Madhya Pradesh proves mettle in times of crisis

It is in times of crisis that the real leaders outshine, and Madhya Pradesh proves it beyond doubt – fighting it on all fronts and caring for each and every individual, equally.

COVID-19, the unknown and unforeseen lifethreatening virus gripped the people of Madhya Pradesh in early March itself. Not much was known and at stake were human lives, but MP survived and continues to win battles, if not the war. The state remains strong as the leader – Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is one strong-headed and decisive person. The last few months witnessed how MP survived situations arising because of the Covid-19.

It is a well-known fact that Madhya Pradesh felt the footsteps of Covid-19 as early as in the beginning of March. Shivraj Singh Chouhan took decisions as an experienced political leader, well-versed in art of administrative abilities, and a thoughtprocess aimed at the welfare of every section of the state.

He took charge as the Chief Minister when Corona virus was spreading its tentacles at a rapid pace. A scholar connected to religion, spirituality and philosophy, Shivraj Singh Chouhan – who had completed his successful tenure as Chief Minister of the state thrice, well understood the nuances of the situation. He took charge once again as Chief Minister and as could sense the gravity of the situation, began with regular review and monitoring.

All the officers of the Health Department were instructed in the first meeting itself to make arrangements for adequate number of beds, buildings for quarantine centers, testing facilities of virus besides the necessary tools and testing equipment. Order was placed for the requirement of PPE kits in the state and the treatment of those affected by Corona who were found positive began on immediate basis. Two major cities of the state, Indore and Bhopal, were battling the worst. The number of positive cases, in these two cities, kept increasing rapidly. This bothered Chief Minister Shri Chouhan who expressing concern over the deteriorating situation, took the cudgel to do something about it and as fast as possible. He held several discussions day-in and day-out and even during the nights with the collectors of the concerned areas, inquired about the arrangements being made with the senior officials and took necessary actions to remove the difficulties being faced by the people.

Meanwhile, came the decision of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi who decided to increase the lockdown for 15 more days. In accordance to this, all arrangements were ensured in Madhya Pradesh. Complaints of strictness of the police on the movement of people were reported from a few cities, but it was necessary to save people’s lives. Soon the citizens of the state also understood it and fully cooperated to the success of the lockdown.

Deaths occurring in the state from Covid-19, left Chief Minister Chouhan sad and disturbed. Discussions were held over videoconferencing, and assessment was done to identify the areas where most cases were being reported. All necessary precautionary measures were taken, and arrangements ensured in the containment areas. It was also ensured that people got essential food grains and other essential goods for their daily household chores. In addition to dealing with this huge calamity, Chief Minister Chouhan made parallel arrangements for the purchase of wheat, to help the large section of the farmers of the state. Departments concerned, and agencies were activated. Number of purchasing centers were increased, wheat procurement started systematically in adherence to the norms of social distancing. It was completed in the first week of June creating a national record.

Everyone was taken into the ambit of the care. Students from the tribal community were given scholarship money while a number of decision were taken for the welfare of the womenfolk. Funding for online scholarships, mid-day meal amount, financial assistance to beneficiaries for various works started from birth to death under Sambal Yojana. Food grain was distributed – two months advance grain was also distributed.

Migrant labourers were provided employment under MNREGA thus, arranging for their livelihood in these difficult times. Decisions were taken in the interests of other tribals communities including Baiga, Bharia and Sahariya tribes. Payments were made to tendu leaf collectors. In an attempt to boost the income of the factory workers, they were given an option to work for 12-hours instead of 8-hours, if they wished so.

Madhya Pradesh has been known for investments in industrial sector, good governance, organizing Panchayats for various sections and formulating new schemes for their welfare. The credit for all this goes to the impressive leadership of Chief Minister Chouhan.

Today, the people of the state are under the care of a leader with a vast experience of 13years as Chief Minister. Aftercoming out of this crisis, Madhya Pradesh will join the leading states of the country with a strong economy. The state will emerge as a pioneer on all fronts and will be an example for others to follow.