Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav Announces Enhanced Powers and Funds for Panchayats
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced that sarpanches in Madhya Pradesh will have the authority to undertake development works worth up to Rs 25 lakh. Addressing the Sarpanch United Front Conference at Jamboree Maidan, Dr. Yadav stated that the three-tier Panchayati Raj system empowers village leaders to drive rural progress effectively. He emphasized that panchayats are the foundation of welfare and development schemes across villages.
The Chief Minister also announced the transfer of Rs 50,000 each to panchayat representatives to support local development initiatives. He stated that similar to urban bodies, panchayats will now be able to plan and execute their own development schemes. A state-level Panchayat Representatives’ Conference will be held in Bhopal from November 24 to 26, he added.
During the event, Dr. Yadav paid homage to those who lost their lives in the Delhi car explosion, observing a two-minute silence. He expressed confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, emphasizing the ongoing national efforts to eliminate terrorism and extremism.
Government to Construct Panchayat and Community Buildings Across the State
Dr. Yadav announced that the state government has approved the construction of 2,472 Atal Panchayat Bhawans, 1,037 community halls, 106 Janpad Panchayat offices, and five district panchayat buildings. To ensure better upkeep of peace memorials (Shanti Dhams), all such sites will be freed from encroachments and improved with access roads, fencing, and plantation by December 2026.
He added that the government aims to build self-reliant panchayats and a prosperous Madhya Pradesh through a strong Panchayati Raj framework. Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Patel expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for empowering sarpanches with the Rs 25 lakh execution authority. Patel urged panchayats located near river sources to include conservation measures in their work plans and announced that villages with populations above 5,000 will receive two community buildings each.
Focus on Agricultural and Employment-Based Industries by 2026
The Chief Minister declared the year 2026 as the “Year of Agriculture-Based Industries” to promote agro and food-processing units. He said efforts are underway to establish employment-oriented and cottage industries through panchayats. Youths are being trained in horticulture and food processing to expand opportunities and enhance farmers’ income. The state is also encouraging dairy development and animal husbandry to make Madhya Pradesh a leading state in milk production.
Integration of Panchayats in Cultural Heritage Development
Dr. Yadav stated that panchayat representatives will be involved in developing the Shri Ram Van Gaman Path by identifying and preserving locations linked with Lord Ram. Similarly, places associated with Lord Krishna will be developed as pilgrimage sites. Panchayats have been encouraged to prioritize education, healthcare, employment, and industrial development in villages while maintaining traditional duties.
Chief Minister Reviews Law and Order Situation from the Situation Room
Following the Delhi explosion, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav reviewed the law and order situation in the state through the Situation Room at the Secretariat. He held a virtual meeting with district collectors and directed them to maintain high vigilance at public places, crowded zones, religious sites, and other sensitive areas. He instructed that surveillance of suspicious activities be intensified while ensuring that normal public life remains unaffected.
Director General of Police Kailash Makwana briefed the Chief Minister on the security measures taken in response to the Delhi incident. Chief Secretary Anurag Jain, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Shiv Shekhar Shukla, and senior officers were also present during the review meeting.
Chief Minister Pays Tribute to Former CM Sunderlal Patwa
Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav paid floral tribute to former Chief Minister Late Sunderlal Patwa on his birth anniversary at the Assembly premises. He remembered Patwa as a leader who devoted his life to public service, organization building, and upholding high moral standards. Dr. Yadav highlighted Patwa’s administrative acumen as Chief Minister and Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, recalling that his contribution to the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana greatly benefited rural India.
Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar, Higher Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar, senior legislator and BJP State President Hemant Khandelwal, MLA Bhagwandas Sabnani, and other public representatives and staff attended the tribute program. Dr. Yadav commended Speaker Tomar for initiating the practice of honoring former Chief Ministers and Assembly Speakers on their anniversaries.