Cabinet approves Nauradehi as the third home for MP’s cheetahs

Bhopal: Convening a cabinet meeting at the state secretariat on Tuesday, Chief minister Mohan Yadav said the Rani Durgavati Sanctuary in Nauradehi would be developed as the third habitat in the state for the cheetahs. The significant announcement came just a day after Namibian female cheetah Jwala gave birth to five cubs, taking the count of the feline species at the state's Kuno National Park past 50."Cheetahs will soon be released there," the CM told the council of ministers at the meeting, adding that they were adapting well to life at Kuno and flourishing under proper care."With the recent arrival of five new cubs, the cheetah family has become even more prosperous," the chief minister said, adding that the govt will release a few of them to Nauradehi in two months, adding that the new protected facility will emerge as the third home for the cheetahs after Kuno and the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.In another significant leap in the state's wildlife conservation efforts, the CM said crocodiles, the endangered Indian gharial and turtles will be released in various water bodies, adding to the rich biodiversity of Madhya Pradesh. Rs 33,240 cr for schemesIn a major decision on Tuesday, the council of ministers approved Rs 33,240 crore to ensure the continuation of important schemes of seven departments for the next five years from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2031. Hand-holding young internsIn another major decision, the cabinet approved Rs 190 crore for the implementation of the ‘Chief Minister's Young Interns for Good Governance Programme' for a period of three years. The Department of Public Service Management has been authorised to undertake further action, determine procedures, and issue the necessary rules and guidelines for implementation. Tax break for the disabledThe Cabinet approved the continuation of professional tax exemption for persons with disabilities under the Madhya Pradesh Vritti Kar Act, 1995, until 31 March 2030. One District–One Product The Cabinet also approved Rs 37.50 crore over the next five years to provide financial assistance for the preservation, development, and marketing of traditional and unique products under the ‘One District–One Product' initiative in seven selected districts. Nod to seven Posts in Singrauli The Cabinet gave its nod to the creation of seven new posts, including one post of junior division civil Judge, for the establishment of a civil court in Chitrangi, Singrauli district. Three new ESIC dispensaries The Council of ministers also approved the opening of three new Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) dispensaries in Maihar, Kaimor (Katni district), and Nimrani (Khargone district), along with the creation of 51 posts for doctors and paramedical staff. Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme Cabinet also decided that under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) of the Union govt, the SGST, payable on the central share received for strengthening distribution infrastructure, will be provided by the state govt to the state's power distribution companies as equity capital instead of a grant.