Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): As the Mohan Yadav-led government marks the completion of its first year in office, experts and stakeholders from various sectors have shared their perspectives on the government’s performance. Experts said that although significant progress has been made in some areas, there are critical gaps that need to be addressed. Speaking with the Free Press, they said that the focus on infrastructure, education, and further support for businesses could pave the way for more impactful governance in the coming years.
Excerpts:
Development and Governance: A balance approach needed NK Tripathi, retired Director General of Police (DGP), provided a broad overview of the government’s work. “In the past year, development works have progressed at a great pace. However, people expect more from the government, and with a limited budget, it is essential to reduce freebies and allocate funds more effectively. The improvement in law and order is notable, as are initiatives like controlling sound pollution and the ambitious river-linking project, which is a commendable step forward,” he said.
Art and Culture: A positive shift Sanjay Mehta, a prominent theatre artist and director, praised the government for its initiatives in the cultural sphere. “In the past year, the Mohan government has made commendable decisions for the betterment of art and culture. On our request, the rent for Shaheed Bhavan has been reduced, which is a significant step. Additionally, the allocation of space for the construction of the Madhya Pradesh Natak Vidyalaya shows the government’s commitment to promoting theatre and arts,” the artist said.
Education: Gaps in implementation BN Trishal, an education advisor, expressed concerns about the state of school education. “The government claims to have taken steps for the betterment of education, but the impact is not visible on the ground. Government school infrastructure remains inadequate, and this discourages enrolment. The focus should shift toward building infrastructure and hiring qualified teachers while ensuring their accountability,” he said.
Entrepreneurship: Encouraging growth Mubsira Masoud, an entrepreneur, appreciated the government’s support for small businesses and start-ups. “Government policies have been collaborative, enabling small businesses to flourish and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs. Start-ups are receiving appropriate funding, but loan facilities need to be made more flexible to encourage more people to venture into business,” she suggested.
Industry: Promising but needs more Alka Sharma, an industrialist, acknowledged the government’s efforts to boost the industrial sector. “The one-window policy is efficient, and the focus on MSMEs has been encouraging. The investor summit has brought benefits to the industry. However, there is still much to be done to sustain this momentum and address other industrial needs,” she added.
Business: Growth for small businesses Anupam Agrawal, a businessman, highlighted steps taken to aid business development. “The creation of industrial areas near major cities and the removal of the BRTS system have been beneficial for businesses. Small businesses have seen growth in the past year. However, the government must improve road quality and consider reducing VAT on petrol and diesel to further support the business community,” Agrawal said.
