Training Women, Linking Them to Self-Help Groups and Ensuring Fair Returns for Their Work is our Priority: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that sisters are the Lakshmi and Annapurna of Madhya Pradesh, and no effort is ever enough when it comes to their welfare. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the state government remains firmly committed to women’s welfare. In the Sanatan culture, women hold the highest place.

Ahead of the auspicious festival of Mahashivratri, Ladli Behna beneficiaries across the state have received the special gift of ₹1,500 as an honorarium. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that there is no shortage of resources in the state treasury to economically empower women, and the government stands firmly with them at every step.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the government has declared 2026 as ‘Krishak Kalyan Varsh’. The government has prioritising to provide training to women, link them with self-help groups, and ensure they receive fair value for their hard work. Through ‘Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam’ initiative and self-help groups, women are increasing their income. Alongside becoming ‘Lakhpati Didis’, many are now emerging as ‘Drone Didis’. He said that 62 lakh women have become self-reliant through 5 lakh self-help groups operating in the state.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav addressed a large gathering in Pandhana, Khandwa district, after releasing the 33rd instalment under the Ladli Behna Yojana. He transferred ₹1,836 crore into the bank accounts of over 1.25 crore beneficiaries with a single click. So far, ₹52,304 crore has been disbursed under the scheme. The Chief Minister inaugurated the event after performing Kanya Pujan and lighting the ceremonial lamp. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav showered flowers upon the beneficiaries and sought their blessings for the welfare of the state.

Development Works worth Over ₹608 Crore for Khandwa

On this occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 13 development works worth over ₹608 crore in Khandwa district. This included Bhoomi Poojan for projects worth ₹255 crore and the inauguration of 11 projects costing ₹353.82 crore. He also inaugurated the Bham Irrigation Project, constructed at a cost of ₹301 crore, an Ayushman Arogya Mandir, a laboratory facility and the newly established Government Sandipani School in Pandhana .

 Commitment to Women’s Empowerment

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Indian culture places women at the center of family and society. When financial resources reach mothers and sisters, they invest them in the happiness and prosperity of the family. The government is continuously working to transform women’s lives. Women working in cotton-based industries will receive an additional ₹5,000 per month. Under the Chief Minister Kanyadan Scheme, daughters from poor and needy families are being married with government support, and ₹55,000 per couple is provided under ‘Samoohik Vivah Sammelan’.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that marriage is the most significant among the sixteen sacraments of Sanatan culture and symbolises continuity of family values. The government is also providing free coaching for daughters so that they can pursue education and bring pride to their families and the state.

Under the Prime Minister Ujjwala Gas Scheme, ₹111 crore is being regularly transferred to 25 lakh women beneficiaries in the state. Under the Prime Minister Matru Vandana Yojana, ₹385 crore has been disbursed to over 7 lakh women beneficiaries.

Women’s Participation in Agriculture Will Strengthen the Economy

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav reiterated that 2026 has been declared the ‘Krishak Kalyan Varsh’. To increase farmers’ income, the government is promoting animal husbandry and dairy production, with a target to increase milk production growth from 9 per cent to 20 per cent.

Farmers have benefited from the Bhavantar Scheme, and wheat produce will receive a support price of ₹2,700 per quintal. He said that stronger participation of women in agriculture will strengthen villages, farmer families, and the state’s economy.

A fresh survey is being conducted under the PM Awas Yojana to ensure that all eligible families receive permanent housing. Clean drinking water is being supplied to villages under the ‘Nal Jal Yojana’.

Nimar to Emerge as a Major Religious Tourism Hub

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Khandwa is the land of Dada Dhuniwale, Kranti Surya Tantya Mama, and the renowned singer Kishore Kumar. A university has been established in Khargone in the name of Tantya Mama, and programmes have been designed to honour tribal icons.

Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar gave grandeur to temples, including Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi. Soon, a new railway line between Khandwa and Omkareshwar, and between Omkareshwar and Indore, will begin operations, strengthening connectivity of the Nimar region with Indore and the Delhi-Mumbai corridor.

Development works worth ₹300 crore are underway to enhance Baba Mamleshwar Dham (Omkareshwar). With projects such as Ekatma Dham, the Statue of Oneness, and Sant Singaji Dham nearing completion, Nimar will emerge as a remarkable center of religious tourism.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also announced approval of the Sukta Micro Irrigation Project for Khandwa district under Farmer Welfare Year, an onion processing unit in Pandhana under the “One District-One Product” scheme, and the transfer of Pandhana Talab to the Nagar Parishad.

Khandwa MP Shri Gyaneshwar Patil said that work on the Khandwa Lift Irrigation Project costing ₹1,526 crore is ongoing in Pandhana constituency, benefiting farmers in many villages. Under the double-engine government, farmers in the state are prospering. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also performed the Bhoomi Poojan for a new sewerage project for Khandwa Municipal Corporation, along with a bus stand, shopping complex and ‘Rain Basera’ in Pandhana.

MLA Smt. Chhaya Govind More said that the new irrigation project will boost irrigation facilities and increase farmers’ income. Under Chief Minister Dr. Yadav’s leadership, Khandwa is witnessing development in a new direction.

The event was attended by Water Resources Minister Shri Tulsiram Silawat, Tribal Affairs Minister Dr. Kunwar Vijay Shah, MLAs Shri Narayan Patel and Shri Kanchan Tanve, and Khandwa Mayor Smt. Amrita Amar Yadav, District Panchayat President Smt. Pinky Sudesh Wankhede, and several other public representatives, officials, beneficiaries, and local citizens.