Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav on Tuesday announced significant steps to strengthen the Panchayati Raj system, empowering sarpanchs to undertake development works worth up to ₹25 lakh.
He also declared that each panchayat representative will receive ₹50,000 for village development activities. The Chief Minister made these announcements while addressing the Sarpanch United Front Conference at Jamboree Ground in Bhopal, where he was given a grand welcome by panchayat representatives from across the state.
‘Sarpanchs Are the Backbone of Rural Development’
Dr. Yadav emphasized that under the three-tier Panchayati Raj system, sarpanchs play a vital role in implementing all welfare schemes and development works at the grassroots level.
“Sarpanchs have been given adequate powers to transform their villages. The caravan of rural development is moving forward with their support,” he said.
He added that panchayats will now have systems for planning and implementing their own projects, and will be empowered to prepare village development plans.
Conference of Panchayat Representatives from November 24–26
The Chief Minister announced that a state-level conference of panchayat representatives will be held in Bhopal from November 24 to 26 to further discuss strategies for local development. Representatives from various panchayat associations also submitted memorandums to the Chief Minister during the event.
‘Nation Has Faith in Leadership of PM Modi and HM Shah’
Expressing sorrow over the recent car explosion in Delhi, Dr. Yadav led the gathering in observing a two-minute silence in memory of the victims.
He reiterated that the nation has complete faith in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, adding that the Government of India is determined to completely eradicate terrorism and Naxalism from the country.
Panchayats to Get Offices and Community Buildings
Highlighting the state government’s efforts to strengthen local governance, Dr. Yadav said that panchayat offices and community halls would be constructed across villages.
He informed that approvals have been issued for the construction of:
- 2,472 Atal Panchayat Bhawans
- 1,037 Community Halls
- 106 Janpad Panchayat Bhawans
- 5 District Panchayat Bhawans
He further directed that village cremation grounds (Shanti Dham) be freed from encroachment by December 2026, with proper access roads, fencing, and plantation to be developed.
Focus on Agriculture-Based Industries and Skill Development
Chief Minister Yadav announced that the year 2026 will be celebrated as the “Year of Agriculture-Based Industries”, emphasizing the promotion of employment-oriented and agro-based industries across rural Madhya Pradesh.
He said that food processing units for vegetables and crops are being set up to increase farmers’ income, while youth are being trained in horticulture and food processing to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their produce.
“Our goal is to make panchayats self-reliant and villages prosperous through agriculture, industry, and employment generation,” he stated.
Developing Shri Ram Van Gaman Path and Pilgrimage Sites
Dr. Yadav urged panchayat representatives to collect and document places associated with Lord Shri Ram to support the ongoing development of the Shri Ram Van Gaman Path.
He also announced plans to develop sites linked to Lord Shri Krishna as pilgrimage centers. The Chief Minister called upon sarpanchs to focus on education, health, employment, industry, cow rearing, and animal husbandry, aiming to make Madhya Pradesh a leading state in milk production.
‘Preserve River Origins’: Minister Prahlad Patel
Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Patel thanked the Chief Minister for empowering sarpanchs to take up works worth ₹25 lakh. He said that Madhya Pradesh’s panchayats have the potential to become the most efficient and transparent system in the country.
Patel also urged sarpanchs to include the maintenance and protection of river origins in their development plans. He announced that panchayats with populations over 5,000 would be sanctioned two community halls each.
