MP Cabinet clears Rs 5,960 crore schemes for women, education, farmers
Bhopal, June 23
In a significant push towards overall development, public welfare, and women empowerment, the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday approved multiple public interest schemes worth Rs 5,960 crore under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
The Cabinet gave its nod to continue the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Sahayata Yojana and Kalyani Vivah Sahayata Yojana for the next five years, starting April 1, 2026, with an allocation of Rs 1,740.57 crore.
Under this scheme, financial assistance of Rs 55,000 is provided per beneficiary for the mass marriage of daughters and widows from poor and destitute families.
Officials said that since its launch, the scheme has benefited over 1.72 lakh families with nearly Rs 990 crore disbursed so far. The government described it as a key initiative for women's empowerment and social upliftment.
In the education sector, the Cabinet granted in-principle approval for a major upgradation drive. A total of 225 government secondary schools will be upgraded to high schools, while 300 high schools will be upgraded to higher secondary schools over the next three years.
The plan includes upgrading 75 secondary and 100 high schools annually from 2026-27 to 2028-29. An estimated Rs 635.24 crore has been earmarked for this initiative.
The move aims to improve the Gross Enrolment Ratio (currently 75 per cent at the high school level and 55 per cent at the higher secondary level) and reduce dropout rates by ensuring better access to quality education, especially in underserved areas. Upgradation will not be carried out in the catchment areas of Sandipani Vidyalayas.
The Cabinet also approved revised terms for the zero per cent interest short-term crop loan scheme to provide greater relief to farmers.
Additionally, it cleared the establishment of a new Government Law College at Shujalpur in Shajapur district to strengthen legal education in the state.
These decisions reflect the state government's commitment to women's welfare, educational expansion, and agricultural support. Officials said the approved schemes will significantly contribute to the vision of a developed Madhya Pradesh by 2047.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Education upgradation is long overdue! Our district has only one higher secondary school for 50 villages. Upgrading 225 schools over 3 years sounds good but we need to see actual ground-level impact. Also, why no upgradation near Sandipani Vidyalayas? That seems odd.
Good to see they're thinking about holistic development - women, education, AND farmers all in one cabinet meeting. The zero percent crop loan scheme could really help our farmers who are struggling with debts. But is Rs 5,960 crore enough for all these? Seems stretched thin.
As someone from Shajapur district, I'm thrilled about the new law college! Students from rural areas have to go all the way to Indore or Bhopal for legal education. This will make a huge difference. 👨⚖️ But I hope they focus on quality faculty too, not just infrastructure.
Women's empowerment initiatives are always welcome. The Kalyani scheme for widows is particularly thoughtful - often they are the most neglected in our society. I just wish there was more focus on skill development and employment rather than just marriage assistance.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.