The Madhya Pradesh government has approved a series of proposals with a combined value of INR 47,990 crore, covering healthcare, road infrastructure, agricultural research and initiatives aimed at recognising women's contribution to society. The decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. 
A major portion of the approved allocation is directed towards the state's healthcare system. The Cabinet cleared proposals worth INR 28,083.47 crore under the National Health Mission and INR 12,123.81 crore for the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. 
The government has also sanctioned a total of INR 44,515.13 crore for the continued implementation of the National Health Mission, Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Ayushman Bharat for non-SECC beneficiaries, the Multipurpose Disease Control Programme, and measures related to the security and sanitation of health institutions. 
The Cabinet approved a provision of INR 1,757.55 crore for developing a 44.830-km four-lane road with paved shoulders between Bhopal and Vidisha. The project will be implemented according to the model concession agreement of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). 
The Bhopal-Vidisha road is being planned as part of efforts to improve connectivity around Bhopal and support the city's development as a metropolitan centre. The government expects the improved road link to support industrial investment and infrastructure development along the route. 
Under the HAM arrangement, 40 per cent of the total construction cost, including GST, will be borne by the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation through the State Highway Fund. The remaining 60 per cent will be paid by the state government through six-monthly annuity payments over a 15-year operation period. The state budget will also cover INR 364.41 crore towards pre-construction activities, including land acquisition and other related works, as well as supervision charges. 
The Bhopal-Vidisha route, identified as State Highway-28, starts at the Bhanpur T-junction on the Ayodhya Bypass and ends at the Sanchi-Salamatpur junction on National Highway 146. It connects Bhopal and Vidisha districts and passes through Bhanpur, Choprakala, Sukhi Sewania, Dob, Balampur, Dewanganj and Salamatpur. 
The road also has geographical and tourism importance. Sanchi Stupa in Raisen district, located along the wider route, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination. The Tropic of Cancer crosses the Bhopal-Vidisha road at kilometre 24.550, adding to the geographical significance of the corridor. 
The Cabinet also approved 20 hectares of land on permanent lease in Bhaukhedi village of Sehore district for the National Soybean Research Institute, an institution under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. 
The land will be used exclusively for establishing a Krishi Vigyan Kendra. The centre is expected to support soybean cultivation by providing farmers with access to agricultural research, technical guidance and improved farming practices. 
Madhya Pradesh is one of India's key soybean-producing states, making agricultural research and extension services an important part of improving productivity and supporting farmers. 
The Cabinet also approved changes to two state-level awards recognising women's contribution and courage. The annual Rani Durgavati Award, given to a woman who has provided social service under difficult circumstances, will now carry prize money of INR 2 lakh. 
The prize amount for the Rani Avanti Bai State-level Bravery Award has also been increased from INR 1 lakh to INR 2 lakh. The award has been presented since 2006 and recognises acts of bravery by women. 
The decisions bring together spending on major public services with investments in road connectivity, agricultural research and social recognition. The road proposal, in particular, is expected to have a direct bearing on connectivity between Bhopal and Vidisha and the areas located along the corridor. 
Sources PTI