On March 6, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, appealed to the 16th Finance Commission to increase the state's share in the central tax pool from the current 44% to 48%. Addressing a meeting with the Finance Commission members at the Kushabhau Thakre International Conference Center, Yadav emphasized that without a developed Madhya Pradesh, a developed India cannot be realized.
Yadav stated, "The strength of the nation lies in the strength of its states. Therefore, the share of states in central taxes and revenue, including grants, should be increased." He added that by receiving more financial grants from the central government, the state would be able to achieve its long-term goals in the short term.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state's rapid progress in various sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, education, health, forest, tourism, urban development, and industrial growth. He stressed that for further development in these sectors, the state requires strong financial assistance from the central government.
He further mentioned, "Our state's budget is around Rs 3.5 lakh crore. Our goal is to double this amount in the next five years." He also shed light on the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal River Linking Project with Rajasthan and the Tapi River Project with Maharashtra. "The central government has allocated Rs 90,000 crore for the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal National River Linking Project," he said. "Similarly, we have moved forward with the Ken-Betwa Link National Project in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the groundbreaking ceremony for both these projects."
Yadav emphasized that 20 years ago, only seven lakh hectares of agricultural land in Madhya Pradesh were irrigated. Today, the figure has increased to 48 lakh hectares. During the meeting with the Finance Commission, he mentioned that state policies have led farmers to engage in organized farming on a large scale.
Speaking about the Global Investors Summit (GIS) and Regional Industry Conference (RIC), he mentioned that the state's 18 new industrial policies are attracting investors. "Madhya Pradesh has received investment proposals worth Rs 30.77 lakh crore through GIS and RIC. This is a symbol of growing trust in us. We are setting up industrial cells in every district so that investors face no problems at the district level. We are making business and trade easier in the state," he said.
The Chief Minister also mentioned efforts to ensure Madhya Pradesh produces more than 20% of the country's milk, which will lead to prosperity for farmers and livestock owners. "The state government will provide solar pumps to all 30 lakh farmers in the next three years. This will make our farmers not just food producers but also energy producers. Our government is also offering electricity connections to farmers at just Rs 5," he stated.
Lastly, he highlighted new initiatives, including the air ambulance service, which helps transport critically ill patients to major hospitals.