MP cabinet clears ₹1,038 crore plan for forest conservation, approves over 49,000 new power sector jobs

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav chaired a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday at the Mantralaya, where the Council of Ministers approved several major proposals across forest conservation, social welfare, infrastructure, agriculture, and power sectors.

₹1,038 Crore Allocated for Forest and Wildlife Management

The Cabinet gave its nod to utilize ₹1,038 crore out of the total ₹1,478.38 crore under the Annual Plan of Operation (2025–26) of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAMPA Fund).

“80% of this amount will be spent on forest and wildlife management, and 20% on strengthening forest and wildlife-related infrastructure,” the government stated.

Approved initiatives include maintenance of past afforestation works, compensatory plantations, degraded forest restoration, catchment area afforestation, bamboo plantations, and voluntary relocation from wildlife zones. Other measures cover infrastructure development in protected areas, urban forest creation, and capacity building for local communities.

New Anganwadi Centres, Posts Approved

Under the Saksham Anganwadi and Nutrition 2.0 Scheme and Dharti Aba Tribal Village Utkarsh Abhiyan, the Cabinet approved 66 new Anganwadi Centres along with 66 Anganwadi Worker (voluntary) posts, 66 Anganwadi Helper (voluntary) posts, and two regular Supervisor posts.

“An estimated ₹15.21 crore will be spent on the scheme during 2025–26 to 2028–29, with ₹9.55 crore from the Centre and ₹5.66 crore from the State,” the statement said.

Boost to Tourism: Lake View Residency Project Cleared

The Cabinet approved reimbursement of stamp duty and registration charges to a private investor under the PPP model for the Lake View Residency Hotel in Bhopal. The project will follow the DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer) model and be executed by MPSTDC/MPHCL.

Over 49,000 New Regular Posts in Power Sector

In a major decision, the Cabinet approved the creation of 49,263 new regular posts as part of a restructured 77,298-post framework for the three power distribution companies. It also abolished 17,620 unused posts and designated 5,650 "dying cadre" posts for phasing out post-retirement. “Direct recruitment will consider the number of equivalent contractual employees already working in those roles,” it stated.

Support for Farmers: Interest Waiver on Irrigation Tax

The Cabinet approved a complete waiver of interest on unpaid irrigation water tax for farmers who clear their principal dues by March 31, 2026. “As of March 31, 2025, total outstanding dues were ₹647.67 crore (principal ₹563.29 crore and interest ₹84.17 crore),” the government said.

Procurement of Moong and Urad Under PSS

To support farmers, the Cabinet cleared procurement of summer moong and urad under the Centre’s Price Support Scheme (PSS) for rabi marketing years 2023–24 to 2025–26. It also approved a free state guarantee for any excess procurement beyond targets for rabi 2024–25. MP Markfed will serve as the procurement agency.

Administrative Strengthening in New Divisions

Approval was granted to establish regional audit offices in the newly formed revenue divisions of Narmadapuram, Chambal, and Shahdol. Additionally, seven new Assistant Director posts were sanctioned for the districts of Niwari, Maihar, Mauganj, and Pandhurna.

Termination of Old PPAs

The Cabinet also decided to terminate old power purchase agreements (PPAs) signed with developers on 5% or 10% variable tariffs. “Developers will be required to pay ₹10 lakh per MW as liquidated damages before their ₹3 lakh per MW bank guarantees are refunded,” it said.

Stamp Duty Bill Amendment

The Cabinet approved the Indian Stamp (Madhya Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2025, which will align stamp duties with transaction-based pricing trends. The amendment is projected to add ₹212 crore to the state’s revenue.