Bhopal/Ujjain, Jan 26 (NationPress) Madhya Pradesh commemorated its 77th Republic Day with enthusiasm, joy, and national pride on Monday. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav raised the national flag in his native Ujjain, while Governor Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel conducted the flag-hoisting at the state capital, Bhopal.

In Ujjain, CM Dr. Mohan Yadav conveyed heartfelt Republic Day wishes to the citizens of Madhya Pradesh and the broader nation.

He paid homage to the freedom fighters and martyrs who laid down their lives for India's independence, emphasizing the state's significant advancements achieved through various welfare and development initiatives.

He drew attention to key programs such as the 'Ladli Behna Yojana', aimed at empowering women, alongside dedicated efforts in farmer welfare, education, health services, and infrastructure improvements.

The Chief Minister also highlighted Ujjain's rich religious and cultural heritage, particularly focusing on ongoing enhancements around the iconic Mahakaleshwar Temple and the Smart City initiatives, which are evolving this ancient city into a modern center while safeguarding its spiritual essence.

In Bhopal, Governor Mangubhai Patel addressed the assembly, designating 2026 as the Year of Agriculture (Krishak Kalyan Varsh), underscoring the government's commitment to agricultural development and farmer welfare. He detailed the impressive growth in the agriculture sector, reporting that the state’s agriculture budget has escalated from Rs. 600 crore in 2003 to Rs. 27,000 crore for 2024-25.

The e-registration initiative has been effectively implemented across 259 mandis, benefiting approximately 40 lakh farmers through streamlined operations.

Governor Patel expressed ambitious aspirations to establish Madhya Pradesh as the nation's milk capital, with increased assistance for cow shelters — raising the subsidy per cow from Rs. 20 to Rs. 40 and boosting the budget from Rs. 250 crore to Rs. 505 crore.

He outlined other significant achievements and promises: under the PM Awas Yojana, more than 4 lakh houses have been built out of 11 lakh sanctioned. The Chief Minister Bajra Tola Yojana has allocated Rs. 21,000 crore to connect over 20,000 settlements with all-weather roads. Employment under rural schemes has been extended from 100 to 125 days through the Developed India Guarantee and Rural Employment Livelihood Mission.

Educational initiatives include Rs. 2,250 crore earmarked to support 50 lakh students in prestigious institutions such as IIMs, IITs, NITs, and NLUs, along with offering free JEE/NEET coaching for 2 lakh tribal students.

For the current Rabi crop season, more than 19,865 megawatts of electricity have been secured for farmers. The Republic Day celebrations in Madhya Pradesh merged patriotic enthusiasm with a forward-looking vision, emphasizing inclusive development, an agricultural renaissance, and welfare for all segments of society as the state strides towards a flourishing future.