Bhopal, June 16 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, took several significant decisions on Tuesday to accelerate development, strengthen public welfare, and improve infrastructure across the state. A major decision was taken on the Indore Metro Rail Project.

Due to revised alignments, including some underground sections, and increased costs over time, the Cabinet approved an additional Rs 5,388 crore, taking the total project cost to approximately Rs 12,889 crore. The 31-km Metro is expected to be fully operational by 2030-31, Chetanya Kumar Kashyap, minister for MSME, told media persons here after the meeting.

The government also announced the establishment of a Cyber Security Centre in Bhopal to protect citizens through awareness programmes, training, and modern infrastructure.

To facilitate smooth administration, the deadline for the employee transfer portal was extended by one day until midnight, he said.

The Cabinet also approved the continuation of schemes worth Rs 24,200 crore, including Project Tiger, labour welfare programmes, Rs 687 crore for tribal student education, and Rs 639 crore for sericulture promotion to boost integrated farming, industry, and employment, the minister said.

In a pioneering health initiative, the government approved a pilot PPP model for operating 18 Community Health Centres (with over 20 beds) in Rewa, Dewas, and Guna districts. Private operators will provide specialist doctors and trained staff while the state supplies medicines and retains ownership of the facilities.

Also, a new policy will encourage charitable trusts, religious institutions, and CSR funds to establish super-speciality hospitals in the state. The government will provide land and capital grants based on regional needs, aiming to expand quality healthcare, especially in smaller districts.

A five-member ministerial committee will finalise the guidelines.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister extended heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 12 years and 4,399 days in office. He highlighted the productive discussions at the recent NITI Aayog meeting in Delhi, where Madhya Pradesh received special appreciation for becoming Naxal-free ahead of the set deadline.

The state’s welfare initiatives, particularly Ayushman Bharat, and its rapid industrialisation also drew praise. The Cabinet noted Madhya Pradesh’s recent achievements on the national stage.

The state won the Excellence in Tourism Award at a major conclave in Mumbai for successfully organising over 20 conferences and boosting tourism. The Renewable Energy Department received an award for infrastructure development at the Global Wind Day event in Goa, reflecting the government’s dynamic progress across multiple sectors.

–IANS

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