Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Madhya Pradesh Jan Vishwas Videyak 2024 has been passed and now the businessmen, industrialists, consumers, shopkeepers or common man will no longer have to go to jail for small offences, instead they will be required to pay a penalty for their wrongdoings, said parliamentary affair and minister Kailash Vijayvargiya in Assembly on Thursday.

The minister said the bill covers five departments and amendment were made in sections of Municipal Corporation, Madhya Pradesh Electricity Fee Act 2012, Madhya Pradesh Unorganised Workers Board Act 2003, Madhya Pradesh Municipality Rule Act 1956, Madhya Pradesh Municipal Act 1961, Madhya Pradesh Town and Country Planning Act 1976, Madhya Pradesh Society Registration Act 1976 etc.

Highlighting the state’s growing economy, Vijayvargiya said that things have been changing in the state. “When I was the industry minister the trade volume of Bhopal was around Rs 100-150 crores and now it has grown to Rs 1000 crore,” the minister said. Hailing the state's IT policy, the minister said that around 10 lakh youths have got employment in the IT sector.

Leader of opposition Umang Singhar, however, pointed that as per the new provision a person will have to seek permission from the municipal commissioner before cutting a tree. “Is it possible for a common man to meet and obtain permission from the municipal corporation commissioner,” he asked.

Congress MLA Dr Heeralal Alawa also raised concerns regarding tribal villages. The tiger reserve forest projects will displace around 500 tribal villages, and a total of 2,000 tribal villages in the state are at risk due to ongoing mining projects, said the legislator, adding, “the state has to think about us”.