Madhya Pradesh is Progressing with Strength and Blessings of Sisters: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that women’s empowerment in Madhya Pradesh is progressing through both government initiatives and active social participation. He said that women are strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and playing a vital role as Krishi Sakhis, Pashu Sakhis, Bank Sakhis and Udyam Sakhis. Their meaningful contribution is bringing prosperity to every household. Referring to the State Government’s observance of Krishi Kalyan Varsh (Farmer Welfare Year), the Chief Minister said that Madhya Pradesh is moving forward with the strength and blessings of its sisters.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said, addressing the State-level Capacity Building and Loan Distribution Programme for Self-Help Groups at the Government College Ground in Thandla, Jhabua district, on Friday, that 50 per cent of the seats in urban local bodies and Panchayats in Madhya Pradesh have been reserved for women, while 35 per cent reservation has been provided for women in government services. He also said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi remains committed to ensuring 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Self-Help Groups Emerging as a Powerful Movement for Women’s Empowerment

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Madhya Pradesh is witnessing rapid development. He recalled that when Shri Modi served three consecutive terms as Chief Minister of neighbouring Gujarat, remarkable development took place in the tribal regions adjoining Jhabua, bringing global recognition to Gujarat’s development model. The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Shri Modi is dedicated to the welfare of the poor, farmers, youth and women, and has always held women in the highest regard. As part of this commitment, ₹300 crore in loans has been extended to women associated with Self-Help Groups, opening new avenues of prosperity and self-reliance. He said that the SHG movement is emerging as a major force for economic and social empowerment, with women setting new benchmarks through cooperation and collective participation.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that many women are now earning up to ₹10,000 per month. Ladli Behnas, women entrepreneurs and Krishi Sakhis are making significant strides across the State. He informed that 196 Didi Cafés are currently being operated by Self-Help Groups across Madhya Pradesh, including four in Jhabua. Women associated with Self-Help Groups are also managing 85 Livelihood Libraries and are engaged in more than 150 non-farm livelihood activities, demonstrating the remarkable progress of women-led livelihood initiatives in Madhya Pradesh. The Chief Minister recalled paying tribute to women leaders in history, noting that Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar had reposed immense faith in the tribal community by raising the Bhil Battalion. He also remembered the contributions of Rani Durgavati, Veerangana Avantibai Lodhi, Rani Padmini and Rani Lakshmibai, whose courage, sacrifice and commitment to good governance continue to inspire generations.

Employment Generation Remains a Top Priority

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the State Government is continuously launching new initiatives to generate employment opportunities for the youth. A new telecommunications manufacturing unit will be established in the Gwalior region, creating around 14,000 new jobs.

He further stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of the country’s first PM MITRA Park in Dhar district on 17 September, which is expected to generate employment opportunities for nearly three lakh people, both directly and indirectly, while significantly benefiting cotton-growing farmers. The Chief Minister also announced that land titles allotted in tribal-dominated areas would be registered free of cost. He asserted that forced religious conversion would not be allowed and encouraged local residents to establish more gaushalas and enhance milk production, assuring full government support for such initiatives.

He said that employment opportunities are also being created through industries and MSMEs, ensuring that people from Jhabua, Dhar and Alirajpur will no longer have to migrate in search of work, as industries and manufacturing units are being established within the region.

₹300 Crore Loan Assistance for Self-Help Groups

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav distributed loans worth ₹300 crore to Self-Help Groups under the State Rural Ajeevika Mission. The assistance included ₹10.80 crore for 215 Self-Help Groups in Jhabua district. He also laid the foundation stone for 29 development works worth ₹174.64 crore and inaugurated 28 development and infrastructure projects valued at ₹109.17 crore in Jhabua district. The Chief Minister distributed benefits to beneficiaries under various government welfare schemes, honoured meritorious students, and visited the Aajeevika Mela exhibition.

Jhabua Ideal for Natural Farming

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav described Jhabua as an ideal region for natural farming and interacted with progressive farmers to learn about their experiences and best practices. He also reviewed various government initiatives aimed at promoting natural and organic farming.

Women farmers shared that natural farming had transformed their lives over the past two to three years. The Chief Minister said, referring once again to the Krishi Kalyan Varsh,  that women are playing a pivotal role in the agricultural sector. Today, women are confidently operating tractors and drones, while Drone Didis are carrying out pesticide spraying in agricultural fields. He noted that women also made a significant contribution to this year’s record wheat procurement, through which Madhya Pradesh procured 10.4 million metric tonnes of wheat, the highest in the country, with the support of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Union Agriculture Minister. The Chief Minister said that Drone Didis, Pashu Sakhis and Bank Sakhis are making valuable contributions across the State. Women have excelled in commercial vegetable cultivation, animal husbandry and organic farming, while Women Farmer Producer Organisations have recorded business transactions worth ₹958 crore. He informed that more than 11,900 Self-Help Groups in Jhabua are providing livelihood and social security to over 1.56 lakh families. Across Madhya Pradesh, 64,000 Lakhpati Didis are driving economic empowerment, particularly in tribal areas, and ₹285 crore has been provided to strengthen Self-Help Groups.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Kadaknath poultry has emerged as a strong source of economic empowerment in Jhabua, while women are making remarkable progress through poultry farming, animal husbandry and fisheries. He reiterated that ₹1,500 is being transferred every month into the accounts of Ladli Behna beneficiaries, adding that the Government fulfils every commitment it makes. The Chief Minister also announced that, beginning next year, stitched school uniforms for government school children will be supplied through Self-Help Groups.

Uniform Civil Code

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the State Government has decided to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to ensure equal laws for citizens of all religions while keeping the tribal community outside its purview. He added that the UCC Bill has already been passed by the State Legislative Assembly.

Strict Action against Crimes against Women

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that those involved in religious conversion activities in Jhabua and Dhar would face action in accordance with the law. To strengthen women’s safety, Women’s Safety Desks and Women’s Police Stations are being established across all districts. He also said that perpetrators of heinous crimes against women would face the strictest punishment, including the death penalty, in accordance with the law. The Chief Minister further stated that, with the support of the Central Government and the State’s firm resolve, Left Wing Extremism has been completely eliminated from the Balaghat, Mandla and Dindori regions of Madhya Pradesh.

Major Development Initiatives for Jhabua

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav announced that the foundation stone has been laid for a ₹70-crore Ayurvedic Medical College in Jhabua, taking the total number of Ayurvedic colleges in the State to nine. He also announced that Sandipani Schools would be established in Jhabua at a cost of ₹35.29 crore. The Chief Minister said that Thandla would soon be connected by rail, a permanent helipad would be constructed there, and a sports stadium would be developed in every Assembly constituency. He also announced the construction of ghats on the Padmavati River and at Chhoti Kashi, besides declaring that a ghat would be developed at Shringeshwar, the Tapobhoomi of Maharshi Shringi, on the Mahi River.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav felicitated Shri Arpit Bhatewara, a cricketer from Thandla selected for the Ranji Trophy team, and distributed helmets to farmers and youth.

Tribal Affairs Minister and Jhabua District In-charge Shri Vijay Shah described the event as the largest gathering of tribal women in the district. Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Nirmala Bhuria said the Chief Minister had presented Jhabua with several development projects, including modern Sandipani Schools for tribal children. Member of Parliament Smt. Anita Chouhan emphasised the need for a sports stadium to nurture young sporting talent in the district. Former MLAs Shri Kalsingh Bhanwar and Shri Bhanu Bhuria also addressed the gathering.

A large number of public representatives, Ladli Behnas, members of Self-Help Groups and local citizens attended the programme.