Delegation of British MPs discusses welfare schemes in MP

A delegation of British MPs under Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) today met with Madhya Pradesh Rural Development and Social Justice Minister Gopal Bhargava and discussed about various developmental schemes being implemented in the state with the UK funding.
The schemes are run with the financial assistance of the UK Department for International Development (DFID).
The delegation, led by Liam Byrne, also held a discussion with the department's Additional Chief Secretary Aruna Sharma in this regard, and expressed satisfaction over the same, official sources said.
Sources also said the MPs lauded the state government for bringing rapid socio-economic development in rural areas, and especially over the flagship 'Ladli Laxmi Yojna' and the 'Mukhya Mantri Kanyadaan Yojna'.

While the former scheme is aimed at preventing female foeticide the latter scheme envisages stopping marriage of minor girls.
Besides, the visiting MPs also took a keen interest in knowing about various socio-economic schemes; all-weather roads in rural areas; establishment of utra-small banking facility at every five km in rural areas, and also the state initiative of providing internet connectivity in rural areas among other measures.
Sources said the Additional Chief Secretary also apprised the delegation about the 'Panch-Parmeshwar Scheme' which is aimed at ensuring cleanliness and healthy environment in villages, and on 'Maryada Abhiyan' for providing toilet facilities in every household on the occasion.

The delegation assured that all possible assistance will be provided to the state for rural and social development programmes, the sources added.