Bhopal/Lahar, July 12 (IANS) Asserting that Madhya Pradesh has achieved the lowest unemployment rate in the country, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav praised the state’s progress and outlined a series of welfare and industrial initiatives during a public address in Lahar, Bhind district.

He was in the town on Sunday to disburse the 38th instalment of Rs 1,835 crore under the ‘Mukhyamantri Ladli Behna Yojana’ to directly transfer benefits via a single click to the accounts of more than 1.25 crore women across the state.

“I am proud that Madhya Pradesh is the state with the lowest unemployment rate in the country,” CM Yadav declared. According to recent Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data, Madhya Pradesh indeed records one of the lowest unemployment rates in India, estimated at around 1.6%, placing it among the top performers alongside states like Tripura.

The Chief Minister emphasised that his government is continuously working for the welfare of all sections of society, including a strong focus on the industrial sector. He highlighted major upcoming projects: a Rs 2,000 crore cement plant in Guna, a Rs 2,500 crore project in Shivpuri, and the manufacturing of a 1,000 km-range missile in the state.

“No corner of Pakistan will be safe; the target will be locked here, and the missile will fly straight to the mark,” he said, underscoring efforts to strengthen national security.

CM Yadav detailed the government’s commitment across multiple fronts. Under the ongoing ‘Farmer Welfare Year’ scheme, additional benefits are promised in the coming days.

Addressing local demands in Lahar, he announced the immediate introduction of postgraduate (PG) classes in the local college, urging the crowd’s applause before making the formal declaration.

The Chief Minister drew a sharp contrast with the previous Congress regime. He noted that from Madhya Pradesh’s formation in 1956 until 2003 under Congress rule, wheat procurement prices stagnated between Rs 90–100 per quintal initially and rose only to Rs 350–450 by 2003. In contrast, his government, in about 20 years, has raised the procurement price to Rs 2,625 per quintal this year. “That is the way we work,” he said.

In a major social reform announcement, CM Yadav stated that Madhya Pradesh is set to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) this month, advancing the principle of “One Country, One Law.” He referenced widespread public consultations, including strong support from Muslim women for the move, which aims to ensure equality and security.

To boost rural incomes, CM Yadav said his government has encouraged setting up dairy units alongside crop farming. He announced a Rs 40 lakh scheme for 25-cow units, with a Rs 10 lakh government subsidy, aiming to elevate Madhya Pradesh from its current third position to the top spot in national milk production.

On infrastructure, he confirmed the restart of MPRDC bus services this month, now that roads reach every village. “Everyone in the villages—even the poorest—needs bus transport,” he added.

Looking ahead to the festive season from Raksha Bandhan to Diwali, the CM urged citizens to take a pledge for public welfare, assuring that “one gift of development after another” would continue from the government.

The event also saw the distribution of benefits under various schemes worth approximately Rs 332 crore across 56 initiatives, along with symbolic gestures honouring industrialists and beneficiaries.

–IANS

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