Madhya Pradesh Cabinet approves ‘Mukhya Mantri Vrindavan Gram Yojana’ to make villages self-reliant

The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, has approved the Mukhyamantri Vrindavan Gram Yojana, a new rural development initiative designed to create self-reliant and environmentally sustainable villages.

Under the scheme, one village from each assembly constituency—with a minimum population of 2,000 and at least 500 bovines—will be selected and developed as a model ‘Vrindavan Gram’.

The scheme focuses on integrating cow rearing, organic farming, solar energy, water conservation, environmental protection, and rural entrepreneurship, while also promoting the ideals of cleanliness, greenery, spirituality, and economic self-dependence.

These model villages are intended to serve as benchmarks for holistic development in rural Madhya Pradesh.

Key objectives include encouraging dairy self-sufficiency, expanding cooperative-based dairy businesses, and ensuring community involvement in environment-friendly practices such as organic farming and solar energy usage.

The government also aims to align the initiative with broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

According to the plan, six broad categories of facilities will be developed in each selected village.

These include Gaushalas, schools, health centers, solar-powered water supply systems, libraries, cremation grounds (Shantidham), cow memorials, veterinary hospitals, and biogas plants.

Additionally, infrastructure such as internal roads, solar street lighting, irrigation systems, public toilets, parks, and e-Panchayat services will also be developed.

For employment generation, the scheme includes setting up milk collection centers, small-scale forest produce and agri-based industries, and craft and skill development centers.

The villages will incorporate water conservation systems like rainwater harvesting, well recharge, and pond preservation.

Special goals include promoting natural farming, preserving religious sites, encouraging homestay-based rural tourism, updating land records, and ensuring 100% e-KYC coverage.

Cleanliness, nutrition, and spatial planning will also form part of the overall development strategy.

₹4,572 Crore Approved for Rebuilding Damaged Bridges

The Cabinet has also approved an in-principle amount of ₹4,572 crore for the Reconstruction of Damaged Bridges Scheme, targeting the rebuilding of 1,766 bridges between FY 2025–26 and 2029–30. The aim is to ensure year-round connectivity across the state.

The Madhya Pradesh Rural Road Development Authority's Empowered Committee will oversee implementation and monitoring.

Rashtriya Raksha University Campus to Come Up in Bhopal

In a move to boost employment and education in national security, the Cabinet approved an in-principle plan to establish a campus of Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU), Gandhinagar, in Bhopal.

The state will provide ₹1.05 crore annually for three years, and 10 acres of land will be allocated within the Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) campus. Temporary facilities at RGPV will be used until the permanent campus is constructed.

Mess Services Cleared for Backward Class Welfare Hostels

The Cabinet gave the green light to introduce mess services in 108 hostels under the Department of Backward Class Welfare, which accommodate 9,050 students.

A total budget of ₹31 crore has been approved, including ₹14 crore (non-recurring) and ₹17 crore (recurring).

1,266 New Posts Created for Forensic and Legal Support

To implement the new criminal laws effectively, the Cabinet approved the creation of 1,266 new posts, including 202 scientific officers in forensic labs across Madhya Pradesh.

As mandated under Section 176(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, forensic experts are required for all offences with a punishment of seven years or more. Madhya Pradesh is the first state to operationalize this provision.

Tribal and SC Offices to Be Set Up in New Districts

The Cabinet approved the establishment of District Tribal and Scheduled Caste Coordinators’ Offices in three newly created districts—Mauganj, Maihar, and Pandhurna. A total of 48 posts have been sanctioned, with an annual additional expenditure of ₹381.30 lakh.