Madhya Pradesh Committed to Empowering Women Socially and Economically: CM Mohan Yadav

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening the social and economic position of women across Madhya Pradesh, calling women the driving force behind both family values and state progress.

Speaking at the ‘Sashakt Aur Samarth Nari Samwad’, an interactive programme with educated women, members associated with the State Rural Livelihood Mission (Ajeevika Mission), and participants of the ‘Drone Didi’ initiative, the Chief Minister outlined a series of policy measures aimed at long-term empowerment and financial independence for women.

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Reservations and Representation

Yadav pointed out that structural reforms at both the national and state levels have expanded women’s participation in governance. He noted that the central government has enacted a law granting 33 per cent reservation for women in Parliament, while Madhya Pradesh has gone further by reserving 35 per cent of posts for women in urban local bodies and government services.

He also credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for creating new opportunities for women, including their growing presence in senior roles within the Indian armed forces, which he described as a symbol of changing societal attitudes.

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Economic Empowerment and Property Ownership

Highlighting state initiatives, the Chief Minister said women entrepreneurs setting up industries are provided subsidies and institutional support. To promote asset ownership, the state government has also introduced an additional two per cent rebate on property registration for women, a move aimed at improving their financial security and decision-making power.

“These steps are meant to ensure that our sisters are not only socially respected but also economically confident,” he said, adding that similar dialogues with women’s groups would continue in the coming months.

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Personal Reflections and Cultural Values

In a personal note, Yadav said the women who visited his residence were not merely guests but his “sisters.” He credited his political journey to the encouragement and guidance of his elder sister, Kalavati Yadav, and the values instilled by his mother.

He emphasised that in Indian tradition, particularly Sanatan culture, the mother holds the position of the first teacher, and the nation itself is often seen through the lens of maternal reverence. He added that within his own family, daughters-in-law are treated with the same respect and affection as daughters.

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Healthcare, Education, and Development Initiatives

Beyond women-centric programmes, the Chief Minister outlined broader development efforts underway in the state. He said Madhya Pradesh is simultaneously pursuing industrial growth and expanding healthcare infrastructure.

One of the key initiatives includes leasing 25 acres of land for medical colleges and hospitals under the public–private partnership (PPP) model, which he described as a pioneering effort at the national level. He also highlighted the steady rise in the number of medical colleges and noted that the state government bears the ₹70–80 lakh MBBS education cost for economically weaker yet meritorious students.

Yadav also referred to innovative steps such as honouring body and organ donors with a ceremonial guard of honour, which officials say has led to increased awareness and positive public response.

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Expanding Opportunities Beyond Conventional Fields

The Chief Minister said the government is not limiting growth to allopathic medicine alone. Education and employment opportunities in Ayurveda, paramedical sciences, and allied health sectors have also been expanded to meet rising demand and create jobs.

While discussing startups and innovation, Yadav encouraged women to take advantage of emerging entrepreneurial opportunities, assuring them of policy support and institutional backing.

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Broader Significance

The event underscored the state government’s broader strategy of linking women’s empowerment with economic development, healthcare expansion, and cultural values. Officials said such engagements are intended to shape future policy by incorporating direct feedback from women beneficiaries and professionals across sectors.

The programme concluded with an assurance from the Chief Minister that women-centric governance would remain a central pillar of Madhya Pradesh’s development agenda.