MP Cabinet meeting: The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet meeting chaired by the state’s Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Tuesday approved Rs 33,240 crore to keep the key welfare schemes and development programmes operational across the state for the next five years. The meeting was chaired at the state secretariat in Bhopal, where the ministers cleared proposals across seven departments aimed at strengthening governance, infrastructure, entrepreneurship and social welfare. 

Youth internship scheme to be executed at a cost of Rs 190 cr

One of the notable decisions made by the Cabinet was the approval of the Chief Minister Young Interns for Good Governance Programme. The cabinet sanctioned Rs 190 crore for the scheme, which will be executed soon. The Public Service Management Department will spearhead the initiative, which will rope in young professionals in governance reforms, policy monitoring and development projects. Officials said that the programme will build a new generation of policy-aware youth, capable of contributing to transparent and effective governance. 

Persons with Disabilities get tax exemption

Furthermore, the Cabinet gave the nod to the continuation of professional tax exemption for persons with disabilities till March 31, 2030, under the Madhya Pradesh Professional Tax Act, 1995. The decision is being viewed as an initiative to provide sustained financial relief to thousands of specially-abled individuals of MP. 

‘Ek Jila, Ek Utpaad’ plan outlined for 7 districts

In the cabinet, the ministers also cleared the ‘Ek Jila, Ek Utpaad’ plan for seven districts, with an outlay of Rs 37.5 crore over five years. The programme’s goal is to promote traditional crafts and unique regional products through branding, digitalisation, marketing and training. The key products identified include carpets from Sidhi, jaggery from Datia, Chanderi Handloom textiles from Ashoknagar, Zari and jute products from Bhopal, Bag print from Dhar, wooden toys from Sehore and Batik prints from Ujjain. 

New courts, hospitals to come up

Further in the meeting, the cabinet decided to create seven posts, including that of a junior civil judge, for the establishment of a civil court in Singrauli district’s Chitrangi. It also sanctioned the opening of three new ESIC dispensaries in Kymore, Nimrani and Maihar. The facilities will create 51 medical and paramedical vacancies and will provide healthcare benefits to approximately 15,000 registered workers and nearly 62,000 dependents. 

Major investments made in rural infrastructure and start-ups

The Cabinet gave nod to Rs 6,900 crore for stepping up rural infrastructure and drinking water supply in mining and backward areas. Additionally, it approved Rs 7,127 crore to ensure the smooth implementation of Panchayat and rural development programmes. Towards the end, other approvals included Rs 3,773 crore for women and child welfare schemes, Rs 1,645 crore for tribal welfare and post-matric scholarships, and Rs 11,361 crore for MSME promotion and start-up policy implementation to propel MP in the direction of entrepreneurship and investments.