Madhya Pradesh emerges as leader in mining sector: Chief Minister Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav briefed ministers on the state government’s priorities, key achievements of the past fortnight, and major programmes before the commencement of the Cabinet meeting. He also apprised them of the government’s principal goals for the next three years. At the first Cabinet meeting of the year 2026, the Chief Secretary, Shri Anurag Jain, welcomed the Chief Minister by presenting a bouquet.

Greetings for Calendar Year 2026

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav extended greetings and best wishes to all ministers on the beginning of the calendar year 2026. He said that public welfare initiatives are being implemented in accordance with the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Madhya Pradesh will be an active partner in the nation’s progress, and no effort will be spared in the systematic implementation of schemes and projects in the interest of citizens. He also congratulated the Council of Ministers on the successful completion of two years of the state government.

Madhya Pradesh Leads Mining Sector

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav informed Cabinet members that in 2025, Madhya Pradesh emerged as the national leader by auctioning 32 mineral blocks—the highest in the country. Of the 141 mineral blocks auctioned nationwide in 2025, 32 were in Madhya Pradesh, reflecting the state’s transparent policies, swift decision-making and investor-friendly environment. Amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2025 and related rules have accelerated mineral exploration, auctions, investment, and local development. Auctions of key minerals such as limestone, stone, iron ore, and bauxite have strengthened the cement, steel, and allied industries.

Abhyuday Madhya Pradesh Growth Summit

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the ‘Abhyuday Madhya Pradesh Growth Summit’ in Gwalior on 25 December, on the occasion of the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Projects worth over ₹2 lakh crore underwent foundation-laying during the summit, while projects worth ₹5,810 crore were inaugurated. Investment incentives amounting to ₹725 crore were also provided to 860 large industrial units. A special exhibition themed “Investment to Employment – Atal Resolve” showcased Madhya Pradesh’s industrial progress and economic development, along with historic milestones and Shri Vajpayee’s life, speeches, and ideology.

Year 2026 to Be Observed as Agriculture Year

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav announced that 2026 will be observed as the Agriculture Year, following 2025, which was marked as the Industry and Employment Year. A special calendar covering farmer welfare, horticulture, food processing, cooperation, animal husbandry, dairy development, panchayat and rural development, revenue, energy, and renewable energy will be released at a state-level programme on 11 January, coinciding with a rally of 1,100 tractors. Department-wise activities will be scheduled from January to December, with programmes at district and divisional levels, aligned to targets set for the next three years.

International Ramayana Conference in Jabalpur

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that Jabalpur witnessed a historic occasion on January 2, marked by the inauguration of ‘Gita Bhavan’ and the hosting of an International Ramayana Sammelan, during which around 125 scholars from India and abroad delivered lectures. ‘Padma Bhushan’ Swami Rambhadracharya and several saints and scholars participated, with wide public engagement in the ‘Sundarkand’ recitations.

Medical Colleges on PPP Model

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav noted that Union Health Minister Shri J. P. Nadda performed Bhoomi Poojan on 23 December for medical colleges in Dhar and Betul under the PPP model—the first such medical colleges in the country. Preparations are underway for the Bhoomi Poojan of medical colleges in Katni and Panna on January 23. Over the past two years, six government medical colleges have been started, increasing the total number in the state from five (in 2002–03) to 33.

National PESA Conference and Promotion of Madhya Pradesh Cuisine

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that a National PESA Conference was recently held in Visakhapatnam on National PESA Day. Representatives from nine districts of Madhya Pradesh—Alirajpur, Jhabua, Dhar, Betul, Chhindwara, Balaghat, Anuppur, Umaria and Dindori, participated, including 20 women sarpanch representatives and a total of 152 members from tribal regions. Traditional cuisines from tribal areas were showcased, with dishes made from millets such as jowar, bajra, kodo, kutki, and ragi receiving wide appreciation. Participants from various states also enjoyed delicacies prepared with sesame, jaggery and mahua from Madhya Pradesh.