Synopsis
The budget session of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly commenced with Governor Mangubhai Patel's address, detailing the state's achievements and future plans, including significant investment proposals and support for farmers.Key Takeaways
- Governor Mangubhai Patel addresses the Assembly on budget session.
- Investment proposals exceeding ₹30 lakh crore highlighted.
- Power connections for farmers at ₹5.
- Mukhyamantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana supports 80 lakh farmers.
- Commitment to provide 30 lakh solar irrigation pumps.
- New medical colleges to be established.
- Protests by Congress MLAs against assembly session length.
- Road and housing developments reported.
Bhopal, March 10 (NationPress) The budget session of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly commenced on Monday with an address from Governor Mangubhai Patel, who showcased the accomplishments of the state government over the last year and presented future plans.
He highlighted the significant river-linking projects launched last year and the proactive measures taken to draw investments from both domestic and international investors.
Governor Patel disclosed that investment proposals exceeding ₹30 lakh crore have been received, with efforts ongoing to actualize these plans. Additionally, farmers are offered power connections at a minimal cost of ₹5.
In his address, the Governor acknowledged the policy measures and welfare initiatives enacted by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Central government aimed at fostering inclusive development across the nation. He emphasized the importance of river linking initiatives, particularly the Ken-Betwa project, which will ensure access to drinking water and irrigation for 10 districts in the Bundelkhand region.
The Parvati-Kalisindh river linking project is set to benefit 11 districts in the Malwa region, while the Ken-Betwa project will extend benefits beyond Madhya Pradesh into parts of Uttar Pradesh. Likewise, the Parvati-Kalisindh River will provide advantages to Rajasthan.
The third initiative, the Tapti-basin recharge, will equally support both Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Referring to the GYAN (Gareeb, Yuva, Annadata, and Nari) philosophy introduced by PM Modi, Governor Patel stated that his government is committed to advancing these four sectors.
The Governor also discussed the Mukhyamantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana, mentioning that ₹6,000 is being provided to 80 lakh farmers through direct benefit transfer (DBT). This year, ₹1,624 crore has been directly transferred to farmers' accounts as the third installment, following ₹4,000 crore last year.
He noted that the government is procuring wheat at ₹2,600 per quintal, which includes a minimum support price of ₹2,425 and a bonus of ₹175 per quintal. The procurement process will commence on March 15 this year. Additionally, the Madhya Pradesh government will allocate ₹4,000 per hectare to paddy farmers and will procure soybeans at ₹4,892 per quintal. Millet producers will also receive ₹3,900 per hectare.
The state aims to increase irrigation facilities to 100 lakh hectares by 2028-29, up from the current 50 lakh hectares.
Governor Patel expressed his commitment to eliminating power expenses for farming in the next three years by providing 30 lakh solar irrigation pumps. By December 2024, the state expects to have achieved seven lakh hectares of micro irrigation facilities.
Financial assistance is also being provided for managing bovine family members, with an increase to ₹40 per member per day, up from the previous ₹20.
Meritorious students have received laptops and scooties, with 89,710 students benefitting from a total of ₹224 crore deposited into their accounts, while 7,832 students have been awarded scooties at no cost.
Regarding education, the Governor mentioned the establishment of three medical colleges by PM Modi and announced plans to start 12 new medical colleges through a public-private partnership model.
On housing, he reported that 36 lakh houses have been completed, with another 13 lakh houses currently under construction. The Central government has set a target for an additional 11.86 lakh houses.
The upcoming religious event, Simhastha Kumbh, scheduled for 2028 in Ujjain, is anticipated to be remarkable.
The Governor emphasized the state’s accomplishments, noting the addition of 5,190 kilometers of roads to the existing network, along with 76 new bridges.
There is an investment of ₹2,500 crore allocated for constructing elevated corridors in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior. Six expressways are currently under construction: the Narmada Expressway, Vindhya Expressway, Atal Expressway, Malwa-Nimar Expressway, Bundelkhand Expressway, and Madhya Bharat Expressway. Moreover, 8631 villages have been connected via rural roads totaling 19,472 kilometers.
The Governor also discussed various recently launched policies, expansion projects, good governance initiatives, public service guarantees, and the timely resolution of complaints through the CM helpline.
Earlier in the day, opposition members from the Congress party arrived at the House wearing black masks and carrying placards to protest against the frequent short Assembly sessions conducted by the government.
The Congress MLAs demonstrated in front of the Gandhi statue, advocating for an extension of the Assembly session. They accused the government of evading discussions on pressing public interest issues.
The government is expected to present the Economic Survey on March 11, followed by the budget for the financial year 2025-26 on March 12.
Following the Governor's address, Speaker Narendra Tomar adjourned the House for the day.
