Transformative governance

As Madhya Pradesh marks a year of transformative governance under Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, the state has achieved significant milestones in welfare schemes, infrastructure, industrialisation, and religious and cultural preservation. These strides highlight a commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Transforming water management

Madhya Pradesh has become a pioneer in implementing river-linking projects, revolutionising water management and boosting agricultural productivity. The flagship Ken-Betwa River Linking Project (KBRLP), with a 10:90 funding ratio between the state and the Centre, is set to benefit 11 districts, irrigating 8.11 lakh hectares in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region. Scheduled for inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 25, this project honours the vision of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and reinforces sustainable development.

Similarly, the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) project aims to provide equitable water distribution across 14 districts of the state. Alongside these mega initiatives, the government has undertaken efforts to rejuvenate rivers like Kshipra, conserving overflow water for future use, especially during religious events like the 2028 Simhastha. The state government has also taken the initiative to link rivers within the state similarly to the centre’s project.

Driving economic growth and industrialisation

The state’s "Industry Year 2025" initiative is propelling economic growth by attracting investments and fostering job creation. Through Regional Industry Conclaves (RICs), Interactive Session with industrialists and International Engagements with the United Kingdom and Germany, Madhya Pradesh has secured investment proposals worth Rs 4 lakh crore. These initiatives aim to create 4 lakh jobs annually, along with 2.5 lakh opportunities in the public sector.

A notable achievement is the establishment of a mega leather, footwear, and accessories cluster in Morena, promoting industrial development. Further, the upcoming Global Investors Summit 2025 will enhance Madhya Pradesh’s reputation as a hub for industrial investment, focusing on renewable energy, food processing, textiles, and tourism.

Enhancing education

The government’s education initiatives include establishing PM Colleges of Excellence in all 55 districts, offering modern courses such as Artificial Intelligence and FinTech, and providing bus facilities to students. Six incubation centres and digitised student records through DigiLocker have modernised the education ecosystem. Additionally, the integration of 35 industry-relevant courses bridges vocational and general education, aligning with regional employment needs.

Empowering women

Women’s empowerment remains a central pillar of the Mohan government’s agenda. Through transformative initiatives like the Ladli Laxmi and Ladli Behna Schemes, over Rs 27,000 crore has been directly transferred to beneficiaries, promoting financial independence and stability.

In addition, the government has facilitated the integration of 62 lakh women into 5 lakh self-help groups, fostering entrepreneurship and enhancing self-reliance across communities.

Further strengthening these efforts are progressive policies such as a 35 per cent reservation for women in government jobs and significant subsidies on LPG cylinders, easing household financial burdens. Complementing these measures, skill development programmes are equipping women with the tools needed to thrive in a competitive economy, collectively working towards building a more equitable and inclusive society.

Welfare for the underprivileged

Social welfare programmes have received a significant boost under CM Yadav. Key initiatives include increasing compensation for laborers under the Sambal 2.0 Scheme, raising wages for tendu leaf collectors, and providing Rs 224 crore in aid to 4,800 worker families from Hukumchand Mill. The state government is also working on forming a policy for giving dues of the labourers for such kind of industries. Subsidies worth Rs 24,420 crore were also allocated to energy consumers, ensuring financial relief.

The state government is providing financial security and support to marginalised communities through welfare schemes such as PMAY, PM-SVANidhi, and the Sambal Yojana.

The government’s emphasis on supporting marginalised communities is evident through enhanced scholarships for nomadic groups and increased stipends for PESA mobilisers. These efforts underscore an unwavering commitment to inclusive development.

Healthcare revolution

Healthcare infrastructure has seen transformative changes. The state laid the foundation for its first Medicity in Ujjain and opened medical colleges in Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Seoni. The launch of air ambulance services and the distribution of 4 crore Ayushman Bharat health cards have made Madhya Pradesh a leader in healthcare accessibility.

To provide timely treatment in remote areas, the PMShree Air Ambulance Facility was introduced. This innovation underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare.

Plans of increasing to 50 medical colleges in the next two years aim to revolutionise medical education and expand healthcare access across the state.

Youth empowerment and employment

The government’s focus on youth empowerment is reflected in waived competitive examination fees and financial support for startups. A special recruitment drive addressed backlogged vacancies, and over 7 lakh youth received Rs 5,000 crore in self-employment loans during “Employment Day.”

Startups have also benefited from support for participating in national and international events, while efforts to align education with job markets are preparing the youth for future opportunities.

Preserving religious and cultural heritage

Madhya Pradesh’s cultural and religious tourism initiatives have elevated its status as a top destination. Projects like the Shri Ram Van Gaman Path and Krishna pilgrimage sites aim to transform spiritual tourism while preserving cultural heritage. Additionally, infrastructure upgrades are being implemented for the upcoming Simhastha scheduled in 2028 in Ujjain, ensuring a seamless experience for religious tourists.

Environmental conservation has also been prioritised through the Jal Ganga Conservation Campaign and the “One Tree for Mother” initiative, which planted 5.5 crore saplings. These efforts balance heritage preservation with environmental sustainability.

Advancements in governance

Administrative innovations have streamlined governance. The introduction of cyber tehsils and the e-warrant system has enhanced efficiency, reducing the need for physical visits and expediting judicial processes. DigiLocker integration for students and citizens simplifies document management, while bans on open meat sales and high-decibel speakers reflect the government’s commitment to societal harmony.

A vision for the future

As CM Mohan Yadav’s government completes its first year, it has laid a robust foundation for growth and instilled confidence among citizens. With a focus on governance, inclusivity, and sustainable development, the administration continues to set benchmarks for others to follow, promising a brighter future for Madhya Pradesh.

The writer is a senior journalist and TV panellist. Views expressed are personal