Cabinet Approves ₹2,300 Cr for Infrastructure Development and Rehabilitation Works

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav chaired the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, during which the Cabinet took several important decisions. The Cabinet approved ₹2,300 crore for infrastructure development and rehabilitation works across the state. The Cabinet also approved ₹800 crore for the modernisation of the State Data Centre, expansion of IT infrastructure, strengthening of disaster recovery capabilities, and other related works under a proposal of the Department of Science and Technology. Additionally, it approved ₹123 crore for the continuation of the Science Park, Single Citizen Database (SCD) Project, and Biotechnology Park initiatives until 2031. The Cabinet also approved an amendment to the Madhya Pradesh IT, ITES and ESDM Investment Promotion Policy, 2023, based on another proposal of the Department of Science and Technology.

The Cabinet approved the proposal of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department to exempt additional stamp duty on executed transfer records under the SVAMITVA Scheme. It also approved the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (Madhya Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposed by the Department of Law and Legislative Affairs.

Based on a proposal of the School Education Department, the Cabinet approved ₹495 crore for the continuation of the Chief Minister Scooty Scheme until 2031. It also approved the Madhya Pradesh Procurement Disposal Policy for Wheat, Gram, Sorghum and Pearl Millet–2026, proposed by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department. The Cabinet further approved ₹100 crore for the Namo Harit Nagar Yojana, proposed by the Urban Development and Housing Department, to develop urban forests in 65 urban local bodies and adjoining forest areas across the state. On separate proposals of the Water Resources Department, the Cabinet approved an additional ₹202.50 crore for the rehabilitation and resettlement of families affected by the Ken-Betwa Link Project, Runj Irrigation Project and Majhgaon Irrigation Project in Panna district.

The Cabinet also approved the recruitment process under the Health and Family Welfare Gazetted Service Recruitment Rules, 2022. It further approved ₹42 crore for the continuation of the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System Scheme until 2031 to strengthen the delivery of legal services to weaker sections of society. On the proposal of the Finance Department, the Cabinet decided to grant exemptions in cess payable on specified instruments. The Cabinet also approved ₹543 crore for the continuation of the School Education Department’s scheme for the appraisal and administrative approval of publicly funded programmes, schemes and projects for the period from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031.

₹800 Cr Approved for State Data Centre Modernisation, IT Infrastructure and Disaster Recovery

The Cabinet approved ₹800 crore for the expansion and upgradation of the Madhya Pradesh State Data Centre (SDC 3.0), which is operated and maintained by the Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation (MPSEDC). The approved project will modernise the State Data Centre, expand its IT infrastructure and disaster recovery capabilities, and strengthen the associated non-IT infrastructure. The State Data Centre was established in Bhopal under the National e-Governance Plan through the joint participation of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India, and the Government of Madhya Pradesh to integrate government services and deliver efficient electronic services. The facility has been functioning successfully since 12 December 2012.

The State Data Centre hosts IT applications of various government departments and serves as a critical digital infrastructure for e-governance in Madhya Pradesh. Operating round the clock throughout the year, it enables citizens to access a wide range of government services online at locations nearest to them. In view of the rapidly evolving technological landscape, including emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing, there is a need to establish advanced infrastructure capable of supporting the efficient delivery of citizen-centric services. Expansion of the Data Centre will also require enhancement of supporting infrastructure such as power supply, cooling systems and other non-IT facilities. Accordingly, the Cabinet approved the implementation of the SDC 3.0 expansion project. The project will be implemented in phases. The first phase will focus on developing the core IT and non-IT infrastructure, including computing, storage and networking facilities. The second phase will establish the Disaster Recovery (DR) site and strengthen disaster recovery capabilities. The third phase will further expand the IT infrastructure.

The approval has been granted in view of the growing demand for digital services, increased data processing requirements and future technological needs, with the objective of creating a scalable, secure and highly efficient data centre ecosystem in the state. Cabinet Approves ₹123 Crore for Science Park, Single Citizen Database and Biotechnology Park.

Cabinet approves ₹123 Crore for Science Park, Single Citizen Database and Biotechnology Park

The State Cabinet has approved ₹123 crore for the Science Park, the Single Citizen Database (SCD) Project, and the establishment and continued operation of the Biotechnology Park under the Department of Science and Technology. The approval covers the implementation and continuation of these projects for the next five years. Of the total allocation, ₹39.39 crore has been approved for the Science Park, ₹75 crore for the Single Citizen Database project, and ₹8.59 crore for the Biotechnology Park.

A state-of-the-art planetarium and astronomical observatory is being established at the Acharya Varah Mihir Trust campus in Ujjain. Equipped with a one-metre optical telescope and a 4.5-metre radio telescope, the facility will provide students, researchers and young scientists with advanced opportunities for study and research. The Science Park initiative will promote astronomy education, scientific research and public awareness, while fostering scientific temper and helping dispel superstitions. It will also strengthen Ujjain’s position as a national centre for astronomical research and science communication.

Under the Single Citizen Database project, an integrated database of all citizens of Madhya Pradesh is being developed to facilitate faster, more transparent and citizen-centric delivery of government services and welfare schemes.

The project will create a unified and authenticated repository of citizens’ basic information, reducing the need for multiple departmental registrations and enabling timely and seamless service delivery. Based on verified information available in the database, the government aims to provide various public services and scheme benefits through a single-click digital platform.

Alongside the SCD project, the ‘Parichay’ initiative is providing Aadhaar-based authentication and e-KYC services, ensuring effective implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) programmes. Together, these initiatives will strengthen the state’s e-governance framework through data integration, Aadhaar authentication and inter-departmental data sharing, while supporting the objectives of Vision@2047.

The Biotechnology Park initiative aims to promote research, innovation, development and entrepreneurship in the biotechnology sector. Implemented under the Government of India’s National Biotechnology Park Scheme, the project will provide incubation support to start-ups, innovators, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Cabinet Extends Chief Minister Scooty Scheme Till 2031, Approves ₹495 Crore

The State Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Chief Minister Scooty Scheme from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a financial outlay of ₹495 crore. Under the scheme, girls and boys securing first position in Government Higher Secondary Schools run by the School Education Department and the Tribal Affairs Department, while scoring at least 70 per cent marks as regular candidates in their first attempt, will be eligible to receive scooters.

Madhya Pradesh Procured Wheat, Gram, Jowar and Bajra Disposal Policy-2026 Approved

The Cabinet has approved the Madhya Pradesh Procured Wheat, Gram, Jowar and Bajra Disposal Policy-2026 to ensure transparent and efficient disposal of foodgrains procured by the State Government and to secure the best possible value for agricultural produce. A State-level committee headed by the Chief Secretary will determine the quantity of produce to be disposed of, fix the reserve price before sale, invite bids through the e-tender/e-auction process, evaluate the bids received and approve the disposal process.

Cabinet Approves Amendments to MP IT, ITES and ESDM Investment Promotion Policy-2023

The Cabinet has approved amendments to the Madhya Pradesh IT, ITES and ESDM Investment Promotion Policy-2023 to align it with the Madhya Pradesh Investment Promotion Policy and make it more attractive for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) units. Under the revised provisions, existing IT and data centre companies seeking expansion will be required to increase their existing investment or built-up area by at least 30 per cent. ESDM companies will need to make fresh investment of at least 30 per cent in plant and machinery (minimum ₹15 crore or ₹50 crore, whichever is lower) and enhance production capacity by 20 per cent. Eligible expansion projects will receive incentives equivalent to those available for new units. The land allotment process has also been simplified and made fully online. Applications will be invited through an online portal. In cases where multiple applicants seek the same parcel of land, allotment will be made through e-bidding. Mega projects, however, will be exempt from e-bidding and will continue to receive land on a first-come, first-served basis. Investors may also obtain land from MPIDC or other government agencies in accordance with the applicable terms and conditions.

Cabinet Approves Exemption from Cess and Additional Stamp Duty Under SVAMITVA Scheme

The Cabinet has approved exemption from cess and additional stamp duty payable on registration of records under the Revenue Department’s SVAMITVA Scheme.

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (Madhya Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2026 Approved

The Cabinet has approved the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (Madhya Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Cabinet Approves ₹42 Crore for Legal Aid Defence Counsel Scheme

The Cabinet has accorded in-principle approval for the State’s increasing financial participation in the Legal Aid Defence Counsel Scheme to ensure effective and efficient legal services for weaker sections of society. The State Government will bear 25 per cent of the expenditure during 2026-28, 50 per cent during 2028-30, 75 per cent during 2030-31, and 100 per cent from 2031 onwards. The estimated annual State contribution will increase from ₹4.20 crore to ₹16.80 crore in phases.

Cabinet Approves ₹543.09 Crore for Continuation of NCC Programme Till 2031

The Cabinet has approved continuation of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) programme under the School Education Department for the period from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031, with a financial outlay of ₹543.09 crore. The allocation will support payment of salaries to personnel, smooth functioning of NCC offices, and training and related activities for NCC cadets during the period of the 16th Finance Commission.

Cabinet Approves ₹100 Crore for ‘Namo Harit Nagar Yojana’

The Cabinet has approved ₹100 crore for the implementation of the ‘Namo Harit Nagar Yojana’ over the next five years. The scheme aims to develop urban forests in 65 Urban Local Bodies to improve environmental quality, provide cleaner air, enhance biodiversity and create healthier urban ecosystems. At least one urban forest of a minimum of half an acre will be developed in each participating urban local body. Funds will be released in three instalments.

Additional ₹202.50 Cr for Rehabilitation of Project-Affected Families in Panna Approved

The Cabinet has approved an additional ₹202.50 crore for rehabilitation and resettlement of families affected by submergence under the Ken-Betwa Link Project, Runj Medium Irrigation Project and Majhgawan Medium Irrigation Project in Panna district. For the Ken-Betwa Link Project, the Cabinet approved extension of the cut-off date for the special rehabilitation package, making an additional 313 families eligible for benefits. The total project cost for the rehabilitation package has consequently been enhanced to ₹439.325 crore, including an additional grant of ₹39.125 crore.

The Cabinet also approved a special rehabilitation package of an additional ₹7.5 lakh per displaced family for 730 families affected by the Runj Medium Irrigation Project, amounting to ₹54.75 crore, bringing the rehabilitation assistance on par with that provided under the Ken-Betwa Link Project. Similarly, 1,450 displaced families affected by the Majhgawan Medium Irrigation Project will receive an additional ₹7.5 lakh per family, involving a total outlay of ₹108.75 crore.

Cabinet Approves Direct Recruitment of Specialist Doctors at Departmental Level

The Cabinet has approved a proposal to fill vacant specialist doctor posts in government health institutions through direct recruitment at the departmental level under the Madhya Pradesh Public Health and Medical Education (Gazetted) Service Recruitment Rules, 2022. The decision has been taken in view of the shortage of specialist doctors and the limited availability of selected candidates through the Madhya Pradesh Public Service Commission.

Under the new system, vacancies will be published on the MP Online portal on the first day of every month, and applications will be accepted until the 15th. A departmental selection committee will meet on the second Wednesday of the month to interview eligible candidates and recommend appointments to the State Government. Appointment orders will be issued directly by the Government, and selected specialists will be posted against the advertised vacancies. They will remain at their initial place of posting for a minimum period of three years, during which no transfer will be permitted.