MP Cabinet Approves Rs 2,480 Crore for Development Projects

MP Cabinet approves Rs 2,480 crore for infrastructure expansion, irrigation, sports and welfare schemes

Bhopal, July 28

During the cabinet meeting, several significant decisions concerning sports activities, irrigation, women's empowerment, information technology, and farmers' welfare were also approved.

Among the key decisions, the Cabinet accorded in-principle approval of Rs 18.74 crore for hosting the Women's Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2026 in Bhopal in October 2026. It is expected to provide global recognition to Madhya Pradesh's sports infrastructure and tourism sector.

The Council of Ministers further approved Rs 111.04 crore for the continued operation of the Rihand Micro Irrigation Project in Singrauli from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031. The project aims to provide irrigation through a micro-irrigation system to 38,000 hectares across 119 villages in Singrauli, Mada, Waidhan and Javad tehsils by lifting water from the Govind Ballabh Pant Sagar Reservoir. It also sanctioned Rs 184.20 crore for the continuation of the Malhargarh Pressurised Major Lift Irrigation Project in Mandsaur during the same period. The project is designed to develop irrigation potential over 46,500 hectares in the district.

To strengthen the state's technology ecosystem, the Cabinet approved Rs 857.21 crore for various Science and Technology Department schemes, including Rs 85.51 crore for establishing a Drone Technology Centre of Excellence at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal. Of this, Rs 595 crore was approved for the continuation of the IT Park Establishment Scheme until 2031, which is expected to create over 8,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for local youth while attracting domestic and international investments.

As part of the same package, Rs 110 crore approved under the MPSEDC and Other Institutions Assistance Scheme to expand digital governance initiatives, including AI and machine learning-based business intelligence, WhatsApp chatbots, drone services, e-sign services, state email policy, low-code/no-code platforms and cybersecurity audit infrastructure. Another Rs 40.20 crore was approved for the Madhya Pradesh State Spatial Data Infrastructure (MPSSDI) to strengthen GIS-based governance, while Rs 26.50 crore was sanctioned for cloud services and digital transformation initiatives.

To strengthen administrative capacity, the Cabinet approved Rs 129.12 crore for the continued functioning of the RCVP Noronha Academy of Administration and Management through March 2031. The funds will be used for training programmes, Mission Karmayogi initiatives, maintenance of departmental assets and infrastructure development.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved Rs 198.59 crore for the implementation of Mission Shakti schemes, including Sankalp - Hub for Empowerment of Women, Shakti Sadan and Sakhi Niwas, for the period from 2026-27 to 2030-31.

The Cabinet also sanctioned Rs 982.49 crore for the continued implementation of employee welfare, pension, provident fund and insurance schemes until March 2031.

The Cabinet further approved the establishment of a new circle office of the Electrical Safety Inspectorate in Gwalior, along with the creation of nine new posts. It also approved the creation of nine new judicial posts, including one post of District and Additional Sessions Judge, in Narayangarh of Mandsaur district to facilitate regular court functioning and improve access to justice.

Along with this in the agriculture sector, the Cabinet approved the continuation of the bonus payment scheme for farmers procuring crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) during the 16th Finance Commission period from April 2026 to March 2031.

— ANI