Atmanirbhar Madhya Pradesh: Converting the COVID adversities into Opportunities
It were those times when the whole nation was gripped under fears – fear of health issues due to Corona Virus, fear of losing jobs, fear of stagnant logistics, dipping profits, crashing businesses. COVID-19 crisis has impacted all and impacted in the most battering manner but India rose because India was and is being led by a man who is known to turn adversities into opportunities – our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. Responding to the clarion call of PM a wave of efforts, policies, schemes, and work swept the entire nation. Mantras like being ‘Local for Vocal’ and ‘Atmanirbhar’ instilled zeal in the hearts of every Indian and the results have been great. India is indeed translating this crisis into opportunity and Madhya Pradesh is proving to be a power to reckon with.
The sudden lockdown and panic had left thousands stranded and helpless. The Madhya Pradesh government took care of everyone. Some major initiatives to uplift the people and make them selfreliant were undertaken. Economic experts have always believed that an individual can only contribute towards the growth of an economy and become self-reliant, if the three basic needs of food, clothing and shelter are fulfilled.
Resonating the same idea, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan believes that the welfare of poor should be the topmost priority of government. Roti(food), Kapda (clothes) and Makaan (house) are the basic requirements of any individual. With this thought, the Government is working towards providing all the three to its people.
Caring for its people – Ensuring basic necessities
Every family deserves to have a decent place to live. With this belief, Chief Minister Chouhan transferred the fourth and final instalment of Rs. 102 crore to the account of 68 thousand beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural). The achievements under the Yojana has led to the completion of 17 lakh houses already. The target of the Yojana is to construct over 20 lakh houses for its people. In addition to this, the government has been assuring that those who could not get housing yet, will get it under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana through Awas Plus. This relief provided to the poor has proved to be a boon at the time of the pandemic. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has given a target of benefiting five lakh beneficiaries under the scheme to the Urban Development and Housing Department.
Ensuring the shelters for the homeless, the Government is working towards providing food for 11 lakh families. A campaign has been launched where approxmetely 25 thousand shops including shops in the district headquarters would distribute food grains to approxmetely 37 lakh beneficiaries. To ensure that no one is left behind, Cooperation of Gram Panchayats and Urban bodies in organizing the distribution event has been sought.
Technological Empowerment for the people
Our leaders - PM Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan interacted with 2 crore people over the Swanidhi Samvad virtual programme. Interacting directly with the people, the two leaders are ensuring that the benefits percolate down to all those in need.
In Madhya Pradesh, over one lakh street vendors were provided with identity cards besides other benefits. All the traders have been urged to expand the horizons of their businesses by embracing online transactions.
Another vital component of the self-reliant goal is the financial institution – Banks. The Poor did not visit bank for fear of paper work, digital revolution has made things easy. Efforts have been made to provide financial assistance to the poor by removing them from the clutches of moneylenders
Monetary help was also provided to the needy persons – be it the transfer of Rs 94 thousand crores 31 thousand crores in the account of 20 crore women approx.
The efforts are also being made to connect the villages to the online market spaces through banking system. The Government has set a target of 1000 days to make it happen. In addition to this, beneficiaries will also get Health ID from Digital Health Mission. The work of appointment and checkup by the doctor will also be done through this process. The system of One Nationone Ration Card has also been implemented in the state. People will be able to buy ration and use their right from anywhere in the country.
Emphasis on providing basic amenities to hawkers are also being looked into.the scheme will be implemented to ensure electricity facility, benefits of Ayushman Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, benefit of insurance scheme on payment of Rs one per month and housing construction to the hawkers. The process of starting this scheme is in progress. Constant work has been done to ensure that the schemes of the government are strengthened.
Madhya Pradesh Government has been applauded by the Prime Minister for their commendable work that greatly contributes towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. With a commitment to make the state a self-reliant, self-sufficient and all powerful, the MP government will leave no stone unturned.