Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held detailed discussions covering ambitious development projects worth $7,888 million with top officials of World Bank in Washington DC on Tuesday — the first day of his official visit to the USA.
According to information received here, the chief minister informed the World Bank officials about development projects in water resources, water supply in urban and rural areas, establishment of public service centres, renewable energy projects, women and child development, higher education projects and Narmada-Malwa Lift Irrigation and Water Supply Projects. He said that Madhya Pradesh is the fastest growing Indian state and emphasised that the pace of development can be further accelerated with World Bank’s financial support.
The chief minister also apprised the World Bank officials about the development strategies that have been adopted by his government. He listed some novel initiatives like agriculture Cabinet, agriculture budget, inclusive growth of urban areas, urban governance and infrastructure building. He also discussed the strategies in rural development, health, women and child development and women empowerment, social security, good governance practices and e-governance.
Mr Chouhan held discussions on expansion of Madhya Pradesh Water Sector Restructuring Project, which he said requires additional financial support of $181 million. He also urged to expand Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project till 2016-17 and sought $60.19 million US assistance.