will be made multi-purpose like earlier. Immediate action will be taken on information provided by them. It was also decided that various institutions and industries in the state will have to maintain complete dossier of persons employed with them. Proper information about habitual offenders released from jail and anti-social elements in villages and cities will be maintained in police stations. Under long-term measures, joint district-level teams of police-administration and social organisations will be constituted after formation of state-level task force.

The Chief Minister will hold discussions on the issue with media barons. Workshops of administrative officers, NGOs and public representatives will be held. It was informed at the meeting that a state-level workshop on counselling skill training is being organised at Bhopal from May 15 by Women & Child Development Department. Similarly, training programmes have also been started at district and division levels with cooperation of Tata Institute of Social Sciences for increasing sensitiveness towards women and curbing crimes against them. Gallantry Societies are being constituted in selected villages of 6 districts under Tejaswini. Representatives of judicial, administrative and police institutions, Women & Child Development Department and social organisation will participate in the workshops and training programmes. It was suggested at the meeting that a women and youth policy should be chalked out in the state.

Foeticide Prevention Act and Prevention of Domestic Violence Act should be implemented effectively. For this, workshop of officers, judges, senior officers of police and administration and public representatives should be held. It was informed that one of the two accused of raping a minor in Seoni has been nabbed. Accused in cases in Chhindwara and Mhow have also been arrested. Death sentence has been awarded to 7 convicts during last 3 months.

The police is registering each crime and has accelerated pace of investigation. Additional Chief Secretary Home Shri Indraneel Shankar Dani, Additional Chief Secretary Panchayats & Rural Development Smt. Aruna Sharma, DGP Shri Nandan Dube, Additional DGP (Intelligence) Shri Vivek Jauhari, Chief Minister’s OSD Shri Sudhir Saxena, Principal Secretary Women & Child Development Shri B.R. Naidu, Principal Secretary to CM Shri Manoj Shrivastava, Principal Secretary Law Shri K.D. Khan, Commissioner Women’s Empowerment Smt. Kalpana Shrivastava and Commissioner Child Development Shri Manohar Agnani were also present on the occasion.

Agencies, Jaipur

BJP had entrusted me the responsibility in Madhya Pradesh and accordingly I have been serving the state, Mr Chauhan said. He also expressed satisfaction over the outcome of his government’s efforts for development of the state. Besides his own state, the Chief Minister also hailed the Bihar and Gujarat models of development. Over a question about his Gujarat counterpart’s candidature for the post of Prime Minister, Mr Chauhan said that BJP Parliament Board would take a decision over the  issue.

Mr Chauhan arrived here this morning for participating in the second  phase of BJP Rajasthan president Vasundhara Raje’s Suraaj Sankalp Yatra that began from Kota today.

After attending a function held at Bhawani Niketan here to mark the ‘Rajat Dikshya’ anniversary of Muni Prasann Sagar, Mr Chauhan accompanied by Ms Raje had left for Kota. At the function Mr Chauhan said his government was against undue promotion/encouragement to liquor culture and would not allow opening of any new distillery in the state.    In its bid to protect cow/bovines his government would not allow opening of any new slaughter house and would curb/prevent smuggling/trafficking of cow strictly.

• In a brief chat with mediapersons at the Sanganer Airport here Mr Chauhan said he is not in the race for the post of Prime Minister.
•   About his Gujarat counterpart’s candidature for the post of Prime Minister, Mr Chauhan said that BJP Parliament Board would take a decision over the  issue.
• Chauhan said his government was against undue promotion/encouragement to liquor culture and would not allow opening of any new distillery in the state.

Staff Reporter, Bhopal

Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that we have started process of this project for irrigating areas under 57 villages in Bundelkhand region at present. The State Government will complete a number of such projects. Government will relent only every inch of land in Bundelkhand is irrigated. He said that a number of initiatives have been taken to reduce cost of agriculture production to benefit farmers.

Loans for seeds and fertilisers have been provided farmers at zero percent interest rate. During previous years, irrigation facility was only 7.5 lakh hectare in the state, which has now been increased to 24 lakh hectare. Besides, efforts have also been made to increase irrigation capacity through Kapildhara and Balram Talaab schemes.
The Chief Minister said that State Government is with all sections of society but first and foremost with the poor.

Shri Chouhan said that apart from providing food grains to the poor, wheat procurement price has been increased to Rs. 1500 per quintal by giving Rs. 150 per quintal bonus. Work is progressing fast for feeder separation to ensure 24X7 power supply in all villages in the state from June. Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarozgar Yojana has been launched to free youths from unemployment.

Water Resources Minister Shri Jayant Malaiya gave detailed information about the much-awaited Pancham Nagar irrigation project. He also informed about water augmentation works and irrigation projects undertaken by Water Resources Department during last 8 years. He informed that the President has given away Krishi Karman Award to Madhya Pradesh for obtaining 18 percent agriculture growth rate.

Agriculture Minister Dr. Ramkrishna Kusmaria expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for giving a number of gifts to Hata-Batiyagarh and Pathriya areas. He also put forth demand to open a college at Batiyagarh.

MP Shri Shivraj Singh Lodhi, Shri Rajendra Guru, Shri Lakhan Patel and Shri Vijay Singh also spoke on the occasion. MLAs Smt. Uma devi Khatik and Shri Dashrath Singh Lodhi, Zila Panchayat Chairperson Smt. Anita Singh, Land Development Bank Chairman Shri Shri Narendra Vyas, ex-Minister Shri Gangaram Patel, other public representatives and large number of citizens were present on the occasion.

Staff Reporter, Bhopal

Additional Chief Secretary and Agriculture Production Commissioner Shri M.M. Upadhyay took stock of the preparations being made for Mazdoor Mahapanchayat at a meeting at Mantralaya today. Additional Chief Secretary Panchayats & Rural Development Smt. Aruna Sharma, Secretary Rural Development Shri Rajesh Rajaura and other officers were present on the occasion.

ACS Shri Upadhyay sought information from concerning agencies about arrangements for sitting, food, parking etc. for Mazdoor Mahapanchayat. Principal Secretary Labour Shri Ajay Tirkey informed about points pertaining to labour welfare to come up at Mazdoor Mahapanchayat. Bhopal Collector Shri Nikunj Shrivastava informed about preparations being made by the district administration.

Staff Reporter, Bhopal Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched Atal Jyoti Abhiyan for 24X7 power supply in Alirajpur district today. He directed to chalk out a DPR at the earliest for bringing Narmada water for drinking and irrigation to Alirajpur. It is noteworthy that about Rs. 600 crore will be spent on the scheme preliminary survey for which has been conducted by the Water Resources Department.

The scheme will provided drinking water to all 556 villages in Alirajpur district and irrigate 2 lakh 80 thousand hectare area. The Chief Minister also announced to provide wheat at the rate of Re. 1 per kg and rice Rs. 2 per kg to BPL and Antyodaya families from June 2013. Chief Minister Shri Chouhan urged people to use power for multiple purposes so that revolutionary change is brought about in their financial condition and all-round development of area is ensured. Shri Chouhan said that state’s economy will improve with availability of 24X7 power supply.

He said that now with concessional rates, a family can buy one month’s food grains with one day’s wages and use remaining days’ wages for fulfilling other requirements. Chief Minister Shri Chouhan also threw light in detail on the schemes being implemented by the State Government for welfare of all sections of society. Energy Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla gave detailed information regarding works being undertaken to ensure 24X7 power supply in all areas of the state. In-charge minister for Alirajpur district Shri Mahendra Hardia, MLA Shri Nagar Singh Chauhan, ex-MLA Shri Madho Singh Dabar and ex-MP Shri Dilip Singh Bhuria also addressed the programme. Public representatives and large number of citizens were present on the occasion.