State PCS - Madhya Pradesh (MP PCS)

• 25 Oct 2025

Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Approves Key Projects

Why in News? 

The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, has approved several major policy decisions, including the continuation of the zero-interest crop loan scheme, expansion of district hospitals, launch of new expressways, and the implementation of a Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Assessment Plan for 2025–30. 

 Key Points 

• Zero-Interest Crop Loan Scheme:  
  • The Cabinet has approved the continuation of the short-term crop loan scheme at 0% interest through Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative Societies (PACS) for FY 2025–26. 
    • The scheme, operational since 2012–13, aims to support farmers by reducing debt burden and enhancing agricultural productivity. 
  • Farmers availing loans up to ₹3 lakh and repaying by the due date will not be charged any interest. 
• Road Infrastructure: 
  • In a significant infrastructure push, Madhya Pradesh is set to develop 3,368 km of expressways worth ₹36,483 crore over the next four years (2024–28). 
  • The expressways aim to link urban centres with remote regions, boost trade, logistics, and industrial development, and provide seamless connectivity across the state. 
  • The projects, commissioned by the Public Works Department (PWD), are expected to be completed between December 2027 and December 2028. 
  • Proposed expressways: 
    • Narmada Pragati Path 
    • Vindhya Expressway 
    • Malwa–Nimar Vikas Path 
    • Atal Pragati Path 
    • Bundelkhand Vikas Path 
    • Madhya Bharat Vikas Path 
• SDG Assessment Plan 2025–30: 
  • The Cabinet approved the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Assessment Plan to implement, monitor, and evaluate the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the state, district, and block levels. 
  • To facilitate implementation, 543 regular, 4 contractual, and 263 additional posts have been approved with an annual expenditure of ₹39.50 crore. 
  • A dashboard-based ranking system will assess the performance of all districts on SDG indicators. 
  • Incentives: 
    • 1st Rank District: ₹1 crore annual grant 
    • 2nd Rank District: ₹75 lakh annual grant 
• Expansion of District Hospitals: 
  • The Cabinet approved the upgradation of 800 beds and creation of 810 new posts across five district hospitals — Tikamgarh, Neemuch, Singrauli, Sheopur, and Dindori. 
  • The decision aims to strengthen healthcare delivery and enhance access to quality medical services in semi-urban and rural areas. 
• Strengthening of Judiciary: 
  • The Cabinet approved the creation of seven new posts for Tehsil Malthone (Sagar district), including one civil judge and six supporting staff under the High Court Registrar. 
  • The move aims to enhance judicial efficiency and reduce case pendency at the grassroots level.  

International Snow Leopard Day and ‘#23for23’ Initiative

Why in News? 

India celebrated International Snow Leopard Day on 23rd October 2025 with a unique nationwide campaign titled ‘#23for23’, which encouraged people to dedicate 23 minutes to physical activity in order to raise awareness about the conservation of snow leopards and their fragile high-altitude habitats. 

Key Points 

• About the Initiative: The campaign ‘#23for23’ was launched to symbolize 23 minutes of active participation for the year 2023, promoting awareness and public engagement in wildlife conservation. 
  • It was organized under the aegis of the Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP) in collaboration with the Snow Leopard Trust Worldwide. 
• India’s Conservation Achievements:  
  • The first-ever Snow Leopard Census conducted across the Indian Himalayas recorded 718 individual snow leopards, out of which 477 are in Ladakh. 
  • India has identified snow leopard as a flagship species for the high-altitude Himalayas.  
• International Snow Leopard Day: It came into being in 2013, following the adoption of the Bishkek Declaration in Kyrgyzstan where 12 countries that host snow leopard populations agreed to collaborate in their conservation efforts. 
• Countries Hosting Snow Leopards: Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. 

 

Facts About Snow Leopards (Panthera uncia) 

• About: Medium-sized cats known for their elusive nature and ability to thrive in harsh, high-altitude environments. 
• Habitat: Native to mountains of Central and South Asia, typically found at elevations between 9,800 and 17,000 feet. 
  • Population estimates range between 3,500 and 7,000 individuals in the wild. 
• Feature: Possess thick, greyish-white fur that provides camouflage against snow and rocks. 
• Ecological Importance: Serve as top predators and Indicator species, as their presence reflects the health of their high-altitude ecosystems. 
  • Their kills provide food for scavengers like vultures and wolves, supporting other species.