MP Budget Session Begins on Promising Note

Bhopal

The Madhya Pradesh Assembly’s budget session began on a promising note on Monday, with Governor Mangubhai Patel highlighting the government’s achievements and outlining big plans for the state. From massive investment proposals to welfare schemes, the focus was on development and growth.

He announced that investment proposals worth Rs 30 lakh crore had come in, showing strong interest from businesses across India and abroad. Farmers were also in focus, with the government promising power connections at just Rs 5 and a plan to set up 30 lakh solar irrigation pumps in the next three years.

Water management got a lot of attention, with the Governor highlighting river-linking projects like the Ken-Betwa scheme, which aims to boost irrigation and drinking water supply in Bundelkhand. Similar projects for Malwa, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra are also in the pipeline.

Farmers can expect more support, with Rs 6,000 a year being transferred directly to 80 lakh of them under the Mukhyamantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana. The government is also offering attractive prices for wheat, paddy, soybean, and millet, while planning to double irrigation coverage to 100 lakh hectares by 2028-29.

Education and healthcare weren’t left out. The state has given Rs 224 crore to top-performing students, with thousands receiving free laptops and scooties. Plans for 12 new medical colleges under a public-private model were also announced, aiming to improve healthcare access.

But the session didn’t start smoothly. Congress MLAs stormed in with black masks and placards, protesting against what they called a deliberately short session. They accused the ruling BJP of avoiding serious discussions on public issues.

Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar demanded the session be extended to 21 days instead of just nine, saying crucial topics like corruption, farmer issues, and public welfare needed more time. He even submitted a formal request to the Governor.