MP Cabinet clears ₹5,960 crore schemes for women, education, farmers
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday, 23 June approved a clutch of public welfare schemes worth ₹5,960 crore under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, targeting women's empowerment, school education expansion, and agricultural relief across the state.
Marriage Assistance Schemes Extended by Five Years
The Cabinet renewed the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah Sahayata Yojana and Kalyani Vivah Sahayata Yojana for the next five years, effective 1 April 2026, with a combined allocation of ₹1,740.57 crore. Under these schemes, eligible beneficiaries receive ₹55,000 per family to support mass marriages of daughters and widows from poor and destitute households.
Since their launch, the schemes have reportedly benefited over 1.72 lakh families, with nearly ₹990 crore disbursed to date, according to state government officials. The government described the initiative as a cornerstone of its women's empowerment and social upliftment agenda.
225 Secondary Schools to Be Upgraded; ₹635 Crore Earmarked
In the education sector, the Cabinet granted in-principle approval to a three-year school upgradation drive. A total of 225 government secondary schools will be elevated to high school status, while 300 high schools will be upgraded to higher secondary level between 2026-27 and 2028-29. The phased plan envisages upgrading 75 secondary and 100 high schools annually. An outlay of ₹635.24 crore has been earmarked for the initiative.
The drive is aimed at improving the state's Gross Enrolment Ratio — currently 75% at the high school level and 55% at the higher secondary level — and curbing dropout rates by expanding access to quality schooling in underserved areas. Notably, upgradation will not be carried out in catchment areas of Sandipani Vidyalayas.
Zero-Interest Crop Loan Scheme Revised for Farmers
The Cabinet also approved revised terms for the zero per cent interest short-term crop loan scheme, aimed at providing greater financial relief to farmers. The specific revisions to eligibility or disbursement timelines were not detailed in the official statement, but officials indicated the changes are designed to broaden the scheme's reach.
New Law College Approved for Shujalpur
In a move to strengthen legal education in the state, the Cabinet cleared the establishment of a new Government Law College at Shujalpur in Shajapur district. The college is expected to improve access to legal education for students in the region, which currently lacks such an institution.
What Officials Said
State officials said the approved schemes collectively contribute to the government's vision of a developed Madhya Pradesh by 2047. The decisions span women's welfare, educational infrastructure, agricultural support, and higher education — reflecting a broad-based welfare push ahead of what analysts note is a politically sensitive period for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state.