In a significant pre-budget move, the Madhya Pradesh government has formally sought a massive financial package from the Centre to prepare for the grand Simhastha pilgrimage scheduled for 2028 in Ujjain. The state's Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented this demand directly to the Union Finance Minister.
A Mega Request for a Mega Event
Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda placed the request for a special financial assistance package of Rs 20,000 crore during a crucial meeting of state finance ministers in New Delhi on Saturday. The meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, was held ahead of the Union Budget presentation.
Devda informed the centre that infrastructure development projects worth over Rs 20,000 crore have already been approved for Ujjain to host Simhastha 2028. He emphasized that the event is a major showcase, expected to draw millions of seers, religious preachers, and devotees from across India and the world.
Comprehensive Infrastructure Overhaul Planned
The requested funds are earmarked for a wide-ranging upgrade of basic infrastructure to ensure a smooth and convenient experience for the anticipated millions of pilgrims. The development plan focuses on Ujjain and its surrounding areas and includes:
- Construction and improvement of roads, ghats, bridges, and culverts.
- Building adequate accommodation facilities for pilgrims.
- Setting up hospitals and healthcare infrastructure.
The primary draw of the festival is the holy dip in the Shipra River and visits to the revered Mahakal temple. The state government aims to create facilities that can manage the enormous influx of visitors safely and efficiently.
Simultaneous Push for Enhanced Borrowing Limit
Alongside the request for the special package, Deputy CM Devda also urged the Centre to revise the state's borrowing limit upwards. He argued that a large state like Madhya Pradesh requires higher financial resources, especially given its strong economic performance.
Devda pointed out that the state's average annual GSDP growth rate has remained above 10%. As per the 15th Finance Commission, the state's GSDP stands at Rs 16,94,477 crore. However, the Centre currently calculates Madhya Pradesh's borrowing limit based on a GSDP figure of Rs 15,44,141 crore.
The minister requested that the borrowing limit be calculated using the higher GSDP figure of Rs 16,94,477 crore. He further asked that in the coming years, the limit be determined strictly based on the GSDP as calculated by the Finance Commission.
To bolster his case, Devda highlighted that Madhya Pradesh's budgetary credibility and quality of expenditure have been appreciated by NITI Aayog and the Reserve Bank of India. The state has consistently maintained a revenue surplus and successfully complied with all prescribed fiscal indicators.
