Bhopal, July 1: In a major push for education, infrastructure, and rural development, the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday approved a series of landmark initiatives, including the establishment of a Defence University campus in Bhopal.
The Cabinet cleared the proposal to set up a campus of Rashtriya Raksha Vishwavidyalaya (RRU) — a national security and policing university based in Gujarat. The campus will be developed on 10 acres of land within the premises of Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV). Until the permanent infrastructure is ready, RRU will operate from existing RGPV facilities. The state government has committed an annual grant of ₹1.05 crore for three years to support the university’s establishment.
Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla said the university would enhance skill development and employment opportunities in national security for Madhya Pradesh’s youth while elevating the state’s position in higher education.
In another major decision, the Cabinet sanctioned ₹4,572 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) for the repair and reconstruction of 1,766 damaged rural bridges to improve transportation and regional connectivity.
The government also launched the Vrindavan Gram Yojana, which aims to transform one village in each of the state’s 230 assembly constituencies into model villages. These villages will meet 27 development standards, covering infrastructure, basic amenities, and community services.
Further, the Cabinet approved the “Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam” initiative, under which 30,000 women from self-help groups will plant 30 lakh fruit-bearing trees across 30,000 acres. Backed by a ₹900 crore investment, the project promotes women-led horticulture, with support for saplings, irrigation, fencing, and training.
This massive plantation drive aligns with the state’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign and will run from July 1 to September 15.
