BHOPAL: A ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Pakhwada’ (fortnight) dedicated to women’s empowerment has been launched in Madhya Pradesh ahead of the three-day special Parliament session starting April 16, which will focus on the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav said large-scale conferences and ‘Nari Shakti’ marches will be held across the state from April 10 to April 25. Colleges will also organise events to promote women’s empowerment during the period.
The state cabinet welcomed the Centre’s decision to convene the special Parliament session from April 16–18 to introduce and pass a Constitutional Amendment Bill to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Minister of State Narendra Shivaji Patel said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that conferences, padayatras and college-level programmes are being organised statewide to spread awareness.
The cabinet approved Rs 240.42 crore for schemes under the Women and Child Development Department, including Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, One-Stop Centres and the Women Helpline-181. It also cleared the establishment of eight new One-Stop Centres across the state.
State cabinet clears Rs 19,810 crore for public welfare and development works
The cabinet approved Rs 19,810 crore for public welfare and development works across departments such as public works, irrigation, agriculture and healthcare.
This includes Rs 286.26 crore for the Midwasa Medium Irrigation Project in Sagar district, which will benefit 7,200 hectares of land across 27 villages.
The Public Works Department received approval for Rs 10,801 crore for various development projects, including BOT roads, annuity payments and externally aided initiatives.
Under the Panchayat and Rural Development Department, Rs 3,553.35 crore was approved for schemes such as PM Poshan Shakti and Mid-Day Meal for the 2026–2031 period.
The cabinet also cleared Rs 2,250 crore for the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation to boost farm productivity and employment, and Rs 1,674 crore to continue the establishment of new medical colleges.
Additionally, around Rs 1,005 crore was approved to continue health services under the Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Department until March 31, 2031.