Madhya Pradesh to observe 2015 as tourism year, says CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Madhya Pradesh will observe 2015 as the "Year of Tourism" and showcase its achievements before the world, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said in Bhopal on Saturday.

Addressing a function at his residence on the occasion of completing nine years in office, Chouhan also announced that the state would give a message of saving environment to world through 'Simhast' (Kumbh Mela or the religious congregation held once in 12 years) scheduled to be held in Ujjain in 2016.

"We will observe 2015 as the Year of Tourism and showcase achievements of Madhya Pradesh before the world," he said. Chouhan is one of the members of the elite club of BJP chief ministers who have completed three terms in office on trot; the other two being Raman Singh of Chhattisgarh and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi who helmed Gujarat before his ascension to top job at Centre.

Chouhan took oath as Chief Minister on November 29, 2005 after a lot of churning in BJP. Since then he never looked back and ensured party's victory in 2008 and 2013 assembly elections as well.

Referring to the achievements of his government during last nine years, he said his government has ensured 24x7 power supply in the state and turned agriculture into a profitable venture.

On social front also the government has successfully implemented schemes like 'Ladli Laxmi Yojna', 'Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojna' and 'Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojna' among others for the welfare of people.

"My government would construct five lakh houses for poor people and would dedicate next five years for the development of industrial infrastructure in the state," Chouhan added.