On eve of 10 yrs as CM, Shivraj Singh Chouhan talks of achievements, vision

Bhopal: As he completes a decade as head of BJP Government tomorrow, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday said the State has made a lot of progress in building basic infrastructure in the last 10 years but more needs to be done on health and education fronts.

Addressing a press conference here, Chouhan spoke at length about his Government's achievements and also goals that still needs to be accomplished as he shared his vision to make Madhya Pradesh, once considered a laggard (BIMARU) in economic growth, a developed State.

"Thought I am satisfied with the work done in the last 10 years, a lot still needs to be done in improving health and education scenario in the State. We have taken steps in these two areas, too, but we have to sort out the problem of shortage of doctors and teachers.

"We have opened hospitals in villages but there is a shortage of medical staff and to address this problem we have decided to open seven new medical colleges," he said at the media conference organised by the Central Press Club.

"In the initial term, I focused on building infrastructure, especially in the areas of road, power and water. Besides building quality roads, the State at present is generating 15,500 MW power.

"It has enhanced irrigation potential from 7.5 lakh hectares to 36 lakh hectare and raised food grain production from 166 lakh MT to 450 lakh MT per year."

Speaking about his vision, Chouhan said "I have a dream to make Madhya Pradesh a welfare State. In the last 10 years, my focus was on building infrastructure. Earlier Chief Ministers have also done a lot and I am continuously striving to take forward their work."

The 56-year-old BJP leader said in the last 10 years, fruit of development has reached all sections of society and is now set to take giant strides on growth path. The State will not lag behind in the area of good governance.

"I will continue to strive for making Madhya Pradesh among the developed States of the country."

"I consider myself as the people's servant and the same is reflected in my behaviour also. This is my identity. But if I find someone not serving the people properly, I will not spare that person how so ever big he may be," Chouhan said when asked about criticism that sections of bureaucracy are not working for the people's welfare.

Chouhan, the second Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (after Digvijay Singh of Congress) to complete 10 years in office, preferred not to offer any explanation for BJP's loss in the just held bypoll to Ratlam-Jhabua Lok Sabha seat. He said "victory and defeat are part of politics."

Asked about talks of rising "intolerance", the CM said "this debate has no meaning."