Holistic approach: MP to develop a village in every constituency as ‘Vrindavan Gram’

Bhopal: In a significant stride toward sustainable rural development, the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, on Tuesday approved the Mukhyamantri Vrindavan Gram Yojana.

Addressing the press briefing on the Cabinet decisions, Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla said that the initiative aims to transform one village per Assembly constituency—with at least 2,000 residents and 500 bovines—into a model “Vrindavan Gram,” combining tradition with modern amenities.

“The scheme prioritises cow conservation, organic farming, dairy development, solar energy, water and environmental conservation, and rural entrepreneurship”, Deputy CM Shukla said.

Facilities to be constructed include gaushalas, anganwadis, health centres, panchayat buildings, schools, solar streetlights, veterinary hospitals, piped water systems, biogas plants, and e‑panchayat services, he added.

Special attention will also be devoted to milk collection centres, fruit orchards, nutrition gardens, handicrafts, greywater and sludge management, rural tourism, climate-resilient housing, and digitisation of land records, the Deputy CM said.

Budget allocations include Rs 100 crore from the state budget and corporate CSR funds, managed under the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, with district-level committees overseeing implementation.

Beyond this, the Cabinet approved a Rs 4,572 crore plan to rebuild 1,766 rural bridges over the next five years, ensuring all-weather connectivity. The Ministers of Council also gave in-principle approval to establish a National Defence University on RGPV campus in Bhopal on a ten-acre parcel, with Rs 1.05 crore per annum in grants for three years.

To strengthen law enforcement infrastructure, 1,266 new posts have been sanctioned, including 202 scientific officers to support forensic operations, making MP the first state to fully integrate forensic experts in cases involving sentences of seven years or more, Shukla further added.

The Cabinet also approved Rs 31 crore for mess services in 108 hostels under the Backwards Class Welfare Department, along with 48 posts to support Tribal and SC coordination in Mauganj, Maihar, and Pandhurna districts.