The State Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday at the Mantralaya, decided key initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, boosting employment, and enhancing social welfare in Madhya Pradesh.
The Cabinet approved the Chief Minister Majra-Tola Road Scheme, a massive infrastructure project worth Rs. 21,630 crore. This scheme aims to provide all-weather connectivity to remote settlements across the state. The project will be carried out in two phases between 2025 and 2034, covering an estimated 30,900 kilometres of road construction. Priority will be given to settlements with at least 20 households and a population of 100 or more. The state government will fund the entire project, with a list of priority settlements prepared based on population density and consultations with local MPs, MLAs, and Zila Panchayat members. The final list will be published at the state level.
In a bid to support the tur dal industry, the Cabinet also decided to exempt ‘Mandi-Shulk’ on tur imported from outside the state. This measure is expected to ensure a consistent supply of tur dal, reduce transportation costs, and boost employment in the state.
The Cabinet granted in-principle approval for the construction of four working women’s hostels in Jhabua, Singrauli, Dewas, and Narmadapuram, with a total capacity of 350 seats. These hostels will be built under the SASCI 2024-25 scheme with a project cost of Rs. 40.59 crore, to be implemented through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
The Cabinet also approved the formation of a District Development Advisory Committee in all districts. The committee, which will be chaired by the Chief Minister, aims to prepare long-term development plans for each district. It will include key local leaders such as MPs, MLAs, district panchayat chairpersons, and 20 representatives from various fields like industry, trade, progressive farming, social service, and law. The committee will also focus on the promotion of local industries and traditional skills under the "Vocal for Local" initiative, along with recommendations for better implementation of government schemes, employment generation, water conservation, and more.
The Cabinet approved a scheme to grant scholarships to meritorious students pursuing MBBS courses in Madhya Pradesh. Under this scheme, students who secure an All India Rank within 1.5 lakh in the NEET examination will be eligible for fee reimbursement equal to the maximum prescribed fees for MBBS courses in government medical colleges. The scheme is designed to provide interest-free loans for any additional fees.
Madhya Pradesh domicile students who gain admission through NEET to MBBS courses in government and private colleges/universities of Madhya Pradesh, as well as all government medical colleges/universities under the Central Government, will be eligible for this benefit.
In an added incentive, if students work in a rural area designated by the state government for the next five years, the excess loan amount will be proportionally reduced. If the student serves for 2.5 years, 50% of the loan will be waived, and after five years of service, the remaining loan amount will be entirely forgiven. However, if the condition is not fulfilled, the remaining loan amount will need to be repaid.
To ensure the proper and eligible beneficiaries receive the benefits, the scheme’s portal will be coordinated with similar portals of other schemes. The Public Health and Medical Education Department will ensure that the beneficiaries fulfill their commitment to work in rural areas of Madhya Pradesh. Detailed guidelines will be provided by the Department of Technical Education, Skill Development, and Employment in coordination with the General Administration and Finance Departments.