Women on the march in Madhya Pradesh

Muslim Saleem 

Bhopal, December 23, 2011

Apart from education, industrial other sectors, women are also making their mark as cultivators in Madhya Pradesh. It may be mentioned that at the behest of Chief Minister Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Madhya Pradesh Women in Agriculture (MAPWA) Project is being effectively implemented in the state. About 60 to 70 percent works in the agriculture sector are done by rural women while they indirectly participate in other works. The State Government has launched a new project since the year 2007-08 with a view to giving technical shape to women's participation in agriculture and ensuring quality in the works being undertaken by women. The project covers technical training to women farmers, inter-district tours, village-level training, training for forming self-help groups, etc, Reports SMS News & Features.

CM Mr Chouhan's call to fight malnutrition

Muslim Saleem

Bhopal, December 16, 2011

Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan is a Chief Minister who does not relent on important issues. Even when he has embarked on the ambitious Beti Bachao Abhiyan, he has not put other important issues on the backburner. Recently, Mr Chouhan once again asked the state machinery to intensify fight against malnutrition, reports SMS New & Features.

Chief Minister Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan took a meeting of officers at Satna late on Monday night. He stressed to identify the places where condition of children is serious due to malnutrition. On burnt-up transformers, he said that the work of replacing them should be undertaken as per decided norms.

No-trust vote in MP Assembly: Much ado about nothing

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No-trust vote: Much ado about nothing

By Muslim Saleem

Bhopal, December 5, 2011

The opposition Congress Party in Madhya Pradesh assembly had to bite dust once again when the no-confidence motion moved by it fizzled out. It had to be since Congress failed to raise any worthwhile issue and levelled only false charges against Madhya Pradesh Government led by Chief Minister Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Naturally, the no-confidence motion fell flat on its face, reports SMS News and Features.

The Congress has failed to realise that the state has gone places in development during the term of Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan as Chief Minister so far. The economic growth rate has touched 10 percent mark which is higher than the national average. Law and order situation continues to be better and Madhya Pradesh now ranks among first two-three states in development. Under such circumstances, it was obvious that the no-confidence motion was aimed at maligning the government’s image.

Mr Chouhan earns encomiums in Pakistani media for Beti Bachao Abhiyan

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Mr Chouhan earns encomiums in Pakistani 

media for Beti Bachao Abhiyan

By Muslim Saleem

Bhopal, November 25, 2011

The echo of Beti Bachao Abhiyan (Save the Girl Child Campaign) launched by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan has not only transcended borders of the state and India but is reverberating now in Pakistan as well. Pakistani electronic as well as print media have wholeheartedly welcomed this great and novel initiative of Mr Chouhan, reports SMS News & Features.  

Latest in the series is an article written in Daily Jang, Karachi by Mr Masroor Ahmad Masoor. Masroor, who has connections with Bhopal, has showered fulsome praise on Beti Bachao Abhiyan and Chief Minister Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The article was published in all the three editions of daily Jang i.e Karachi, Lahore & Rawalpindi Editions on 19th November, 2011 on colour page no 8 titled as Aman ki Asha. The website of daily jang is www.jang.com.pk.

Cong leaders making baseless allegations against MP Govt

 cimirror.blogspot.com

Cong leaders making baseless

allegations against MP Govt

By Muslim Saleem

Bhopal, November 13, 2011

BJP government led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is undertaking excellent works. This fact has been accepted time and again the Congress-led UPA government at the Centre. But due to some ulterior motives, State Congress leaders have resorted to levelling baseless charges against Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Mr Chouhan has rightly rebutted these charges recently, reports SMS News & Features.

Mr Chouhan on Thursday accused the Congress leadership of making ‘baseless allegations’ against the state’s BJP government. “Criticism should be based on facts and figures and not made just for the sake of politics,” Chouhan told reporters at the party office. He was responding to allegations made by Congress leaders on various issues against the BJP government like the appointment of Lokayukta.

Beti Bachao Abhiyan novel initiative

 cimirror.blogspot.com

 Beti Bachao Abhiyan novel initiative of

Mr Chouhan to tackle declining sex ratio

By Muslim Saleem

Bhopal, November 5, 2011

Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan is the only Chief Minister in the country, who keeps thinking about novel ways to tackle various social ills and launching schemes after schemes for removing them. Beti Bachao Abhiyan is latest in the series, reports SMS News & Features.

The skewed sex ratio in several districts of Madhya Pradesh prompted ruling BJP government headed by Chief Minister Mr Shivraj Singh  Chouhan to launch the ‘Beti Bachao Abhiyan’ (Save the Girl Child campaign) to raise awareness and address this nagging issue which may pose social and demographic problems in the state.

Mukhyamantri Nikah Yojna a welcome step

madhyanews.blogspot.com 

Mukhyamantri Nikah Yojna a welcome step

By Muslim Saleem

Bhopal, October 23, 2011

Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan thinks about welfare of every section of society and launches various innovative schemes for them. Latest in the series is Mukhyamantri Nikah Yojna, which is being hailed by cross sections of Muslims in Madhya Pradesh, reports SMS News & Features.

Actually, Muslim couples were also married off during the functions under Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojna. But due to some reservations by a section of Muslim community, they were not taking part in the scheme as enthusiastically as expected. It is perhaps with this in view that Chief Minister Mr Chouhan has decided to launch Mukhyamantri Nikah Yojna. The announcement was made by him during a review meeting of Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department the other day.

World Bank hails works in Madhya Pradesh

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World Bank hails works in Madhya Pradesh

Muslim Saleem

October 15, 2011

Madhya Pradesh is marching ahead on the path of progress under the able guidance of Chief Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan. This is the observation of none other than a team of World Bank that has lauded promotion to initiative of undertaking paddy farming through innovative method of drip irrigation and S.R.I Method under DPIP scheme, reports SMS News & Features.

It may be mentioned that paddy crops are being taken as pilot project in Narsinghpur, Rewa, Damoh, Sidhi and Panna districts of Madhya Pradesh. Paddy crops are being grown under S.R.I Method by one thousand 427 farmers of 138 villages of these five districts in 778 acres of land. In the same series, use of drip irrigation has also been promoted in Rewa and Sidhi districts. This methods has proved very good especially for vegetable crops.

It is also worth mention that the 18th producer company sponsored by DPIP has started its operations in Shivpuri district. Hardaul Milk Production Company has started functioning in Bhaunti village of the district. Fifteen villages under Bhaunti Sahyog Dal have been included in the company’s jurisdiction.

The company comprises 10 promoter directors, who convened a general council meeting and elected Mrs. Phoolwati Yadav as President apart from choosing five directors. Chilling centre of the company has been set up from the funds of Swarn Jayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna and appliances for the chilling plant has been obtained with the assistance of S.G.S.Y. Infrastructure.

Similarly, nine DPIP-sponsored producers’ committees have also started their operations in the project areas under soya production programme. Efforts are also being undertaken for promoting use of solar stoves in Shivpuri and Rajgarh districts.

Under the District Poverty Initiative Project, Self Help Groups (SHGs) numbering 10 thousand 908 have been formed organising over 1.25 lakh women of 3000 villages in Madhya Pradesh till March, 2011. Besides, opportunities of employment were provided to 48 thousand 476 needy persons.

The project is being implemented since October 2009 and continues up to December 2014. Under the project, five districts of Bundelkhand region namely: Sagar, Damoh, Panna, Chhattarpur, Tikamgarh and other districts including Raisen, Vidisha, Rewa, Sidhi, Narsinghur, Shivpuri, Guna, Rajgarh, and Shajapur are being covered.

A ctivities of the Self Help Groups should be made more creative and profit making in the larger interests of the group members. Rural youth are being informed about the scope of employment in the areas of diamond cutting, textile industry, electronics, insurance, automobiles and the Army.

The Self Help Groups have saved a huge amount of Rs. 5 crore 16 lakh till March, 2011. Further, an amount of Rs. 5 crore 13 lakhs will be spent on employment oriented programmes during the current fiscal 2011-12.

CM Mr Chouhan shows conviction for saving daughters

By Muslim Saleem

Bhopal, October 6, 2011

Before Chief Minister Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan, no Chief  Minister or even Prime Minister had thought of launching a mass movement for saving daughters. Concerned by declining ratio of girls and pained by unjust and cruel attitude towards womenfolk, the Chief Minister launched Beti Bachao Abhiyan in the state with main function held at the CM House, which was a mega event. Through it, Mr Chouhan has proved how power and administration can be effectively used for bringing about positive change in society and that is committed to ensuring women's empowerment and is leaving no stone unturned in this connection, reports SMS News & Features.

At the function held on October 5, 2011, Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan asserted that full protection and honour will be provided to girls and women in the state by strictly implementing all the relevant laws enacted for their protection. He said that 'Beti Bachao Abhiyan', which has been launched for ensuring daughters' protection, honour and empowerment, will meet with desired success only through participation of all the political parties, organisations, institutions and all sections of society. This is not a political programme, but a social mission.

The Chief Minister said that a three-pronged approach has been adopted  for daughters' protection and all round upbringing – increase in awareness, motivation and punishment. Various programmes are being organised in the state for increasing awareness. He will himself undertake Jan-Jagriti Yatra from Datia to Sewrha from October 10. He said that a separate programme related to Beti Bachao Abhiyan will be held wherever he will go in the state. He appealed to heads of all religions to express views about importance of daughters in their sermons with a view to bringing about a positive change in people's mindset. He also desired active participation in Beti Bachao Abhiyan from office-bearers and members of student unions. Several motivational schemes are also being considered. One of such schemes is being finalised under which those persons, who have only daughters, will be given pension at 60 years of age. Under punitive action, laws enacted for protection of girls and women will be strictly implemented.

The Chief Minister said that he got inspiration to launch this campaign after observing negative attitude in families and soceity towards daughters. He said that he has witnessed disriminatory behaviour towards duaghters in families right since his childhood and had been deeply pained by it. He said that when he became MLA, he started arranging marriages of girls of poor families. The programme continued when he became an MP. After becoming Chief Minister, he institutionalised girls' marriage and it was started to be held officially. He said that Ladli Laxmi Yojna is also an important step in the same direction. The goernment is extending all facilities with a view to helping girls to move forward. Despite it, sex ratio is a matter of concern, espcially in the urban areas and among educated families.

Mr Chouhan said that not only a positive thinking prevailed in the ancient Indian society towards daughters and women, but they had also commanded full respect and all the opportunities for progress were available to them. A negative thinking about them developed later in society. However, it is never too late to mend and people should rectify their mistake and do full justice with girls and women. He said that no injustice against daughters will be allowed in the state. Mr Chouhan said that a convention of non-government organisations will soon be convened with a view to roping in their cooperating in Beti Bachao Abhiyan.

.

CM Mr Chouhan’s China visit to open floodgates of development in MP

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सी आई मिरर डाट काम

By Muslim Saleem

Bhopal, September 24, 2011

Chief Minister Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan has returned from his successful China visit. The Chief Minister had embarked on a nine-day China visit on the invitation of World Economic Forum. He took part in the programmes held by World Economic Forum in various Chinese cities and invited prospective investors to Madhya Pradesh. The response of Chinese investors and industrialists to Mr Chouhan’s invitation to investment in Madhya Pradesh is stated to be very enthusiastic and it is surmised that the visit of Mr Chouhan and 28-member delegation to China is likely to open floodgates of development and progress in the state, reports SMS News & Features.

Importantly, during his interaction with investors, the Chief Minister apprised them of possibilities of investment and abundance of resources in Madhya Pradesh and industry-friendly policy of the State Government. The 28-member delegation accompanying him included Industries Minister Mr Kailash Vijayvargiya. The delegation members also apprised investors and industrialists of investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh.

On the first day of China visit on September 13, Chief Minister Mr Chouhan visited Ascendas IT Park near Dalian city. It is also known as Green Silico Valley. The Chief Minister along with the delegation inspected the work space of Indian software company Infosys there apart from another software company 'Yaditab.'

On September 14, the Chief Minister attended various programmes of World Economic Forum. He took part in the discussion titled 'Mastering Quality Growth in India.' During interactive session, he also took part in 'Insight From Emerging Market on Urban Development' programme. During one-to-one meetings, he held talks with experts of various sectors as well as politicians. The Chief Minister met distinguished persons and industrialists coming to the World Economic Forum on September 15. Madhya Pradesh government hosted a lunch in honour of representatives and Chinese industrialists. Mr Chouhan also took part in 'Insights from Emerging Market Infrastructure' programme. He threw light on the success of various important projects being run in the infrastructure sectors under PPP Mode in Madhya Pradesh.

On September 16 in Beijing, the Chief Minister took part in symposium titled 'Investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh.' He informed Chinese industrialists of the capital investment being made in Madhya Pradesh in cement, iron, benefaction and power plants. On September 17, the Chief Minister visited Tian Jin Bin Hightech Industrial Area in Beijing. He also visited Union Stemcell and Gene Engineering Company Limited apart from Tian Jin Saxiyang Technology Company Limited. He also saw Ying Li Solar Park. The same day, Chief Minister Mr Chouhan visited Tiananmen Square and Great Wall of China's Mutianyu Section. On September 18, he talked to journalists at the lunch hosted at Indian embassy in Beijing and said that participation of Madhya Pradesh in World Economic Forum will prove to be important in inviting investors for the development of industrial sectors of the state and informing them of the opportunities available in Madhya Pradesh.

On September 19, he invited Chinese investors to make investment in Madhya Pradesh at 'Madhya Pradesh Meet' organised jointly by Madhya Pradesh and Confederation of Indian Industries. He also visited Huang Vayo Transportation Hub, Sujolo Industrial Park and important tourist spots. At Shanghai, he saw Urban Planning Museum, Pearl TV Tower and Buddha Temple. Chief Minister Mr Chouhan left Shanghai for India on September 20

Better tax management in MP

www.cimirror.blogspot.com

सी आई मिरर डाट काम

Muslim Saleem

Bhopal, September 16, 2011

Madhya Pradesh has posted about four fold increase in commercial taxes revenue over last seven years. This creditable achievement, despite exempting many commodities and reducing rates on some others, is attributable to efficient tax administration, effective curb on evasion and positive attitude of traders. This significant increase in commercial tax revenue has been achieved despite exempting food grain, pulses, farm implements and fuel wood from VAT. Earlier, a 4 percent VAT was payable on these commodities. The VAT on diesel has been reduced from 28.75 percent to 25 percent, reports SMS News and Features.

The commercial tax revenue in year 2003-04 was Rs, 3,952 crore 25 lakh, which rose to Rs. 12 thousand 342 crore 16 lakh in 2010-11. This increase assumes greater significance given the fact that VAT on many items has been removed and reduced on some others. These taxes include Central Sales Tax, VAT Entertainment Tax, Hotel Tax, Professional Tax etc. The buoyancy in tax collection has pushed the development of the state.

In year 2003-04, revenue of Rs, 2,916 crore 73 lakh was received by way of VAT, Rs. 454 crore through Central Sales Tax, Rs. 392 crore 71 lakh as Entertainment Tax, Rs. 184 crore 58 lakh and Rs. 4 crore 21 lakh as Hotel Tax.

Online Facilities for Traders: The Commercial Taxes Department has provided a number of online facilities for the convenience of traders making the best possible use of Information Technology. Following this, now the traders no longer need to visit the circle offices in person to get their works done. Most of their works are done online.

First the facility of online downloading Form-49 was introduced. Encouraged by the response of traders some other facilities were provided online. These include e-return, e-registration, Form-60 etc. At present there are 2 lakh 40 thousand registered traders in the state and out of them over 90 percent are availing online facilities.

The facility of online downloading the declaration form (form-49) pertaining to check post has provided following which now these forms are available free of cost to the traders. So far, 5 lakh 57 thousand 967 Form-49 have been downloaded.

Now the tension of check post is also gone. If a trader enters duly filled declaration on the web portal giving the date and time of entering, the transporter does not deed to get it passed from the check post. If there is no check post on the route in that case, too, he need not visit the nearest circle office.

The facility of filing online statement has also been made available on the web portal. So far, 58 thousand 795 traders have availed this facility.

New chapter in aviation history of Madhya Pradesh

www.cimirror.blogspot.com

सी आई मिरर डाट काम

Muslim Saleem

Bhopal: September 8, 2011

    It is a matter of pride for the residents of the state that a new chapter was added to the tourism development sector of Madhya Pradesh. Air taxi service has been launched for the first time in the state. The air taxi service was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan at 10 am on September 7 at Bhopal's Raja Bhoj Airport. With the launch of this air service, Madhya Pradesh has become the first state to offer air taxi services. In the first phase, this air service will be between Bhopal-Indore, Bhopal-Gwalior, Bhopal-Jabalpur, Indore-Gwalior and Indore-Jabalpur. Air taxis will fly between these cities in the morning and evening, reports SMS News & Features.

    In the second phase, there will be daily flights between Gwalior-Jabalpur through which some more tourist destinations will be linked. These include Satna, Khajuraho, Pachmarhi, Vallabhgarh and Kanha.

    Madhya Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation has carved out its distinctive image in the country for tourist facilities. The air taxi service was launched for the first time in the state as per the wish of Chief Minister Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan to promote tourism in the state through water, terrestrial and air routes. After introduction of this service, the passengers travelling between cities of Madhya Pradesh to accomplish essential works will be able to return to their destination the same day after completing their works.

    Similarly, tourists will be able to reach various religious and tourist places near Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior and Jabalpur quickly through this air service. Tourism activities can be promoted further at places like, Pench and Kanha-Kisli and Bandhavgarh National Parks near Jabalpur. Likewise, one will be able to reach Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain) and Omkareshwar religious places near Indore quickly. Besides, tourists can also enjoy services of national and international flights from Indore.

    The Tourism Corporation is undertaking works in new areas. In this context, the State Government took the initiative of introducing air connectivity through private sector between major cities of the state for giving a fillip to tourism in the state. Under the initiative, an agreement was signed by the State Tourism Corporation with private sector company Messrs. Ventura Air Connect Private Limited. The company has provided a nine-seater aircraft at Bhopal. Soon, another nine-seater plane will be added to this series. There is long geographical distance between Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior and Jabalpur. Except Bhopal, there is High Court and its benches in rest of these major cities. Important offices of the State Government are situated in Bhopal. Apart from general passengers, tourists from India and abroad also require air services.

    With a view to giving permanency to the air services, the State Government has made a provision in the agreement that maximum three seats in every sector will be underwritten if passengers are not available in adequate numbers. For this, they will be paid full fare and government officers will be able to undertake travel. The State Government will compensate for VAT on the aviation turbine fuel bought by the company in the state for five years.

MadhyaNews.blogspot.com: Centre must okay Special Courts Bill of MP

 Centre must okay Special Courts Bill of MP

 Muslim Saleem

Bhopal, August 25, 2011

At a time when the entire national is gripped by rampant corruption and a vociferous demand is being raised by Anna Hazare to bring out a strong Lokpal Bill to root out corruption from the country, the Madhya Pradesh government has also adopted a Bill that will help in the same cause. If implemented, this Act will put an effective check on corruption in Madhya Pradesh. But unfortunately, the Union Government is not approving this bill, reports SMS News and Features.

One again, the Chief Minister Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan has urged the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to direct the Home Department for seeking clearance of Special Court Bill by the President of India drafted by Madhya Pradesh Government with an objective of curbing corruption,

The Chief Minister Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan wrote a letter to the Prime Minister in this regard. In the letter, the Chief Minister cited that Madhya Pradesh Government had tabled Madhya Pradesh Vishesh Nyayalaya Vidheyak (Bill) -2011 in State Legislative Assembly in order to quell effectively the practice of corruption. The Bill has been passed in State Assembly and reserved by the Governor of Madhya Pradesh for approval of President of India. This Bill was forwarded to Union Home Ministry by Government of Madhya Pradesh on April 13, 2011. The Bill is awaiting the Presidential assent.

The Chief Minister in the letter said that the Bill provides for an expeditious disposal of cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. This Bill also provides for confiscation of property amassed through corrupt means and utilization of such property for public good.

Mr Chouhan said that Madhya Pradesh Government wishes to create transparent and effective systems of governance where there will be no room for corruption. Besides, the State Government wants to create an effective legal system where public servants indulging in corruption are brought to book in a time bound manner. Madhya Pradesh Vishesh Nyayalaya Vidheyak (Bill) -2011 shall prove to be an effective step towards curbing corruption in public life. This inordinate delay in granting assent by Government of India is unnecessarily depriving the State of an effective tool to combat corruption.

The Chief Minister requested the Prime Minister for directing Union Ministry of Home Affairs to obtain assent of the President of India on the pending Bill at the earliest.

It is to be seen whether the Central Government comes out of its slumber and approves the Bill at the earliest so that an effective check can be put on corrupt practices in Madhya Pradesh.

MadhyaNews.blogspot.com: Kudos to CM for safeguarding minorities

Kudos to CM for safeguarding minorities

Muslim Saleem

Bhopal, August 18, 2011

Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan is the best Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh so far in its history. He has proved by his words and deeds that the Chief Minister wants development of every section of society. Though Mr Chouhan has time and again averred that he is against giving benefits in the name of religion, yet he has made various benefits available to Muslims in the state under different welfare schemes run by the State Government, reports SMS News and Feature.

During his continuing stint of eight years, Muslims have got every opportunity to make progress in a peaceful and congenial atmosphere in Madhya Pradesh. Mr Chouhan and his ministers have seen to it that Muslims are not left behind and this is why names of community members find place in the list of beneficiaries of various welfare schemes.

This facts and figures have been corroborated by none other that National Minority Commission member Mr K.N. Daruwala,  who has said that there is no problem to minority communities as whole in Madhya Pradesh. Recently, ee acknowledged that the students of minority communities are receiving adequate benefits of scholarship schemes launched by the State Government besides these sections are also availing the benefits of Mukhyamantri Kanyadan (Nikah) scheme and employment schemes. Mr Daruwala expressed these views while paying a courtesy call on the Chief Minister Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan at Mantralaya today. Joint Secretary to the Commission Smt. Astar Kaar and secretary to Chief Minister Mr S.K. Mishra were also present on this occasion.

Mr Daruwala lavished the praises upon the Chief Minister Mr Chouhan for showing his sensible attitude towards the members of minority communities. During his visit to Madhya Pradesh, he also held discussions with State Minority Commission Chairman, Chief Secretary and Director General of Police.

The Chief Minister Mr Chouhan informed Mr Daruwala that the State Government is giving top priority to provide security to the people of all persuasions and freedom to follow their respective religions. The minority communities have also been included in the welfare schemes for safeguarding the interest of them, CM added.

Mr Chouhan said that the Indian culture does not apply different yardsticks for different people. The Indian culture believes in the world as family as whole. The Chief Minister said that Madhya Pradesh is the first in the country where at the C.M. House festivals of all religions such as Deepawali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, Prakash Utasav, Buddha Jayanti are equally celebrated. The Chief Minister further said that for him the meaning of government is to have equal attitude towards all citizens. Mr Chouhan said that following this spirit, action is initiated into any incident without discrepancy in the State.

CIMirror.Blogspot.com: Tourism sector gets boost in MP

Tourism sector gets boost in Madhya Pradesh

Ataullah Faizan
Bhopal: August 2, 2011

Constant efforts made by Chief Minister Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Tourism Minister Mr Tukojirao Puar have resulted into a great boost to the tourism sector in Madhya Pradesh. An aggressive marketing strategy has been chalked out to promote State’s tourism at international and national level. Activities of Eco-tourism Development Board are also on the rise, reports SMS News & Features.

It may be mentioned here that air services from Bhopal to Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior will soon be operational. An MoU has been inked with a private company in this regard. An air-craft of nine seats has arrived in Bhopal and yet another is to reach. The service will be expanded and Khajuraho, Agra and Jaipur will be linked with this service.

Helipad will be made in each district. Helipads or airports are available in 22 districts presently. Helipads are yet to be developed in 28 districts. Officials have also been instructed to explore the possibility of providing facilities of air traffic with other air services.

A tourist centre will be made in each district. An amount of Rs. 1 crore 25 lakh will be spent on the development of tourist centre. There are immense scopes for tourism development due to availability of natural beauty, forests, reservoirs and ancient monuments; all these can be exploited for the purpose.

State Tourism Development Council has been constituted. A road-show is proposed to be organised in Mumbai by the Council in the month of October. Five movies will be shot with the collaboration of Hollywood and Bollywood. These include Aarakshan and Singularity feature film documentary films on Bhopal, Pachmarhi and Tantya Mama.

A resort is proposed at Indira Sagar in Khandwa district under PPP mode. Similarly, four/five star conventional centres at Jabalpur and Gwalior while heritage hotel at Rajgarh Palace, Datia and resorts at Mandu and Gandhi-Sagar reservoirs and adventurous activities are proposed. Expansion of religious tourism at Omkareshwar and Chitrakoot was informed at the meeting.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that wide publicity will be made for the development of tourism in the State. He will himself play a major role in it. He informed that he would visit various tourist places in the month of October. Outdoor activities for the expansion of tourism will be conducted for one week. National-international well-known personalities will be invited to tourist destinations of Madhya Pradesh. Mr Chouhan said that there is immense scope for tourism sector in the State

MP govt promotes healthy journalism

By Ataullah Faizan

Bhopal: July 21, 2011

In times when credibility of media, paid news, objectionable advertisements and TV serials poisoning culture have hogged both print and electronic media, the Madhya Pradesh government is trying to promote healthy journalism, which can help build the society on the ethos of principles, integrity, honesty and patriotism. It is of the firm belief that a mechanism is must for fixing status and giving direction to media , reports SMS News & Features.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is of the opinion that Central government and media should take steps in this regard since the state governments are not well equipped with powers to rein in media.

      It may be mentioned journalism is undergoing an amazing metamorphosis amid the transformation of technology and economy. It is an urgent need to have a mechanism to review the status and direction of media. The media houses should regulate themselves or on cooperative basis in the absence of government regulatory laws.

      The country has seen a great change in society, economy and state ruling sector in last few years. Therefore, there is need for multi-ownership instead of single ownership to become the voice of common man. The media should not bend down before market. Journalists should not be influenced by unfair advantage.

 There is not denying the face that true journalists are path-breakers of the country. Journalists should maintain credibility and need of their writings. Journalism as of today is so relevant as it was in the past. The journalists should lead the country in right direction and disseminate the national issues to the masses.

    Led by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Madhya Pradesh government is trying to ensure healthy journalism in the state. It has launched several welfare schemes and given a number of facilities to journalists to isolate them from yellow journalism and market pressure. According to Mr Chouhan corruption and terrorism are biggest challenges before the country. Development is also a major issue. Therefore, newspapers and electronic media should help in exposing corruption and highlight news of development.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan – Common man's CM

By Ataullah Faizan

Bhopal, July 14, 2011

   

  Soon after assuming reins of the state government eight years ago, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has made it a habit to interact with common people either by going among them or calling them to his residence in the form of Panchayats and Mahapanchayats of various sections of society. It has helped the Chief Minister to know the difficulties and problems of people directly from them. This has led to the formulation and launch of various welfare schemes in the State, which were unheard of before the regime of Chouhan, reports SMS News & Feature.

. Chouhan once again interacted with common man at their doorstep. The episode occurred in Indore recently. In the morning, the Chief Minister had left Indore Residency for the airport. En route, he stopped suddenly at the shed of daily wage labourers at Kalani Nagar. There, he held detailed talk with labourers. He enquired about their well being and elicited their views about the schemes being conducted for their welfare    The Chief Minister instructed the collector to make arrangements of sitting and ensure cleanliness at the daily wage labourers' shed. He talked to labourers about their wages. Labourers told him that each labourer gets daily wages ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 250 per day. They said that they get five days' labour work a week. The Chief Minister instructed that ration cards should be issued to those labourers who do not have ration cards.

  Not only this, Chouhan also ate poha at a roadside vendor's shop. When he was interacting with labourers, poha-jalebi vendor Arvind Yadav brought poha and water to the Chief Minister. To this, Chouhan said, "Bhaiyya please wait for a while. Let me first complete my talk with labourers. Then I will visit your handcart. I will not return without eating poha." After the interaction, the Chief Minister fulfilled his promise promptly, reached the handcart of a vendor and ate 'poha' there. Yadav said, "I am lucky that you have come to my handcart. I used to hear about the good works being undertaken by you. Today, I have the chance to meet you directly. It seems incredible that the head of the state ate poha at a handcart."

It may be mentioned that now no section of society in Madhya Pradesh has been left whose Panchayat was not held at the CM's residence, problems redressed and a plethora of welfare schemes launched for them. Holding of Panchayats at Chief Minister’s residence has been the largest ever exercise to elicit the opinion of the different sections of people before taking decisions for them.

According to Chouhan, common man is central to the schemes and programmes of the state government and their betterment is the only criteria of progress. The state government has been able to give a human face to the economy. Now, nothing can stop the progress of the state when the Chief Minister is committed to see Madhya Pradesh as a front ranking state of the country. He has been calling upon the people to contribute their mite in all round progress and prosperity of the state.

In fact the tenure of the present government has been a golden period for industrialisation of the state.

Noorul Hasnain on Muslim Saleem's poetry

Syed Noorul Hasnain is an established litterateur and critic of Urdu literature. He has deep insight into poetry as well. Here is an article written by him focusing on some brighter aspects and dimensions of Muslim Saleem's poetry.

CM gives major relief to farmers through massive subsidy

By Ataullah Faizan

Bhopal, July 6, 2011

On the initiative of Chief Minister Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan, state cabinet on Tuesday decided to sanction Rs. 1776 crore subsidy for year 2011-12 to provide relief to power consumers of some categories on the tariff fixed by the Electricity Regulatory Commission with effect from June 1,2011. The decisions comes as a major relief to farmers in the state, reports SMS News and Features.

As per the decision, 90 paisa per unit subsidy would be given to domestic consumers consuming upto 30 units, Rs. 1.25 per unit subsidy to power loom consumers upto 25 horsepower, Rs. 1.75 to Rs. 2.05 per unit to permanent agricultural consumers and Rs. 1.75 per unit subsidy would be provided to temporary agricultural consumers.Besides, Rs. 15 per unit subsidy would be granted to the agricultural consumers being supplies power through DTR meters, whereas electricity would be supplied free of cost to the farmers of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes owning up to one hectare for use of up to five horsepower. The high-tension lift/group irrigation consumers would be exempted from annual minimum charge and low tension consumers would be provided subsidy at the rate of Rs. 1.90 per unit at par with agricultural consumers. The below poverty line scheduled caste and scheduled tribe families having single point light connection would be supplied electricity free of cost upto 25 units. For the street light schemes of municipalities/nagar panchayats subsidy would be provided at the rate of Rs. 95 per kilowatt from the prescribed cost. In addition to this, the cess on all categories of power consumers is being abolished. This would result in 10 paisa per unit reduction in their electricity bills.

It may be mentioned that the State Government under the stewardship of Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been in the forefront of providing various facilities to farmers. In January this year,  the Chief Minister had said that a Farmers Welfare Fund would be set up in the state. The Krishak Kalyan Ayog would be continued and made more effective. Chairman of the Ayog would be appointed.

Chouhan had directed to forward the proposal to the Government of India for considering the agricultural field of farmers as unit under National Crop Insurance Scheme. He said that he would himself take up the matter with the Prime Minister during his proposed meeting with him. The Chief Minister directed to strictly check the sale of fake fertilizers-seeds and other farm input. He directed that action taken report in cases registered this year in this regard should be presented before him. He said that not only sellers of fake fertilisers-seeds but concerning government staff found lax in prevention of their sale and registering cases would also not be spared. The Chief Minister underlined the need to reach the benefits of schemes for providing subsidies on farm implements. He said that benefits of subsidy should be ensured to eligible farmers. He also sought a list of beneficiaries of these schemes. Mr Chouhan stressed the need for close monitoring of Balram Tal and Khet Talab schemes. He said that implementation of these schemes should be got assessed by School of Good Governance and a report of this be submitted to him.

Topical Poem on father’s Day یومِ پدر: ایک موضوعاتی نظم

Topical Poem on father’s Day یومِ پدر: ایک موضوعاتی نظم

 AHMAD ALI BARQI AZMI

 AAJ HAI YAUM E PEDAR JIS KO MANATE HAIN PESAR

HAIN NAII QADRON KE AB AASAAR HAR SOO JALWA GAR

 HAIN HAMESHA WAJEBUL TAZEEM MADAR AUR PEDAR

FARZ HAI HUM PAR KAREIN TAZEEM UN KI UMR BHAR

 LOG IN MEIN DEKHTE HAIN APNI MALI MANFE'AT

KAR O BAAR E ZINDAGI HAI YAUM E MADAR AUR PEDAR

 YAAD RAHTE HAIN UNHEIN YEH AALAMI MAKHSOOS DIN

ZINDAGI BHAR JO NAHIN RAKHTE KABHI UN KI KHABAR

 JAARI O SAARI RAHE GA YEH MAKAFAAT E AMAL

YAAD RAKHEIn YEH PESAR HONGE KABHI WOH BHI PEDAR

 KARTE HAIN AULAD KI KHOON E JIGAR SE PARWARISH

KYON NAHIN RAKHTI HAI YEH AULAD PHIR UN KI KHABAR

 HAZRAT E YAAQOOB NE KHO DI THI APNI ROSHNI

IS SE YEH SABIT HUA AULAD HAI NOOR E NAZR

MAAN LEIN AHMAD ALI BARQI KA HAI YEH MASHWARA

JAISA JO BOTA HAI MILMARTA HAI USE WAISA SA

Ghazal ;'Aankhen' by Dr Syeda Imrana Nashtar Khariabadi

غزل

یہ کِس کے  قتل کی درپئے ہیں اُن کی ترآنکھیں

لہو میں ڈوبی ہوئ ہیں جنون نِگر آنکھیں

جِنہیں نہ خوف خلائق نہ خوف روزِ جزا

ہمارے بعد رہیں گی وہ خوں میں تر آنکھیں

کریں گے آبلے پأوں کے پھوٹ کر زاری

تمام عُمر رہیں خشک بھی اگر آنکھیں

جو لوگ خنجر و تیرو تبر سے ڈرتے ہیں

اُنہوں نے دیکھی نہیں تیری نیشتر آنکھیں

جُنوں زدوں سے نہ پو چھو کہ اُن پہ کیا گُزری

کہ سحر کر گیئں کیا نازش قمر آنکھیں

ہمارا دِل ہوا اک پل میں خاک عمرانہ

مگر سُلگتی رہیں شام تا سِحر آنکھیں

ڈاکٹرسیّدہ  عمرانہ نشتر خیرابادی

جارجیہ  یو ایس اے

Admission festival celebrated in Govt H S school, Koh-e-Fiza, Bhopal

CHildren beeline to enter school.

Bhopal: June 16, 2011 (Abdul Ahad Farhan): Praveshotsav (Admission festival) was celebrated throughout the state on the first day of the new academic session on June 16, 2011. School Education minister Mrs Archana Chitnis and other peoples’ representatives visited various schools throughout Madhya Pradesh on this occasion. In Bhopal, the festival was also organised at Govt. Higher Secondary School Ahmedabad, Kohe Fiza.

School principal Syed Rashid Ali inaugurating the celebrations.

Principal of the school Mr. Syed Rashid Ali applied tilak on the foreheads of children to welcome them to the school. The parents-teacher association distributed free text books to children. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Syed Rashid Ali exhorted the children to work hard and achieve success in their life.
He congratulated the teachers and staff for achieving success, 75% in higher secondary exams results, and 97% in high school results. A large number of teachers, members of PTA and students were present on the occasion.

CM Mr Chouhan's initiative for heart patient children

Ataullah Faizan

Bhopal, June 15, 2011

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan is a personality, who never ceases to work for the welfare of all the sections of society. The Chief Minister has also been taking initiatives for the children's healthcare and treatment in the state on a better and larger scale. Latest in the series is 'Mukhyamantri Bal Hriday Upchar Yojana', which will be launched for the children suffering from various heart related diseases in the State, reports SMS News & Features.

As many as one hundred operations will be performed in July. So far, such 390 children have been detected. It was informed at a meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan held here at his residence recently.

      Mr Chouhan has given directives to give priority to the children of poor families who are affected due to heart diseases. Arrangements should be made for examination and treatment of such children in all the medical colleges of the state. It should also be ensured that the child patients get medicines even post-operation. Assistance amount can also be sought from donors besides Rajya Bimari Sahayta and Chief Minister's discretionary fund. A survey is being conducted to find out the heart patient children in all the districts of the state. Arrangements should be made for treatment of these children in the districts.

      It may be mentioned that on an average only one child out of one thousand children has heart disease by birth. There may be 30 thousand such children in the state but only 10 to 15 thousand children can undergo surgery. Two thousand operations can be performed in a year in the State and out of the State in selected health institutions. A provision of ` 15 crore has been made under the Rajya Bimari Sahayta Nidhi. About Rs one lakh would be spent on each heart operation.

      Heart operations of the children will be performed in Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal; Bhandari Hospital & Research Centre, Indore; Bhopal Memorial Hospital, Bhopal, C.H. Apollo Hospital, Bombay, Gokuldas and Special Hospital, Indore; Chirayu Cardiac Centre, Bhopal; and out of the state in AIIMS, New Delhi, All India Child Heart Institute, Trivandrum; Cherian Madras Mission Hospital, Chennai and Narayan Hridayalaya, Manglore.

Earlier in January, 2011, i an effort to reduce infant mortality rate (IMR), over one lakh 18 thousand newly born babies were provided medical treatment by setting up Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres in the districts of Madhya Pradesh. The figure of children is infinitely more than last year. There is a considerable reduction in the morality of children every year in the state. Due to the efforts of State government the rate of IMR has reduced to 70 from 79. The strategic planning and actions initiated by Madhya Pradesh Government for reducing the deaths of children were appreciated by Union Government at national meeting. The Centre Government asked the representatives of other states’ health department to study Madhya Pradesh model and adopt in their states.

MP on course to total electrification

By Ataullah Faizan

Bhopal, June 8, 2011

Madhya Pradesh is treading fast on the course of total electrification of villages under Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Mission, reports SMS News and Features.

      The Government of India had given a new definition of an electrified village in year 2004-05. As per this, a village is considered electrified where basic infrastructure like distribution transformer and electricity lines are available in the inhabited area and the localities and majara/tolas of the people scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Moreover, electricity facility should be available at schools, panchayat bhawans, health centres, dispensaries and community centres. Besides, minimum 10 percent population of the village is being supplied electricity.

      As many as 329 villages have been electrified during the 10th Five Year Plan and in last three years of the 11th Five Years Plan in Madhya Pradesh.  During the period, 11 thousand 415 electrified villages have been intensively electrified and electricity lines have been laid up to all the majras and tolas there. Similarly, electricity has been provided to 3 lakh 95 thousand 93 BPL families during the period in the state.

      It may be mentioned here that the work of electrification on non-electrified villages and intensive electrification of electrified villages is in progress under Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Scheme. As many as 91 villages were electrified under 10th Five Years Plan in eight districts including Ashok Nagar, Guna, Chhindwara, Damoh, Jabalpur, Seoni, Indore and Ujjain districts. Besides, under this period electricity facility was provided to 2 lakh 35 thousand 940 BPL families.

      Under the 11th Five Years Plan, so far, 238 non-electrified villages of 24 districts were electrified. These districts are Betul, Harda, Datia, Morena, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Dhar, Jhabua, Ratlam, Anuppur, Balaghat, Chhatarpur, Dindori, Katni, Mandla, Narsinghpur, Panna, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, Shahdol, Sidhi, Tikamgarh and Umaria. As many as one lakh 59 thousand 153 BPL families were also provided electricity.

      A Rs. 964 crore scheme for electrification of 14 thousand 503 villages of 16 districts has been forwarded to Government of India under Rajiv Gandhi Rural Electrification Scheme. After sanction of this scheme and availability of funds there under as many as 14 thousand 503 villages of Bhind, Bhopal, Gwalior, Hoshangabad, Raisen, Rajgarh, Sehore, Vidisha, Barwani, Burhanpur, Dewas, Khandwa, Khargone, Mandsaur, Neemuch and Shajapur districts would be electrified and about 4 lakh 32 thousand 348 BPL families would get electricity facility.

DAUGHTERS OF CHINA By Dr. Saleem Wahid Saleem: Translation by Dr Shahzad Rizvi

DAUGHTERS OF CHINA
By Dr. Saleem Wahid Saleem

English translation by Dr. Shahzad Rizvi

Daughters of China
Their beauty like the first ray of dawn
Their faces symbols of valour and brilliance
Their shapely bodies slung with rifles
Whether it be the parade ground or the battlefield
They are single-minded about their objective
Beauty of tresses or slim waist has no meaning for them
They have no use for silk or finery
They honour mountains and deserts by treading on them
They are symbols of perfection and souls of action
Their love is duty and they are fond of their uniforms
Though believed to be members of the "delicate gender"
They conduct themselves like the bravest of men

//Note: Some liberties have been taken to make sense in English//

The Battle of Life – a poem by Dr. Shahzad Rizvi

I was hung over this morning
From life’s assault.
I could hardly move an emotion, a thought.
Lovers, beasts, spouses came and tried
To rid me of this affliction
But nothing helped.
Like a stifled desire
I lay there motionless
While the world criss-crossed me,
Sneering, jeering,
Branding me misguided, misanthrope, misfit.
Invective missiles flew around me
My shameless body repelled most of them
But one managed to puncture my fragile skin
My heart splattered all over the universe
Creating Rorschach blots of pain and frustration.
I had thought my reason for being was my own happiness,
My life was a gift to me from Nature,
I could do whatever I wished with this precious possession.
But that is not what the self-appointed life-planners believed.
They went to work, and when they were done,
Nothing but a speck of dust was left.

(Posted on June 5, 2011 by muslim saleem)

Raheemuddin, my friend; writes Muslim Saleem

Holland se aaya mera dost, bloggers salaam karo

Bhopal: June 3, 2011

Asma Farooq, Rebecca, Raheemuddin and Muslim Saleem at Bhopal Railway station on June 3, 2011

Muslim Saleem and Raheemuddin at Bhopal Railway station on June 3, 2011

It was a historic and emotional reunion between old time pals Raheemuddin and Muslim Saleem at Bhopal railway station from 10.05 to 10.15 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011. Raheemuddin and Muslim Saleem were very fast friend during their schooldays at AMU City School and then Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh. They were together in the school till 1970. After joining the university, Raheemuddin branched out to commerce while Muslim Saleem went to the Art Faculty and therefore, the frequency of meetings dwindled, but not the brotherly affection. In 1974, Muslim Saleem moved to Allahabad and then Bhopal in 1979 and settled there. In the meantime, Raheemuddin settled in Holland. Since 1974, there has been no correspondence between the two. About seven months ago, Muslim Saleem received a call from Holland. The caller was none other than the old pal Raheemuddin. It was after almost 36 years that the two friends talked to each other on mobile phone. It was almost a miracle. Raheemuddin had asked every common acquaintance about Muslim Saleem’s whereabouts but to no avail. However, Raheemuddin, a very determined person, did not lose hope and started searching Muslim Saleem in google. About 40 years ago, Raheemuddin had recognised the literary and poetic potential of Muslim Saleem, though it was in its nascent state. He had firm belief that Muslim Saleem will scale great height and some day his entry will be made in some website or blog. He kept surfing Muslim Saleem’s name until he found some entries on the websites wikimapia.org and Muslim Saleem’s own websites www.khojkhabarnews.com, www.muslimsaleem.wordpress.com, www.muslimsaleem.blogspot.com and www.poetswritersofurdu.blogspot.com. From one of these websites Raheemuddin obtained Muslim Saleem’s mobile number and gave him a big surprise by dialling him from Holland.

About four days ago, Raheemuddin rang up and told Muslim Saleem that he will pass through Bhopal by AP Express from Nagpur on way to Aligarh and asked for a meeting at the railway station. The historic occasion came at 10.05 pm at Bhopal railway station when the two fast friends were reunited. Raheemuddin, his daughter Rebecca and a relative were given a warm welcome by Muslim Saleem, his wife Asma Farooq and elder son Ataullah Faizan by garlanding them. The train left at 10.15, leaving a long trail of old memories.

Muslim Saleem and Raheemuddin came together when they joined class VI of AMU City School, Aligarh. Raheemuddin’s well-to-do family lived at Dubey ki Padao. They had a shop on the roadside while their four-storey house was somewhat deep in the alley. Muslim Saleem lived in Qazi Para. He was undergoing financial as well emotional strains. At that time, Raheemuddin gave moral support to Muslim Saleem. Whatever poetry Muslim Saleem wrote, Raheemuddin memorised it and scribbled some of them on pieces of paper. His appreciation was a great boost to Muslim Saleem’s literary quests. Muslim Saleem used to frequent Raheemuddin’s house and they share most of their off-school time. Raheemuddin also visited Muslim Saleem’s dilapidated house and was doted by his mother Mrs Umme Habiba Begum like her own son.

I am writing these lines only 30 minutes after Raheemuddin’s train left Bhopal railway station. The emotions expressed between these lines have come right from the heart and that is why one will find a great flow in these words. It is hoped that process of out meetings, correspondence and phone calls will never cease now. (Muslim Saleem: June 3, 2011)

CM’s food grain efforts bear fruit

CM’s food grain efforts bear fruit

Ataullah Faizan

Bhopal, June 2, 2011

     Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been demanding for years at different times to allot food grains according to the number of BPL families in the state. Now his efforts have proved successful with the allotment of food grains by the Central Government for families living below poverty line (BPL) in the state, reports SMS News and Features.

It may be mentioned that the Central Government has recently allotted an additional quota of 3 lakh 16 thousand metric tonnes of food grains for BPL families. The additional food grains allotted will be sufficient for the first five months of the present financial year and for the remaining seven months, seven lakh metric tonnes more food grains would be needed.

Another satisfying factor is that the Central Government has lauded the State Government for advance lifting of food grains. In view of this, it has been assured that to meet the demands of the state, the central government would allot more food grains even from the quota of other states.

      With the additional quota of food grains received from the Central Government, for the time being, it has become possible for the state government to distribute 35 kg of food grains per ration card to 67 lakh families living below the poverty line. Therefore, the state government has decided to give ration for four months at a time to these families.

      Significantly, the Central Government had released the additional quota of three lakh 16 thousand metric tons of food grains on an ad hoc basis. The state government wanted the Central Government to release food grains for these families on a regular basis.

      In fact, the Central Government has lauded the system of the state for advance lifting of the allotted food grains during the last two and half years. On this ground the Central Government has assured the state that its doors will remain open in future also for providing an additional quota of food grains. This would be allotted of the quota fixed for other states provided the state government continues to implement its policy of advance lifting.

      This major success has been possible due to sustained and constant efforts of Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Whenever he met the Union Ministers and even the Prime Minister,  Chouhan always put this demand before them stressing that all the actual families of this class should be provided adequate food grains. He had written several letters to the Central Government appealing to take immediate action on this humanitarian and sensitive issue. The Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies  Paras Chand Jain also wrote to the Central Government and met the Union Ministers at New Delhi and appealed for the same. At the meeting of the Food Ministers of different states held at Mumbai two months ago,  Jain had demanded to release sufficient food grains for the families of BPL , even though it was not in the agenda of the meeting.