Vision Swarnim M.P.

The twin pronouncements of Swarnim M.P. and Apna Pradesh are too abstract and highly abstruse. Hence, it calls for an analysis and begs an elaboration. To my mind, the vision of Swarnim M. P. refers broadly to the economic uplift of the state. It is a sort of overview of GDP factors measured in the regular indices such as income growth, inflation, deficit etc; the secondary indicators being S&T and sports. On the other hand, mission Apna Pradesh is primarily about identity with a feeling of belonging and has roots in a welfare state. Human Development Indices (HDI) constitute its undercurrent as reflected in – healthcare; education; financial self – reliance; a pristine environment; preserving local culture and democracy etc. This has been roughly stated as Gross Domestic Happiness (GDH) in Bhutan (a parameter devised by the Bhutanese King). Yet another indicator doing the rounds is Gross Domestic well being (GDW) – initiated in UK, it measures the delivery aspect through major indicators of development – infrastructure development, law and order, investment etc. The point is that the success of the vision and mission should be evaluated not merely by the GDP but also GDW & GDH . In the light of this, let’s try and figure out an integrated vision and a long term mission for M.P. – an overview of “Do’s” and a outline of “Don’ts” To begin with the polity-as the state grows, disparities tend to increase; consequently money and muscle power come to play a greater role. To minimise its impact, the weaker, marginalized and younger sections of the society have to be brought in to the political process by cleansing Panchayat and University elections from the influence of political parties. Besides, the middle classes have to be involved too – by having regional parti(es) and making elections for the local bodies more egalitarian.

Furthermore, political outfits across the spectrum have to ensure that parochial, communal and casteist politics is shunned by one and all.
Talking of economy, mega industrial projects will only come to the state wherever minerals and land resources exist. In any case, giant plants are mostly location neutral, involve the upper crust and invariably impact the marginalised. These merely help the promoters and a handful of people – at best this’ll generate large revenues and secondary employment. Hence the focus should be on promoting medium and small industries of the middle economy. M.P. should become the manufacturing centre of India .This should continue simultaneously with skill development- it can yield quantum leaps in the middle term. Thus in the short term- protect, promote and develop the small scale industries in labour intensive areas; promote and protect the medium industries for high capital – modern technology employment generating areas simultaneously with skill development activity.

In the case of primary economy – Agriculture, Handicrafts etc. – they need to be protected, supported and promoted. M.P. should try to be the food basket and granary of India; it could also be the crafts capital of India. Leveraging its vast area and central location the state should become the warehousing hub of India. The idea is to make Madhya Pradesh the soft skills capital of India – Hindi Entertainment, regional Hindi News, Regional Hindi Films/ Shortfilms should constitute the base; Tourism could be another pillar of M.P.’s soft strength albeit of the niche and specialised variety. Holding international / global events ought to be a secondary concern.
If science & technology grows at a faster pace than economy, infrastructure–it is a sure sign that the state will grow. Madhya Pradesh must focus on cutting edge /innovative technology; research in pure sciences should be the long term zoom.