Bhopal: In a significant step towards promoting sustainable development and rural empowerment, the Madhya Pradesh government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Personality Development Center of the Art of Living Institution. The exchange of the MoU took place in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav.
Focus on Sustainable and Inclusive Development
The agreement was signed between the State Planning, Economic and Statistics Department and the Art of Living’s Personality Development Center. It aims to foster collaboration in several key areas including water conservation, sustainable agriculture, rural livelihoods, village development, women empowerment, environmental protection, de-addiction, health, social welfare, and quality education.
The initiative is expected to bolster the Madhya Pradesh government’s drive toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the long-term development roadmap outlined in Vision@2047. It will also enhance the effectiveness of the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model, support policy-making, enable comprehensive surveys, and strengthen evaluation of government schemes.
Senior Officials Present During Signing
The MoU exchange event was attended by Mr. Sanjay Shukla (1994-batch IAS officer), Additional Chief Secretary, Planning, Economic and Statistics; Mr. Rishi Garg (2013-batch IAS officer), Member, State NITI Aayog; and representatives of the Art of Living including Mr. Rohan Jain and Mr. Ajit Bhaskar.
Art of Living’s Role in Capacity Building
Founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the Art of Living institution, a Padma Vibhushan awardee organisation, has been actively involved in capacity building and social reform across India. It has developed customized programs for police personnel, scientists, armed forces, panchayati raj representatives, youth, teachers, and students.
The institution also works extensively in natural farming, skill development, afforestation, jail reforms, de-addiction, and border village development, in collaboration with both state and central government departments.
Integration with National Initiatives
Notably, Art of Living is a partner in the Government of India’s ‘Karmayogi Bharat’ mission under the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). This collaboration enhances the implementation of capacity development programs for government officials, reinforcing governance reform efforts.
The MoU marks a strategic alignment of civil society and government initiatives to create a holistic and inclusive development model for Madhya Pradesh.
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