Bhopal, Oct 18 (IANS): Union Minister of Urban Development M. Venkaiah Naidu on Monday announced that the central government will offer assistance to the Metro Train Projects in two major Madhya Pradesh cities of Bhopal and Indore.

The Centre is making available funds for the development of the cities. Forty-five per cent of tax revenues is being made available to the states, Naidu said during an address at the Administration Academy in Bhopal.

Citizens of smart cities must also possess smart thoughts, he said, adding that inter-city competition for development is in the interest of the state.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that from December 25 to January 25 the "Nagarodaya Abhiyan" and other development campaigns will be run through the state. The public will be encouraged to participate in these campaigns.

He also said that by December 2017, the state would be free from open defecation. The Prime Minister's "Sabke Liye Aawas" mission will also be brought into operation by Madhya Pradesh. The state will also introduce laws which will offer land to people.

Naidu said that the Centre will spend Rs 20,500 crore for smart cities and Rs 8,500 crore for the "Amrut Yojna".