Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday approved proposals worth around ₹47,990 crore to be utilised on a range of development priorities including health, infrastructure, agriculture and women’s empowerment over the coming five years.
Large portion earmarked for health programmes
The single largest allocation in the package — ₹44,515.13 crore — will be devoted to the continuation of various health schemes from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031. The funding includes dedicated sums for national and central health initiatives and for institutional safety and manpower support at the district level.
| Head | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| National Health Mission | ₹28,083.47 crore |
| Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY and Ayushman Bharat for non‑SECC beneficiaries | ₹12,123.81 crore |
| Security and sanitation at health institutions | ₹1,159.58 crore |
| District‑level staff scheme | ₹654.84 crore |
Officials said the comprehensive allocation is intended to ensure continuity of service delivery under central and state health schemes and to shore up operational support at facility and district levels.
Roads and urban development
As part of efforts to improve connectivity and advance the capital’s metropolitan aspirations, the Cabinet sanctioned ₹1,757.55 crore for construction of the 44.83‑kilometre Bhopal‑Vidisha four‑lane road with paved shoulders. Authorities pointed to safety benefits of paved shoulders, saying they will help reduce fatal crashes and provide safer space for pedestrians and slow‑moving traffic.
Support for forest communities and agriculture research
The Council of Ministers approved ₹918 crore to continue a dividend distribution scheme for Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) between 2026‑27 and 2030‑31. The revised approach expands the scope of dividend recipients to include residents of areas associated with JFMCs in addition to committee workers.
To strengthen agricultural research in the state, the Cabinet sanctioned a permanent lease of 20 hectares in Bhaukhedi village, Ichhawar tehsil, Sehore district for establishment of a National Soybean Research Institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The move is aimed at bolstering soybean R&D tailored to local agro‑ecological conditions.
Higher education and awards for women
For agricultural higher education, the Cabinet authorised ₹795.59 crore for the continued functioning of Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University for five financial years from 2026‑27 to 2030‑31. The university currently comprises multiple constituent colleges and plays a central role in agrarian research, extension and training in the state.
On women’s welfare and recognition, the state will institute an annual Rani Durgavati State‑Level Award of ₹2 lakh for a woman engaged in social service who has overcome adverse circumstances. The Rani Avanti Bai State‑Level Bravery Award, earlier introduced in 2006, has been raised from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh.
- Continuity emphasis: The package largely funds continuation of existing schemes through 2031, signalling long‑term fiscal commitment.
- Rural and tribal impact: Extension of forest dividends to residents broadens benefits for communities living in forest fringe areas.
- Agriculture focus: Land allocation for a soybean research institute aims to strengthen crop research relevant to the state’s farmers.
Officials framed the approvals as a mix of service continuity and new investments to address safety, research and social recognition. Implementation timelines, tendering schedules for road works and administrative decisions for the institute lease and dividend disbursement were not provided in the Cabinet note made public; those details are expected to be released by the relevant departments in due course.
The allocations cover programmes funded wholly or in part by the state, as well as schemes implemented under central flagship programmes such as Ayushman Bharat. The financial outlay forms part of the government’s medium‑term plan to sustain health services, improve urban and inter‑city connectivity and support agrarian livelihoods across Madhya Pradesh.
Further clarifications on operational modalities and beneficiary lists will be issued by the departments handling health, forest management and agriculture, officials said.
