Apathy in implementation will not be tolerated: MP CM

Barwani, MP, Sep 30 (UNI) In a clear warning to officials working on public welfare schemes, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today said that apathy in implementation would scarcely be tolerated.

''My government is making every possible attempt for this state's overall development. It is upto officials to convey the schemes' benefit to the common man,'' he said at a public meeting coinciding with the inauguration of a jandarshan programme at this district's Chatli village.

Alleging that lack of development work during the predecessor Congress regime resulted in Madhya Pradesh's extreme backwardness, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader stressed on providing adequate importance to women and girls and urged that detailed information be provided on the Janani Suraksha, Janani Express and Ladli Lakshmi schemes.

Referring to schemes linked to labourers, he claimed, ''they will stop exodus.'' Providing details of schemes concerning farmers, the poor, education and health, the Chief Minister pointed out that mandi tax on cotton was reduced to one per cent and that would aid cotton-based factories declining in Nimad region and stop labourers' exodus to neighbouring Maharashtra.

''A higher secondary school and hostel will be started at Chatli from the next academic session,'' he said while directing proper treatment for two handicapped persons and a heart patient.

Earlier, Mr Chouhan laid the foundation stone for the Rs 7.42-crore Badgaon irrigation pond, Rs 2.8-crore Harshnagar irrigation pondand a village hospital. Ms Kalawati Singh, the mother of martyred soldier Robert Martin, was honoured. The Adivasi Mukti Sangathan submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister who was weighed in laddus.

UNI