Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stressed the participation of intellectuals and the society in the development journey of Madhya Pradesh during ‘Prabuddhajan Samvad’, a dialogue with eminent persons of the city at Manas Bhawan, on Sunday. The Chief Minister mentioned that the State and Jabalpur are progressing in various fields, thanks to corresponding efforts and appealed the talents of Sanskardhani to become partners in the State’s development to make Madhya Pradesh the number one State.

Chouhan highlighted the progress made by Madhya Pradesh in a purposeful and well-planned manner. He mentioned that the State has achieved new records and has witnessed steady development, with the gross domestic product increasing from 71,000 crores to 13.50 lakh crores and the per capita income increased to Rs 1.40 lakh. Chouhan said the Madhya Pradesh, which was earlier considered one of the Bimaru states (sick state) has now been included in the top ten states of the country. Chouhan credited this success to the co-ordinated efforts of development, which would not have been possible without the co-operation of the people. The Chief Minister also highlighted the progress made in irrigation, power generation, road construction and industries. He recalled the time when roads were filled with potholes, but now a network of good roads has been established, including India’s second-largest ring road, which will be built in Jabalpur. He also mentioned the Narmada Express and Atal Express projects, which are being implemented to improve connectivity and boost business and employment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh. The CM also credited the decline of dacoits, collapse of SIMI network and reduction of Naxalism in MP to the effective measures taken by the Government.

He highlighted the achievements in agriculture with increased irrigation capacity which lead to higher production and good income for farmers. He said the wheat and rabi crop production has increased from 100 lakh metric tonnes to 700 lakh metric tonnes and the Government is aimed at irrigating 65 lakh hectare area by 2026. The agriculture growth rate has increased by 18 percent due to irrigation and Madhya Pradesh has received awards for agricultural work for seven times. He also mentioned the success of Madhya Pradesh in producing wheat and basmati rice that are gaining recognition globally.

Chouhan emphasised the role of social change initiatives like Ladli Yojana and Ladli Bahna Yojana in empowering women, the Government’s support for talented students through Mukhya Mantri Medhavi Yojana, impact of Enterprise Revolution and Self-Employment Schemes in promoting livelihoods and reducing unemployment. Chouhan mentioned the interest shown by investors in Jabalpur despite the Global Investors Summit being held in Indore. He highlighted the industrial possibilities in the area around Ring Road, covering 456 square kilometers, establishment of Global Skill Park, focus on tourism, with the State being known as the Tiger State, Leopard State, Crocodile State and Vulture State due to its rich biodiversity. Those also present on the occasion were Vice Chairman of State Policy Commission Sachin Chaturvedi, MP Rakesh Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Sumitra Balmik, Dr Jitendra Jamdar, Vinot Gontia, Ajay Vishnoi, Ashok Rohani, Nandini Maravi and other eminent citizens, intellectuals, Commissioner Abhay Verma, IG Umesh Joga, Collector Saurabh Kumar Suman, SP T K Vidyarti and other officers.