With the strengthening of democracy in the country, the challenges to the politicians are on increase. The politics in the public interest is not so easy these days. New challenges are emerging everyday. The working modes are changing. It is the time of information technology and computers. In such changed environment only that man can be successful in public life who besides being easy, simple, gentle, practical is dynamic and also prepared to adapt himself according to new thoughts. State Minister of Forest and Transport Shri Harbans Singh is such a personality. His political and public life if full of struggles and sacrifices. After stepping in public life from Seoni District he always succeeded in gaining confidence of his senior leaders. Not only gained the confidence he also maintained it. The unique quality of his character is that he always maintained the inter-relationship and mutual confidence and considered it as his valuable asset. Even today he is recognised as a reliable sahyogi of Shri Digvijay Singh the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. He maintains verky cordial and close relations also with other senior leaders of the State. Because of this reliability and sweatness of his nature some people are envious aof him; however his innocence and simplicity helps him in balancing it. The efficiency and organising capacity of Shri Singh is unique. Whatsoever duties entrusted to him from time to time have been

discharged by him quite successfully. His working style besides being traditional is also dynamic. As a Minister in MP Government he held the charge of different important departments namely Pachayat, Rural Development, Public Health Engineering and Home. Presently he is holding the charge of Forest, Jevikee and Transport Department. After 73^rd amendment in the Constitution M.P. was the first State in the country which started 3-level Panchayat Raj and this Herculian task was entrusted to Shri Singh, who under the able leadership of Shri D.V.Singh C.M. implemented it successfully. The introduction of any new system and its successful implementation requires close watch and strict control. The commitment of Shri D.V.Singh for implementing Panchayat Raj and Power Decentralisation is well-known and in its accomplishment the part played by Shri Harbans Singh will always be remembered.He took over the charge of the Forest Department when it was shrouded with number of disputes and by his intelligence he succeeded in settling them gradually and thus the departmental activities were given right direction. Because of public participation Forest management has taken the meaningful shape. Diversified powers have been given to Gram and Van Samitis, Van Suraksha Samitis and Eco Vikas Samiti alongwith sufficient funds

harmonious relations with the result forest security ensured and development made. Shri Singh has given new directions for the improvement of forest produce trading thereby making it beneficial to tribals and vanbasis. Bonus for 1998 has been distributed. He never allows any political interference in it. For the first time he got the Tendu Patta bonus distributed by Smt. Sonia Gandhi. Subsequently he got it distributed by other senior leaders. Preparations for its distribution for 1999 are going on. Thus every possible efforts are being made to make the benefit of bonus available to number of Advasis and Vanvasis as early as possible.The protection of herbal and medicinal plants has also received equal attention of Shri Singh. In April, 2001 he aranged a workshop of herbal specialists, vaidyas and Dawa Nirmatas. Thereafter the District Seminars were arranged and the information relating to physicians and available herbal plants was got collected. A meaningful solid step was taken by holding a State Level Forest Festival in Bhopal on 4^th-5^th Nov. Not only this he also got a new scheme of PPA (Plant Protection Area) introduced in 10 districts for the protection of gradually disappearing herbal roots. Today the whole world is looking ahead with anxiety and taking interest in the traditional methods of Deshi Chikitsa and Ayurveda. Vigorous efforts have been started by Shri Singh to spread the herbal and Deshi Chikitsa padhati in MP. This shows his foresightedness. He is of the opinion that the employment to millions of people may be provided

continuously if the work in the right direction is done in this field. His concern for poors will definitely prove fruitful. Another example of his positive thought is the simple and liberal arrangement made for Learning Driving Licence. Looking to the difficulties faced by general public especially girls he arranged for camps in schools and colleges for issuing the Learning Driving Licence. This way more than a lakh Learning Driving Licence were issued to the students. He got the licences distributed by C.M. Shri D.V.Singh in Lal Parade Ground. The happiness felt by thousands of students (Boys and Girls) was a matter of satisfaction to him. All the newspapers in their editorial have praised this action of Shri Singh. Now these camps are being arranged in rural areas. Computerisation of Transport Department and the introduction of SMART CARD Scheme is also in process. Shri Singh was borne in Vindrai village of Chhindwara District On 11.11.1949. Farmer by occupation he completed his education upto M.A.LL.B. He has long experience in politics. Since 1968 while working in the public life he held so many posts. Anybody coming in contact with him never forgets his affectionate behaviour. He is always available to the general public. He maintains very good relations with all in his constituency. He knows almost all by name. His another speciality is that he is regardful with his opponents also.