The Madhya Pradesh cabinet meeting was chaired by state’s Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Wednesday, during which the government approved a series of policy decisions and welfare initiatives worth over ₹2,300 crore, aimed at strengthening public infrastructure, improving governance, promoting investment, and enhancing social welfare across the state.

Among the key decisions were the continuation of the Chief Minister Scooty Scheme until 2031, the launch of the 'Namo Harit Nagar Yojana', financial assistance for families displaced by irrigation projects, expansion of the State Data Centre, and reforms to boost investments in the IT and electronics sectors.

Welfare schemes receive financial backing

The cabinet approved ₹495 crore to continue the Chief Minister Scooty Scheme from the 2026-27 to 2030-31 financial years. Under the scheme, boys and girls securing first position with at least 70% marks in their first attempt in government higher secondary schools will continue to receive scooters.

To promote sustainable urban development, the government also sanctioned ₹100 crore for the Namo Harit Nagar Yojana, under which urban forests will be developed across 65 urban local bodies over the next five years. The initiative aims to improve air quality, enhance biodiversity and create greener urban spaces.

Relief kicks in for project-affected families

The cabinet sanctioned an additional ₹202.5 crore for the rehabilitation and resettlement of families affected by the Ken-Betwa Link Project, Runj Medium Irrigation Project, and Majhgawan Medium Irrigation Project.

The government also approved enhanced rehabilitation packages for displaced families, bringing compensation in certain irrigation projects in line with the benefits provided under the Ken-Betwa project.

₹800 crore boost for digital infrastructure

In one of the largest decisions of the meeting, the cabinet approved ₹800 crore for the expansion and modernisation of the Madhya Pradesh State Data Centre (SDC 3.0).

The project will strengthen IT infrastructure, disaster recovery capabilities, cloud storage and digital governance services. Officials said the upgraded facility will support emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing while ensuring uninterrupted delivery of online public services.

Investment, science and governance reforms

The cabinet approved amendments to the Madhya Pradesh IT, ITES and ESDM Investment Promotion Policy 2023, making it more attractive for investors by simplifying land allotment procedures and extending incentives for expansion of existing IT and electronics manufacturing units.

It also sanctioned ₹123 crore for the establishment and continued operation of a Science Park, Biotechnology Park and the Single Citizen Database project. The Science Park at Ujjain will feature advanced astronomical facilities, including optical and radio telescopes, creating new opportunities for research and scientific education.

The Single Citizen Database initiative is expected to enable faster, transparent and citizen-centric delivery of government services through integrated digital records.

Healthcare, recruitment and administrative decisions taken too

To address the shortage of specialist doctors, the cabinet approved departmental direct recruitment under the Madhya Pradesh Public Health and Medical Education (Gazetted) Service Recruitment Rules, 2022. Vacancies will now be published monthly through the MP Online portal, with recruitment carried out at the departmental level to expedite appointments.

The cabinet also approved exemptions on surcharge and additional stamp duty for property registration under the SVAMITVA Scheme, cleared the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (Madhya Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2026, and extended financial support for the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System till 2031.

Additionally, the state approved ₹543 crore for the continuation of education and NCC-related programmes funded under the 16th Central Finance Commission period.

The wide-ranging decisions are expected to accelerate infrastructure development, improve public service delivery, strengthen digital governance, enhance environmental sustainability, and generate new employment opportunities across Madhya Pradesh.