A dynamic blend of youthful energy, cutting-edge technology, and rich cultural heritage marked the CM Youth Conclave 2026 held at the Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal on October 6. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav engaged in direct interactions with thousands of students, innovators, and young professionals from across Madhya Pradesh, laying out a comprehensive roadmap for the state's future. The gathering witnessed a series of landmark policy announcements aimed at revitalizing competitive examinations, higher education, medical infrastructure, and entrepreneurial ventures, alongside candid question-and-answer exchanges on pressing developmental challenges.
Major Reforms in Competitive Exams and Higher Education
Addressing the aspirations of government job aspirants, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that the Public Service Commission (PSC) examination will now be conducted twice a year, comprising the regular annual recruitment along with an additional special examination. To further assist candidates from economically diverse backgrounds, the state government will launch free coaching classes across all government degree colleges for competitive exam preparation.
In a major boost to academic research, the monthly stipend for research scholars in higher education institutions has been increased from Rs 16,000 to Rs 25,000 per month. Additionally, a dedicated research corpus of Rs 1 crore will be established from the university fund to support institutional research projects. Government colleges throughout the state will also be equipped with advanced artificial intelligence and advanced computing laboratories to empower students with modern technological competencies.
Expanding Medical, Skill, and Startup Infrastructure
To widen academic horizons and enhance local employment opportunities, the Chief Minister announced that 12 new medical colleges and 12 skill universities offering job-oriented vocational courses will be set up in the coming year. Approximately 100,000 young individuals will be enrolled in the skill upgradation initiative to align their training with modern industrial demands. To bridge the gap between education and employment, the state will appoint a dedicated professional placement agency to connect graduates directly with job opportunities.
Fostering the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the government has created an 'Idea Fund' of Rs 5 crore to provide seed assistance to promising startup concepts. Eligible youth launching startups will also continue to receive a government subsidy of Rs 5 lakh. For the upcoming Youth Year in 2027, a specialized digital portal will be launched where citizens can submit innovative policy ideas and suggestions directly to the government for implementation. Expanding community service programs, 500 new units of the National Service Scheme (NSS) will be formed across the state.
Welfare Measures for Female Students and Working Women
Strengthening initiatives for female empowerment, the Chief Minister declared that postgraduate female students will now be brought under the benefits of both the 'Gaon Ki Beti Yojana' and the 'Pratibha Kiran Yojana'. This expansion ensures sustained financial backing for meritorious young women pursuing higher degrees. Furthermore, to support working women pursuing careers in urban centers, dedicated working women's hostels will be constructed at every divisional headquarters across the state.
Direct Dialogue on Agriculture, Artificial Intelligence, and Innovation
During the interactive session, attendees raised several pointed questions regarding state policies. When Maisha Khan inquired about initiatives to engage younger generations in agriculture, the Chief Minister explained that the government is developing comprehensive value chains extending from farm fields to food processing units. He highlighted that progressive youth have introduced innovative crops like dragon fruit to the state. The administration procured 10.4 million metric tonnes of wheat from nearly 1.375 million farmers and is committed to delivering 10 hours of uninterrupted agricultural electricity during daytime hours, alongside promoting contract farming and boosting dairy yields.
Responding to a query by Isha Baraskar regarding government backing for AI and tech startups, the Chief Minister outlined that Bhopal is currently being developed into an AI City, Knowledge City, and Science City. Financial incentives are being extended across deep-tech sectors, including semiconductor manufacturing. To decentralized tech hubs, dedicated IT parks are being established in Indore, Rewa, and Ujjain, while a specialized telecom zone is taking shape in Gwalior.
Sports Development and Cultural Preservation
In response to Lakshya Shrivastava's question about transforming Madhya Pradesh into a national sporting hub, the Chief Minister shared that an international-standard mega sports complex is under construction in Bhopal. Sports has been integrated into formal academic curricula, structured promotion pathways have been established for sports coaches, and stadiums will be built in every legislative assembly constituency. Noting that state athletes won 5 gold medals at the Asian Games, with continued podium finishes in shooting and archery, he stated that sports will remain a top development priority through 2027.
When student Aparna asked how modern youth can preserve their cultural roots in an era dominated by digital media, the Chief Minister emphasized that Indian traditions are founded on reverence for nature, including sacred rivers, mountains, and trees, guided by the ethos of live and let live. He cited the exemplary bravery of pilot Smit Machhar, who risked his life to safely rescue 174 passengers. Highlighting cultural tourism, he noted that 130 million tourists visited Madhya Pradesh last year, and Mahakal temple prasadam in Ujjain is now distributed via automated ATM-like dispensing kiosks. Addressing Dr. Nisha Chatterjee's concerns regarding substance abuse, the Chief Minister reiterated the government's resolve to achieve a completely drug-free state by 2029 through rigorous enforcement drives.
Infrastructure Expansion and Vision for 2047
Replying to Aniket Tiwari's question on Madhya Pradesh's contribution to the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, the Chief Minister traced the history of local transport infrastructure. He recalled that prior to independence, the region possessed only four airports: Jabalpur (circa 1930), Gwalior (circa 1935), Bhopal (circa 1940), and Indore (circa 1947-48). Following Khajuraho's opening in 1977, expansion remained sluggish for decades. Under recent initiatives, commercial air connectivity has been expanded to Satna, Rewa, and Datia, with ongoing plans to establish airstrips approximately every 150 kilometers. Nearly 10 airports and airstrips are currently under development, several of which will be completed within the year.
He also highlighted advancements in sustainable transport, noting the emergence of hydrogen-powered trains and the rollout of metro rail networks in Bhopal and Indore. Additionally, the state is scheduled to host the Global Investors Summit (GIS) in 2027 to attract substantial private capital and generate extensive employment opportunities.
Exhibition Highlights, Robotics, and Musical Performances
Earlier in the event, the Chief Minister toured an extensive exhibition featuring more than 80 stalls set up by over 15 government departments and educational institutions at Lal Parade Ground. The exhibits provided actionable counseling on technical skills, vocational certifications, self-employment schemes, and emerging career opportunities.
The stage witnessed an engaging demonstration by 'Buddy', an AI-powered humanoid robot, followed by live musical performances by renowned singer Jubin Nautiyal and Neeraj Arya's Kabir Cafe. The rendition of timeless Sufi melodies and the famous composition 'Jhini Jhini Beeni Chadariya' enthralled the gathering. Concluding his address, the Chief Minister observed that Madhya Pradesh currently records the lowest unemployment rate in the nation and has provided employment to 85,000 individuals, urging the state's youth to lead the ongoing transformation.
