The Council of Ministers, chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, has given a green signal to a series of progressive and welfare oriented decisions aimed at improving infrastructure, empowering tribal communities, and strengthening administrative processes.
Among the most significant approvals is the sanction of Rupees 78.94 crore for the electrification of homes belonging to the Bharia, Baiga, and Sahariya communities under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Adhivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN). The second phase of this plan will bring electricity to 18,338 un electrified homes across 24 districts. The funding will follow a 60:40 ratio between the Centre and the state, with the Centre contributing Rupees 47.36 crore and the state Rupees 31.58 crore as equity support to power distribution companies.
In a move that strengthens inclusivity, the ceiling for electrification costs under PM JANMAN has been increased from Rupees 1 lakh to Rupees 2 lakh per household. Where grid connectivity proves unfeasible, off grid one kilowatt solar panels with battery systems will provide sustainable power to families. Around 211 homes are expected to benefit from this solar powered setup, ensuring comprehensive coverage for even the remotest clusters.
The cabinet also addressed the economic concerns of farmers affected by transmission line projects. For 132 KV and higher transmission lines, the government has approved an increase in compensation for tower installation from 85 percent to 200 percent of land value. Additionally, the right of way compensation has been doubled from 15 to 30 percent, while the compensatory land area under tower infrastructure has been widened by one meter on all sides. Farmers retain complete ownership of their land and may continue farming under the lines. Corridor widths under higher voltage lines such as 220 KV and 400 KV lines have been expanded appropriately to ensure safety and fair restitution.
Beyond infrastructure, key administrative reforms were also sanctioned. Under amendments to the Bhopal Government Housing Allotment Rules, 2000, state employees transferred outside Bhopal will now be allowed to retain government housing for up to six months at normal rent (up from three months). Retired officials, too, may retain their housing for six months, at normal rent for the first three months and at ten times the normal rent for the following three. Further unauthorized possession will invite penal rent at thirty times the rate with an additional 10 percent monthly escalation.
Furthermore, the cabinet created seven new posts, including one Junior Division Judge position and associated support staff, at Buxwaha in Chhatarpur district, at an annual cost of Rupees 52.46 lakh, strengthening the local judicial system’s outreach and efficiency.
Taken together, these decisions reflect the Madhya Pradesh government’s effort to balance social justice, infrastructural growth, and administrative accountability. From ensuring power in the most isolated tribal villages to guaranteeing fairness for farmers and transparency within governance, the meeting underscored the state’s evolving vision, one that weds compassion with precision and welfare with reform.
