New York: Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will launch a global initiative in the US next month, aimed at inviting ideas and expertise in developing the state's education, health, rural and tourism sectors. Chouhan will lead a delegation with minister for industry Yasodhara Raje Scindia, to New York from January 31 till February 5. A "Friends of Madhya Pradesh Conclave" has been organised by the state government in association with the Indian Consulate General on February 1 when Chouhan would launch the "Friends of MP" initiative.

S K Mishra, Principal Secretary in the Madhya Pradesh government told reporters at the Indian Consulate that the 'Friends of MP' will be a talent pool of individuals of Indian-origin as well as of other nationalities who are keen to become part of the state's success story. He added that the initiative is aligned to Modi's vision of each state constituting its own global talent pool as a network of its friends and utilising their experience and expertise for the country's development. Under the initiative, a web-enabled platform will allow interested individual to share their suggestions and expertise in education, health, skill development, rural development and tourism. More sectors would be added under the initiative in future.

Mishra said the "member friends" will be able to share an idea, sponsor a project or undertake volunteer work in Madhya Pradesh. "This initiative aims to stimulate, amongst its well-wishers and friends - especially those who live outside Madhya Pradesh, ideas and thinking for its progress," Mishra said, adding that people can focus on political, economic, developmental, social and environmental issues. Consul General Dnyaneshwar Mulay said Madhya Pradesh has taken a lead in creating a talent pool with the involvement of its vast and widespread well-wishers living all over the world and invited Indians and people of other nationalities to participate in the initiative.