The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has approved several significant initiatives aimed at rural development, infrastructure improvement, and the enhancement of education and security within the state. Among the major approvals was the launch of the 'Mukhyamantri Vrindavan Gram Yojana', which aims to make villages self-reliant. The scheme will select one village from each assembly constituency, with a minimum population of 2,000 and at least 500 bovines, to be developed as ‘Vrindavan Grams’. These villages will serve as models of self-sufficiency, focusing on cow rearing and dairy development, environmental conservation, organic farming, water conservation, solar energy, infrastructure development, and rural entrepreneurship. The selected villages will also see the development of essential facilities such as gaushalas, panchayat buildings, health centers, solar-powered piped water, veterinary hospitals, community halls, and public parks, among others. The state aims to ensure the promotion of natural farming, encourage rural tourism, and offer skill development opportunities.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved an in-principle amount of Rs 4,572 crore for the reconstruction of 1,766 damaged bridges under the ‘Reconstruction of Damaged Bridges Scheme’. The funds will be used from FY 2025–26 to 2029–30 to rebuild bridges to ensure year-round connectivity. The Madhya Pradesh Rural Road Development Authority's Empowered Committee has been authorized to oversee the implementation and monitoring of the project.
In the realm of education and national security, the Cabinet also approved the establishment of a campus of the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Gandhinagar, in Bhopal. The campus will be located within the Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) campus, with a grant of Rs 1.05 crore per year for three years. This initiative aims to boost employment, skill development, and collaborations in the field of national security.
Furthermore, the Cabinet has sanctioned mess services for students residing in 108 hostels under the Department of Backward Class Welfare, benefiting 9,050 students. A total of Rs 31 crore has been allocated for this initiative. The Cabinet also approved the creation of 1,266 new posts, including 202 scientific officers in forensic labs, to effectively implement new criminal codes. This decision aligns with the mandatory presence of forensic experts in cases with a punishment of seven years or more, as per the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.
Lastly, the Cabinet approved the establishment of District Tribal and Scheduled Caste Coordinators’ offices in the newly created districts of Mauganj, Maihar, and Pandhurna, with a total of 48 new posts and an additional financial outlay of Rs 381.30 lakh annually. This decision is aimed at ensuring better governance and services for tribal and scheduled caste communities in these districts.
The Cabinet also discussed the importance of rural development initiatives, particularly focusing on creating sustainable ecosystems that can support long-term growth. The Vrindavan Gram Yojana will be a comprehensive model, incorporating elements such as clean energy, water conservation, and organic farming practices, along with infrastructure development. These initiatives are expected to inspire a ripple effect in other regions, contributing to the overall goal of a self-sustaining rural economy in Madhya Pradesh.
In addition, the state's focus on improving its criminal justice system through the creation of new forensic posts reflects its commitment to upholding law and order. By implementing cutting-edge forensic science in the investigation of serious crimes, the state aims to bring more criminals to justice and ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
These measures, alongside investments in education, infrastructure, and rural development, are set to propel Madhya Pradesh into a new phase of progress, fostering both social welfare and economic prosperity across the state.