Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has said that ₹12 lakh crore worth of investment has materialised in the state, highlighting developments in industry, employment, agriculture, dairy production, tourism and heritage conservation as the state marked its 71st Foundation Day.
Addressing the three-day state-level Foundation Day celebrations, Yadav said the state would continue to expand its achievements across these sectors. He also highlighted the outcomes of the Industry Year 2025 and the ongoing Farmer Welfare Year 2026.
The Chief Minister inaugurated the celebrations by lighting the ceremonial lamp. He also opened and visited exhibitions showcasing modern agriculture, development initiatives, women’s entrepreneurship and traditional regional cuisine.
₹490 Crore Subsidy for Micro, Small and Medium Industries
Yadav said the Industry Year in 2025 had focused on generating employment opportunities for young people, while the Farmer Welfare Year in 2026 was aimed at advancing the agricultural sector.
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He announced that micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) had been provided subsidies amounting to ₹490 crore on the day of the event.
The Chief Minister also said that investment worth ₹12 lakh crore had materialised in Madhya Pradesh and that the process of attracting further investment was continuing.
Highlighting the state’s agricultural performance, he cited an agricultural growth rate of more than 24%. He also said the government had decided to provide four times the compensation when land is acquired from farmers for various projects.
Yadav further noted that irrigation facilities were being expanded and dairy production was receiving attention. He expressed the expectation that Madhya Pradesh would move from third place to first place nationally in milk production.
Bhopal to Host Army Day Activities on January 15
The Chief Minister announced that Bhopal would host Army Day activities on January 15, during the first month of the state’s Youth Year.
He said Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh would attend the programme. Yadav described the event as an opportunity to strengthen public engagement with the armed forces and national service.
He also referred to the celebrations beginning at Bhopal’s Shaurya Smarak and said the Army Day programme would be an important part of the year’s activities.
PM MITRA Park, Bina Refinery Expansion Among Key Projects
Yadav highlighted several major projects and initiatives supported by the Central Government, including:
- PM MITRA Park: The proposed textile park in Dhar district.
- Bina Refinery expansion: Expansion of the refinery project in Bina.
- Ken-Betwa river-linking project: An inter-state river-linking initiative.
- Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal project: Another inter-state river-linking project.
- Mohasa-Babai manufacturing zone: A renewable energy and power equipment manufacturing zone.
He said these projects, along with investments in other sectors, were contributing to the state’s development plans.
102 Students Receive ₹1 Lakh Each Under Scholarship Scheme
During the celebrations, the Chief Minister honoured 102 meritorious students under the Bhagwan Shri Krishna Medhavi Chhatra Protsahan Yojana.
Each selected student received ₹1 lakh along with a certificate of appreciation.
Winners of the Kisan Kalyan Swabhiman Parv Quiz were also felicitated. The quiz recognised 165 winners from across Madhya Pradesh. Prizes included tractors, Bullet motorcycles and electric scooters.
Among the Bhopal district winners, Sandeep Verma secured first place, Suhani Rajput second place and Sameer Gaur third place.
The Chief Minister also honoured Akshara Goswami of Government Women’s Polytechnic College and Pritam Mandalekar of Sardar Vallabhbhai Polytechnic among the student awardees.
Exhibitions Showcase Agriculture, Heritage and Women’s Entrepreneurship
The Foundation Day celebrations featured several exhibitions and public displays at Lal Parade Ground.
These included a modern agriculture exhibition showcasing improved seeds, organic inputs, agricultural machinery, smart irrigation technologies, agri-startups and innovations.
Other exhibitions included:
- Madhya Pradesh: From Heritage to Development
- Public Welfare and Development
- Raja Bhoj’s Bhopal
A special exhibition featuring 160 watercolour paintings on the theme of Raja Bhoj’s Bhopal was prepared by the Maharaja Vikramaditya Shodh Peeth.
The venue also hosted a state-level seminar on advanced agricultural techniques and organic farming. A farmers’ market and a women’s entrepreneurship pavilion displayed local products, handicrafts and goods made by women entrepreneurs.
A traditional food festival showcased regional cuisines from different parts of Madhya Pradesh.
Monali Thakur Performs at Foundation Day Celebrations
Playback singer Monali Thakur and her accompanying team from Mumbai performed during the cultural programme.
Her set included popular songs such as Sawaar Loon from Lootera, Moh Moh Ke Dhaage from Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Zara Zara Touch Me and Khwaab Dekhe from Race, Cham Cham from Baaghi and Badri Ki Dulhania.
The cultural programme opened with 71 children singing the national song Vande Mataram under the ‘Deshraag’ segment. A police band performed the national anthem, followed by fireworks.
Folk and Tribal Performances Scheduled for November 2
The second day of the three-day celebrations, November 2, will feature folk and tribal dance performances by artists from Madhya Pradesh and other states, beginning at 6:30 pm.
A musical presentation titled ‘Breathing Fiesta’, centred on musical instruments, is also scheduled.
The development exhibitions will remain open to the public from noon until 8 pm, allowing visitors to explore displays on agriculture, heritage, government initiatives, local cuisine and entrepreneurship.
