Bhopal: Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that there will be no shortage of funds for the development of cities. When the state government provided Rs 330 crore during Corona period, this order will not stop now and the sanctioned amount of the 15th Finance Commission will continue to be provided to the bodies. Chief Minister Chouhan said that cities are mirrors of any state. Being a large population, it becomes essential to provide basic amenities like roads, drinking water in cities on priority basis. Along with this, development of solid waste management and sewage system is also must. Necessary funds will be provided to make cities like Indore, Bhopal, which are included among leading cities of the country in terms of cleanliness. Chief Minister Chouhan said that everyone should try to bring new light in the lives of the public.
Chief Minister Chouhan was interacting with the office-bearers and officials of the urban bodies of the state through video conference from Mantralaya. On this occasion, he transferred an amount of Rs 480 crores to the urban bodies with a single click. The cities which have received the amount include four cities of the state viz. Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, with more than 10 lakh population (million plus), besides non-million plus 403 urban bodies and 5 cantonment cities. Today, officers of all the urban bodies of the state and heads of 63 such bodies, whose tenure is still ongoing, took part in the programme through VC.
Chief Minister Chouhan said that there is economic crisis in the Corona period, but arrangement of funds will be made for the development of cities. We will try to make our cities stand up as models. Chief Minister Chouhan said that the amount of octroi compensation will be increased. Necessary arrangements will be made as soon as normalcy resumes after Corona. Chief Minister Chouhan said that houses will be made available on priority to the urban poor. Investment of Rs 20 thousand crore is being made in 7 cities of the state, metro rail work is in progress in Indore and Bhopal. Chief Minister Chouhan gave instructions to the bodies to ensure that while preparing the master plan, it should be made sure that the slum areas do not grow. Sambal Yojana has been re-launched in the state. Along with this a scheme is being run to benefit the street vendors. Madhya Pradesh has secured the first position in the country in the implementation of this scheme. Chief Minister Chouhan said that vegetable vendors on hand carts to small traders like open hair cutting saloons, cobblers, woodsmiths, weavers and artisans will also be provided benefits of the schemes in the urban areas. Chief Minister Chouhan also emphasized the need for monitoring of the use of funds for the development of cities at various levels. Principal Secretary Urban Administration Nitesh Vyas, Commissioner Urban Administration Nikunj vastava and Commissioner Public Relations Dr. Sudam Khade were present in the video conference.
Discussion with urban bodies
Chief Minister Chouhan also held discussions with Ram Kodwani, Chairperson of Mandsaur Municipality, Smt. Urmila Katare, Chairperson of Shahdol Municipality and Manohar Bhatewara, Chairperson of Petlawad Municipal Council of Jhabua district. Chief Minister Chouhan was invited by the public representatives of Mandsaur to perform bhoomi pujan and dedication of various development works. Chief Minister Chouhan said that he would visit Mandsaur soon and pray for the welfare of the people after visiting Lord Pashupatinath. Shahdol Municipality Chairman and other public representatives thanked Chief Minister Chouhan for the gift of Medical College, University and Engineering College at Shahdol. He said that no steps were taken for the development of Shahdol last year. Chief Minister Chouhan said that he will be ready to approve development works. The Municipal Council Chairman of Petlawad also apprised with the stoppage of development works and suggested an increase in the amount of octroi.
