Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Monday laid the foundation stone for the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Smart Industrial Park at Satgarhi in Bhopal, describing the project as a transformative step towards making the state a leading industrial destination.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Minister said the initiative would usher in a new era of economic growth while creating opportunities for the poor, farmers, youth and women.

Events unfolds on occasion of Dr Mukherjee’s 125th anniversary

Marking the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Mukherjee, CM Dr Yadav said Madhya Pradesh shares a unique historical association with the Jana Sangh founder, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He added that naming the industrial park after India's first Industry Minister was a fitting tribute to his vision for national development.

Industrial expansion to drive employment and prosperity

The Chief Minister said the Satgarhi Smart Industrial Park and the proposed convention centre would give Bhopal a new identity beyond its renowned lakes and natural beauty. He asserted that the project would generate employment across multiple sectors and strengthen the capital's position as an emerging industrial hub.

According to CM Dr Yadav, the state government is committed to connecting agriculture with industry and markets, ensuring that industrialisation directly benefits farmers. He said cotton growers would gain from the expansion of the garment sector, while young people would secure greater employment opportunities as industries expand across the state.

Highlighting recent industrial initiatives, he said a major defence manufacturing unit worth ₹2,500 crore had recently been launched in Shivpuri, while Morena had received a significant boost in the solar energy sector. A ₹2,000-crore cement plant is also being established in Guna to create employment-based industrial growth. He further stated that missiles to be manufactured in Shivpuri would have a range of up to 1,000 kilometres.

Investment momentum continues across MP

The state’s top political leader said Madhya Pradesh is playing a key role in achieving the vision of Developed India @2047. Referring to the Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2025 held in Bhopal, he said the event attracted investment proposals exceeding ₹30 lakh crore, surprising even political critics.

He claimed that projects worth nearly ₹10 lakh crore have already reached the implementation stage, representing around 30 per cent of the total proposed investment—a milestone he described as unprecedented for the state. Since January, the government has also signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹86,000 crore during the state's 'Farmer Welfare Year'.

The Chief Minister said the Satgarhi Industrial Park alone is expected to generate employment for more than 15,000 people. He also noted that women employed in industrial units would receive an additional ₹5,000, alongside benefits under the Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana, under which the state has already disbursed over ₹50,000 crore.

UCC to ensure equal laws for every citizen

Reiterating his government's commitment to legal reforms, CM Dr Yadav said Madhya Pradesh is moving ahead with implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in line with Dr Mukherjee's vision of "One Nation, One Constitution, One Flag and One Head".

He said the committee constituted to examine the UCC had sought suggestions from all religious communities to ensure fairness and inclusivity. According to the Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh is poised to become one of India's major states to implement a common civil law applicable to all citizens.

Park close to city’s major urban centres

Situated around 1.4 kilometres from national and state highways, the project also offers seamless connectivity to Rani Kamlapati Railway Station, Raja Bhoj International Airport, and Bhopal's major urban centres. A 25-acre convention centre with a seating capacity of around 10,000 people is also planned, making it the largest such facility in Madhya Pradesh.