Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav has introduced an innovative approach to governance by holding Cabinet meetings at historically and culturally significant locations across the state, moving key policymaking beyond the state capital, Bhopal. 

The initiative is aimed at decentralising governance, highlighting the state's rich heritage and paying tribute to iconic personalities associated with valour, good governance and public service.

As part of the initiative, the next Cabinet meeting is scheduled to be held on July 19 at Jagdishpur, a village near Bhopal known for its ancient palace and historical monuments. The government says the move will not only facilitate policy discussions in different regions but also draw public attention to Madhya Pradesh’s architectural and cultural heritage.

7 cabinet meetings held across the state

Officials said that under CM Dr Yadav’s leadership, the Madhya Pradesh government has organised seven Cabinet meetings outside Bhopal over the past two and a half years, in addition to the regular meetings held at the state secretariat.

Cabinet meetings have already been conducted in Jabalpur, Damoh, Khargone, Narmadapuram, Chhatarpur and Barwani districts. According to the state government, these meetings have resulted in several welfare-oriented policy decisions while also generating greater public interest in historically significant locations such as Maheshwar, Rajwada in Indore, Singrampur and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho.

Officials believe the initiative will also contribute to promoting tourism by increasing awareness about these culturally important destinations.

Cabinet meetings to honour historical icons

The government has consciously selected venues associated with personalities who symbolise courage, exemplary governance and public welfare.

Meetings have been held at places linked to Rani Durgavati, renowned for her bravery, and Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, remembered for her model of people-centric governance. Other venues include Pachmarhi, where a Cabinet meeting was dedicated to the memory of the popular tribal ruler Raja Bhabhoot Singh, and Nagalwadi in Barwani district, a prominent centre of tribal culture.

The Chief Minister has also decided that both the regular Cabinet and the Agriculture Cabinet will convene in different regions of the state. A future Cabinet meeting has also been proposed in Ujjain, the city of Lord Mahakal.

Governance reaches the grassroots

The state government said the initiative has made it easier for public representatives and senior officials from different regions to engage directly with the policymaking process. It also reflects an effort to ensure that important decisions concerning public welfare are no longer perceived as being confined to the state capital.

Since assuming office, CM Dr Yadav has sought to acquaint citizens with the lives and contributions of distinguished historical figures whose legacy continues to inspire Madhya Pradesh. The first such initiative was launched in Jabalpur on January 3, 2024, commemorating the valour of Rani Durgavati.

Cabinet meetings held outside Bhopal

• January 3, 2024: Shakti Bhavan, Jabalpur

• October 5, 2024: Singrampur, Damoh district (in honour of Rani Durgavati)

• January 24, 2025: Maheshwar, Khargone district (honouring Devi Ahilyabai Holkar)

• May 20, 2025: Rajwada, Indore (300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar)

• June 3, 2025: Raj Bhavan, Pachmarhi (dedicated to Raja Bhabhoot Singh)

• December 9, 2025: Maharaja Chhatrasal Convention Centre, Khajuraho

• March 2, 2026: Bhilat Baba shrine, Nagalwadi, Barwani district