In a significant push towards inclusive and sustainable development, the Madhya Pradesh government on Tuesday signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with four reputed non-governmental organisations (NGOs) — Antra Foundation, Pradan, PHIA Foundation, and UN Women.
The MoU exchange took place at the state Secretariat in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav.
“These MoUs will strengthen the planned, inclusive, gross, and sustainable development of the state,” Dr. Yadav said during the ceremony.
Emphasising the transformative impact of welfare schemes, the Chief Minister noted that the state's social landscape is undergoing rapid change. “By taking advantage of government schemes, everyone is moving rapidly towards positive change in their lives,” he stated.
He further said that collaboration with NGOs having subject expertise will help improve human and social development indicators.
“To achieve continuous improvement in all social development indicators and to ensure everyone benefits from development, the government will also utilize the experience of NGOs,” Dr. Yadav said.
He also stressed on field feedback: “Serious efforts will be made to implement the suggestions received from field-working NGOs.” He urged for close coordination between the Policy Commission, public representatives, and district administration to maximise public benefit.
The MP State Policy Commission is currently leading the charge in tracking progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in drafting the Madhya Pradesh Vision Document-2047. Through these new partnerships, the state aims to boost policy innovation, promote data-driven governance, and accelerate multi-sectoral progress.
Each of the four NGOs will contribute in their respective areas of expertise. Antra Foundation will focus on maternal and child health and nutrition. Pradan will support rural development and women’s empowerment. PHIA Foundation will act as a knowledge partner for climate-resilient and inclusive development, while UN Women will advance gender-responsive governance across the state.
“These partnerships will accelerate the achievement of global goals such as poverty eradication and livelihood development, health and welfare, gender equality, access to clean water for all, reducing inequality, water security including watershed structures, and climate development-based actions,” the government stated. It added that these efforts will be instrumental in fulfilling the objectives of Vision 2047.
Senior state officials, including Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda, Additional Chief Secretary (Planning, Economic and Statistics) Sanjay Kumar Shukla, and CEO of MP State Policy Commission Rishi Garg, were present at the event. Representatives from each of the partnering NGOs also attended, including Ms. Chandrika from Antra Foundation, Ms. Archana Singh from Pradan, Mr. Aniruddha from PHIA Foundation, and Ms. Joytry from UN Women.