CM unveils temple mgmt courses, 13 spiritual corridors

Indore: CM Mohan Yadav on Sunday spelt out an ambitious blueprint to blend the state's religious heritage with modern industry, promising jobs through temple tourism, manufacturing and technology-led farming.Addressing a series of events in Indore and Mhow, Yadav said the state would build on the success of Mahakal Lok in Ujjain by developing 13 new "Loks" or spiritual corridors across the state. These include Omkareshwar, Raja Ram Lok (Orchha), Salkanpur, and Pashupatinath Lok (Mandsaur). Religious sites, he said, were no longer only centres of worship but economic anchors capable of generating sustained local employment. "This apart, the govt decided to launch academic courses in Temple Management through state universities, including Vikram University. These courses—ranging from diplomas to postgraduate degrees—will cover financial management, administration, security, and ritual arts," Yadav said. He noted that the decision to replace fibre statues with stone and metal ones (such as at Mahakal Lok) is specifically aimed at providing sustainable employment to local sculptors and craftsmen.During a public gathering at Mhowgaon, Yadav inaugurated several development projects and made significant announcements for the local population. Mhowgaon Nagar Parishad is to be upgraded to Nagar Palika (municipal council). This status change will unlock larger administrative funds and improve infrastructure, including roads, water supply, and sanitation.The CM announced the establishment of a 100-bed hospital in Mhowgaon, addressing a long-standing demand for better medical facilities in the Indore-Mhow region. He also unveiled a statue of social reformer Nanaji Deshmukh on the banks of the Kakarpura pond.Yadav, while speaking at the "Kisan Kalyan Ki Baat Yuvaon Ke Saath" programme in Indore, emphasised that the integration of youth energy with agricultural technology will propel Madhya Pradesh to the forefront of the nation's agri-export and food processing sectors. The CM also interacted with young farmers and entrepreneurs to discuss the future of farming in the state. At the Global Kabuli Chickpea Conclave, the CM announced that food processing units will be granted "Industry Status" to accelerate investment. Aiming to make Madhya Pradesh a global leader in agri-processing, he unveiled a five-year roadmap offering subsidies on electricity, water, and labour to empower farmers and entrepreneurs alike.CM pitches Pithampur as growth model At the Pithampur Industrial Conclave marking 40 years of industrial growth, CM Mohan Yadav said the state is aligning itself with country's expanding global trade footprint through new trade agreements and partnerships. "India is steadily progressing and establishing its presence on the global stage. We are moving towards a golden era of trade and commerce," he told industry leaders. Highlighting Pithampur's strategic advantage, the CM said the region's favourable climate and geographic location make it highly suitable for industries. Improved connectivity through the 8-lane expressway significantly reduced travel time to Delhi and Mumbai, strengthening logistics and supply chains. He added that the state is further investing in transport and infrastructure to expand industrial scope beyond Pithampur and set new benchmarks across MP.