In a move to support farmers and infrastructure, the Madhya Pradesh Council of Ministers, led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, has sanctioned key decisions. One significant change is the reduction of mandi fees on cotton from 1% to 0.5%, aiming to benefit local ginning mills and cotton growers by providing relief and boosting employment opportunities.
Additionally, the general mandi fee has been raised from Rs 1.00 to Rs 1.50 per unit, generating around Rs 500 crore in extra revenue. This surplus will be directed towards the ‘Farmer Road Fund’ and agricultural research, further aiding the farming community.
The Cabinet has also greenlit a substantial Rs 13,800 crore package for infrastructure development, technical innovation, and various farmer welfare schemes. Moreover, approvals were granted for the Bhopal Metro Rail Project, with a revised cost of Rs 10,033.62 crore, including additional funding and a government guarantee of Rs 8,600 crore for crop procurement by state agencies.
An allocation of Rs 235.63 crore has been earmarked for IT consultancy services and the State IT Action Plan, focusing on enhancing digital capabilities and promoting emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity. These decisions are aimed at bolstering the state’s economy, upgrading urban transport, and advancing digital initiatives.
