Early Life and Education
Jagdish Devda was born on July 1, 1957, in Madhya Pradesh, India. He pursued higher education at Vikram University, Ujjain, earning a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree, which laid a strong foundation for his future political and legal endeavors.
Political Career
Devda’s political journey began during his college years. In 1979, he was elected as the President of the Students Union at his college, marking his entry into leadership roles. He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party’s youth wing, the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), in 1979 and held various positions, including mandal president, district general secretary, and district president in the Mandsaur district.
He contested his first assembly election in 1998 but faced defeat. Undeterred, he won the Malhargarh Assembly constituency in 2003 and has successfully retained his seat in subsequent elections, serving as an MLA for six consecutive terms.
Ministerial Roles
Throughout his political career, Devda has held several key ministerial positions, contributing significantly to the state’s development:
- Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Home, School Education, and Energy (2003): In his initial ministerial role, Devda focused on enhancing internal security, improving educational infrastructure, and strengthening the state’s energy sector.
- Speaker of the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly (March 24 – July 2, 2020): Devda briefly served as the Speaker, ensuring the smooth functioning of legislative proceedings during this period.
- Minister of Finance and Commercial Taxes (July 2020 – December 2023): Appointed on July 2, 2020, Devda oversaw the state’s financial planning, budgeting, and taxation policies, aiming to enhance economic stability and growth.
- Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister (December 2023 – Present): On December 13, 2023, Devda was appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, serving alongside Rajendra Shukla. In this role, he continues to manage the state’s financial affairs, focusing on fiscal responsibility and economic development.
Contributions and Achievements
Devda’s tenure in various ministerial roles has been marked by notable contributions:
- Fiscal Reforms and Budget Management: As Finance Minister, Devda presented a ₹2,79,237 crore budget focused on infrastructure development, employment generation, and the self-reliant India concept. He also presented the state’s first paperless budget with a focus on women’s welfare, allocating ₹8,000 crore for the “game-changing” Ladli Behna Yojana.
- Economic Growth: Under Devda’s financial stewardship, Madhya Pradesh’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) increased by 9.37%, and the per capita income rose fourfold, indicating significant economic progress.
- Investment Promotion: Devda has been instrumental in encouraging industrial investment to boost employment in the state. He emphasized policies that attract investments, thereby fostering economic growth and job creation.
- Healthcare Initiatives: In the health sector, the government allocated ₹21,444 crore, with plans to set up three medical universities in Neemuch, Mandsaur, and Siwani districts. In the coming two years, the government aims to establish eight more medical universities, enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services.
- Budget Expansion: The state’s budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 was approximately ₹4.21 lakh crore, a significant increase from the previous year’s ₹3.5 lakh crore, reflecting the state’s rapid development under Devda’s financial leadership.
Personal Life
Jagdish Devda is married to Renu Devda, and the couple is blessed with a son and a daughter. His family has been a pillar of support throughout his political journey, contributing to his sustained success in public service.
Why is He One of the Stars of MP?
Jagdish Devda’s journey from a student leader to the Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister of Madhya Pradesh exemplifies dedication, resilience, and visionary leadership. His multifaceted contributions have significantly impacted the state’s development, particularly in the financial, infrastructural, and healthcare sectors. As he continues to serve, his focus remains on fostering inclusive growth and enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Madhya Pradesh.
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