Half the Population Must Play a Full Role in the State’s Economic and Social Development: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that the government stands unwaveringly with the mothers, sisters, and daughters of the state and will leave no stone unturned to ensure they receive their rightful entitlements. He emphasised that the active participation of women—half of the population—is essential for the economic and social development of the state.

He announced that 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies will be implemented in the coming years, and that Madhya Pradesh has already ensured 50% reservation for women in local body elections.

Dr. Yadav made these remarks while addressing a public gathering in Tikrawara village, Mandla district, during a state-level program where over Rs.2,500 crore was transferred to the accounts of Ladli Behna and other scheme beneficiaries in a single click. He also publicly congratulated Ms. Shuchi Upadhyay from Mandla on her selection to the Indian women’s cricket team.

Mandla Receives Development Projects Worth Rs. 232 Crore

During the event, Chief Minister Yadav transferred Rs. 1,552.38 crore to 1.27 crore Ladli Behna beneficiaries, Rs. 340 crore to 56.68 lakh social pensioners, and Rs. 57 crore for LPG cylinder refilling to 25 lakh eligible sisters under the Ujjwala scheme. So far, over Rs. 36,500 crore has been distributed under the Ladli Behna scheme alone.

The CM also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 66 development projects worth Rs. 232 crore. Responding to a request from the Public Health Engineering Minister, Smt. Sampatiya Uikey. He announced the construction of a new bridge on the Surkhi-Indri road for Rs. 16.61 crore and inaugurated a newly constructed bridge over the Banjar river, naming it Amar Shaheed Shankar Shah-Raghunath Shah Setu.

Blessings to 1,100 Newlywed Couples at Mass Marriage Ceremony

At a mass marriage ceremony under the Chief Minister Kanya Vivah/Nikah Scheme, Dr. Yadav showered flower petals and blessings upon over 1,100 newlywed couples. He said each couple received Rs. 49,000 and urged families to avoid extravagant wedding expenses. He encouraged participation in community weddings and advised families, especially from economically weaker sections and farming backgrounds, to avoid loans for dowries or funeral feasts.

He emphasised that empowering and educating children is the true path to nation-building and that well-cultured children form the foundation of a strong society.

Committed to Making Ladli Behnas Self-Reliant and Empowered

Dr. Yadav reaffirmed his government’s resolve to make Ladli Behna beneficiaries self-reliant and empowered. Through monthly financial transfers, the government celebrates Raksha Bandhan by providing women with financial security. He noted that when women control finances, they manage the household more efficiently.

Women are also benefiting from schemes like Ujjwala Yojana and housing assistance. The state is actively working for the welfare of women, youth, farmers, and the underprivileged. Solar pumps will soon be distributed to farmers using 5–10 HP pumps, and surplus electricity will be purchased by the electricity department.

He also mentioned a new scheme under the guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah to boost farmers’ and cattle rearers’ income through cooperatives, offering a 25% subsidy for maintaining 25 cows or buffaloes. The subsidy for government gaushalas has also been increased from Rs. 20 to Rs. 40 per animal.

One Vrindavan Village in Every Block

Dr. Yadav paid homage to Maa Narmada and Rani Durgavati, highlighting their contributions to the state’s heritage. He said that under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, Rs. 1 lakh crore has been allocated to improve irrigation in Bundelkhand, a region that had seen migration due to water scarcity.

Projects like the Ken-Betwa and Parvati-Kalisindh river linking will benefit multiple districts. Inspired by Rani Durgavati’s water conservation efforts, the state will develop one Vrindavan Gram (model spiritual village) in every block.

Minister Smt. Sampatiya Uikey reflected on her journey from village sarpanch of Tikrawara to state minister, calling it a memorable day. MP Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste praised CM Yadav’s leadership for expanding irrigation coverage and acknowledged the special development package for tribal areas.

The event was also attended by MLAS Shri Narayan Patta and Shri Chain Singh Warkade, Municipal President Smt. Krishna Panjwani, Shri Prafull Srivastava, and thousands of beneficiaries and tribal residents from remote areas.