Development through people's participation: Jakhar

Bhopal, Feb 25 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Governor Balram Jakhar today said the government was keen to create an atmosphere wherein development works would be taken up with people's cooperation.

''Every citizen should make valuable contribution in the state's development'', appealed Mr Jakhar in his address to the Legislative Assembly on the opening day of the 40-day budget session.

''Work was in progress to provide drinking water in all rural habitats and such facility was made available in 6890 habitats till December last. Clean drinking water would be provided in remaining areas by next year'', he said.

''Under total sanitation campaign, entire state would be covered under hundred per cent sanitation programme by 2010-11, while toilets would be provided in all schools and Aanganwadi centres by June, 2008'', Mr Jakhar said.

Under the programme to strengthen infrastructure in urban areas, schemes to provide clean drinking water in urban areas like Indore, Bhopal, Ujjain, Gwalior and Jabalpur would be completed by 2009, the Governor said, adding this include Bhopal's scheme to provide water from Narmada and drinking water facility in gas-hit areas, Narmada-phase three and Yashwant Sagar project for Indore, Kaketo-Pahsari project for Gwalior, Gambhir scheme for Ujjain and Narmada water for Jabalpur.

Under planned development, Master plan for 64 towns have been published, he said, the government medical college at Sagar would start functioning from next academic session.

The Governor said short term loan for agriculture purposes would be made available at five per cent from next year as compared to seven per cent at present. The state government would give Rs 100 as bonus per quintal of wheat in addition to the minimum support price declared by the Centre. Additional irrigation facility had been created for 1.29 lakh hectare.

All arrangements were in place for implementing e-district project in Indore and Sagar districts. Urban Haat will be set-up at Indore to provide permanent infrastructure for marketing of handicraft products.

The Governor said 50 per cent dearness allowance had been merged with the basic pay of employees. New computerised drawing system had been introduced for drawal of funds from treasuries for all works departments, he said, adding the government had already introduced gender budget.

UNI SP DS KN1410