MP govt approves scheme for improved data-driven decision-making

Aiming to enable the government to make better, data-based decisions, the Madhya Pradesh BJP government has approved the ‘Data Strengthening Scheme’ under the state’s Planning, Economics and Statistics Department for the timely collection and analysis of statistical data.

A decision to this effect was taken at the state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav at the State Secretariat in Bhopal on Tuesday.

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The data will be made available to government departments, the public, and planners. Timely access to data and analysis will enable the government to formulate more effective policies. All departments will be able to share data seamlessly, enhancing transparency and improving employee efficiency. Independent researchers and policymakers will also benefit from the data, making it easier to design new schemes. Citizens, too, will have access to this data, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in governance.

According to state government officials, the Cabinet also approved Madhya Pradesh’s financial commitment towards the renovation and modernisation of the 5×23 MW Gandhi Sagar and 4×43 MW Rana Pratap Sagar hydroelectric plants, operated by the Madhya Pradesh Power Generating Company Limited. Approval was granted for the revised estimated cost of Rs 464.55 crore for the renovation and modernisation of all five units (5×23 MW) of the Gandhi Sagar plant. Approval was also granted for the estimated cost of Rs 573.76 crore, as per the DPR, for the renovation and modernisation of the four units (4×43 MW) of the Rana Pratap Sagar plant.

Both projects will be jointly funded by Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in a 50:50 ratio, with Madhya Pradesh’s share of Rs 127.06 crore to be provided over the years as per the Finance Department’s advice. The funds will be used for replacing machinery. The upgraded facilities are expected to be useful for the next 40 years.

The respective power generation companies of both states will implement the projects within their jurisdictions. They will maintain transparent records of expenditures and share updates, conducting quarterly/annual reconciliations as per existing financial protocols.

In another decision, the Council of Ministers endorsed the Transport Department’s notifications dated 14 January 2025 and 9 April 2025, which provide a 50 percent rebate on lifetime motor vehicle tax for automobile sales during the Vikramotsav Trade Fair 2025 in Ujjain.

The Cabinet also endorsed the Transport Department’s notification dated 14 January 2025, approving a 50 percent tax rebate on motor vehicle sales during the Gwalior Trade Fair 2024-25 under specified conditions.