The Madhya Pradesh BJP government on Tuesday approved financial sanctions amounting to nearly Rs 2,480 crore to accelerate the state’s holistic development, infrastructure expansion and public welfare.
The decisions were taken at the state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav at the State Secretariat in Bhopal.
Several key decisions relating to irrigation, women’s empowerment, information technology and farmer welfare were approved during the meeting.
To strengthen the agriculture sector, the Cabinet approved the continuation of the Rihand and Malhargarh irrigation projects, as well as the bonus payment scheme for farmers selling crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
With the objective of making Madhya Pradesh a technology leader, the Cabinet approved Rs 857.21 crore for the continued implementation of various schemes of the Department of Science and Technology during the 16th Finance Commission period (April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031). The allocation includes Rs 85.51 crore for establishing a Drone Technology-based Centre of Excellence (CoE) at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal.
The Cabinet also approved Rs 595 crore for the IT Park Establishment Scheme, which has been extended until 2031. IT Parks have already been established in Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur and Gwalior. The initiative is expected to generate employment for around 8,000 youth.
The Cabinet further approved Rs 198.59 crore for women’s empowerment under Mission Shakti, Rs 982.49 crore for employee welfare and pension schemes, the establishment of a new Electrical Safety Inspectorate Circle Office in Gwalior, and the creation of nine new judicial posts in Narayangarh.
The Cabinet approved Rs 111.04 crore for the continued operation of the Rihand Micro Irrigation Project in Singrauli during the 16th Finance Commission period, from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031.
It also approved Rs 184.20 crore for the continued operation of the Malhargarh Pressurised Major Lift Irrigation Project in Mandsaur during the same period.
The Cabinet sanctioned the release of Rs 17.90 crore over the next three years towards the total project cost of Rs 85.51 crore for establishing the Drone Technology-based Centre of Excellence at IISER Bhopal.
The Centre will function as an advanced research and development (R&D) facility, promoting innovation in artificial intelligence (AI), drone simulation, digital twin technology, UAV design and manufacturing, autonomous systems and advanced applications. It will also provide facilities for startup incubation, proof of concept (PoC), prototype development and testing, helping create a comprehensive and self-reliant drone technology ecosystem in the state.
The Cabinet also approved Rs 110 crore for the “Support to MPSEDC and Other Institutions for New Technologies” scheme. The initiative aims to improve administrative efficiency, transparency and accountability by equipping government departments with the latest information technology and digital solutions while ensuring faster, simpler and more secure online services for citizens.
The scheme includes AI/ML-based business intelligence, a WhatsApp chatbot, drone services, an SMS gateway, MP CODE, e-Sign, the State Email Policy, low-code/no-code platforms and a Security Audit Lab.
The Cabinet further approved Rs 40.20 crore for the Madhya Pradesh State Spatial Data Infrastructure (MPSSDI) scheme, which aims to develop, maintain and update integrated spatial data using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. It will provide reliable, updated and user-friendly GIS-based services to government departments and agencies, strengthening real-time monitoring and decision-making in sectors such as disaster management, water supply, land management, urban development and road maintenance.
Similarly, the Cabinet approved Rs 26.50 crore for the Cloud Services Delivery and Management scheme. The initiative seeks to accelerate the vision of Digital Madhya Pradesh by driving digital transformation across government services.
Under the scheme, the Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation (MPSEDC) will provide secure, flexible, scalable and cost-effective cloud services to government and semi-government departments based on its Cloud Adoption Framework. This will eliminate the need for heavy capital investment in IT infrastructure, enabling departments to access computing resources, storage, net-working and software services on demand through cloud platforms.
The Cabinet approved Rs 198.59 crore for the continued implementation of the Sankalp Hub for Empowerment of Women, Shakti Sadan and Sakhi Niwas schemes under the Mission Shakti Samarthya sub-scheme from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
The Sankalp Hub for Empowerment of Women functions as a district-level unit to create awareness among women about welfare and empowerment schemes while ensuring access to their benefits. The scheme is currently operational in 52 districts and will now be extended to the state’s three newly created districts.
Shakti Sadan provides a safe and supportive environment for women, particularly those rescued from trafficking and other crisis situations, enabling them to rebuild their lives. At present, 14 Shakti Sadans are being run in the state through non-governmental organisations, while the Government of India has approved five additional centres.
The Sakhi Niwas scheme provides safe and convenient accommodation for working women in both urban and rural areas. Earlier known as Mahila Vishramalaya, Sakhi Niwas is open to working women from all sections of society and also offers daycare facilities for their young children. At present, three government-run Sakhi Niwas facilities are operational in the state.
The Cabinet also approved Rs 982.49 crore for the continued implementation of employee welfare, pension, provident fund and insurance schemes under the Finance Department during the 16th Finance Commission period, from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031.
Finally, the Cabinet approved the continuation of the bonus payment scheme for farmers selling crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) under a scheme worth over Rs 500 crore being implemented by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department during the 16th Finance Commission period, from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031.