Bhopal, April 13 (IANS) The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, on Monday gave its nod to several landmark decisions involving more than Rs 18,000 crore to accelerate irrigation, farm mechanisation, women’s safety, rural development and healthcare in the state.

In a key boost to agriculture, the Cabinet sanctioned Rs 286.26 crore for the Midwas Medium Irrigation Project in Sagar district. Once completed, the project will irrigate 7,200 hectares of farmland across 27 villages, directly benefiting thousands of farmers in three assembly segments, MP CM Yadav said on his X handle.

To modernise farming, the government approved Rs 2,250 crore under the sub-mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM). The funds will promote agricultural mechanisation, set up custom hiring centres run by rural youth, manage crop residue and provide subsidies on hand-operated and bullock-drawn implements for forest-dwelling farmers.

In a major step towards women’s safety and empowerment, the Cabinet cleared Rs 240.42 crore for the continued operation of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, One Stop Centres and Women Helpline-181 for the next five years.

It also approved the setting up of eight new One Stop Centres in Mehar, Mauganj, Pandhurna, Manawar (Dhar), Pithampur and Lasudiya, Sanwer (Indore), and Petlawad (Jhabua).

For rural development, Rs 3,553.35 crore was sanctioned for the smooth and continuous implementation of Prime Minister’s Poshan Shakti and Mid-Day Meal schemes along with other programmes under the Panchayat and Rural Development Department.

The Cabinet also approved Rs 1,005 crore to ensure uninterrupted health services under the Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department till March 31, 2031.

Additionally, Rs 1,674 crore was cleared with Central assistance to run the scheme for the establishment of new medical colleges over the next five years.

In the Public Works Department, various development works received administrative approval worth Rs 10,801 crore.

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav described the decisions as a comprehensive push towards making Madhya Pradesh a leading state in agriculture, women’s welfare, health and infrastructure.

Officials said these approvals reflect the government’s commitment to balanced and inclusive development across rural and urban areas.

–IANS

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