The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday approved a major change in the state's Take-Home Ration (THR) distribution system for children enrolled at Anganwadi centres. Under the new arrangement, the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department will directly oversee the preparation and supply of Take-Home Ration for children aged six months to three years, replacing the earlier system managed through the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).

The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav at the state secretariat.

The government said the move is aimed at improving the quality, monitoring and efficiency of nutrition supplied to Anganwadi beneficiaries. While the administrative responsibility will shift to the WCD Department, eligible self-help groups currently producing Take-Home Ration will continue manufacturing and supplying the nutritional packets under revised quality standards.

Officials said detailed quality protocols will be introduced for the preparation, packaging and delivery of the nutrition kits before they are supplied to Anganwadi centres across the state.

UCC Draft to Be Cleared Before Assembly Session

The Cabinet also announced that its next meeting will be held on July 18 at Jagdishpur (formerly Islam Nagar) in Bhopal district, ahead of the Monsoon Session of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly beginning on July 21.

According to the government, the meeting is expected to approve the draft of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), after which the proposed legislation will be introduced in the Assembly for discussion and passage.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav directed ministers to remain fully prepared for the upcoming Assembly session and ensure factual responses to all questions raised by the Opposition. He said the government's performance and public welfare initiatives should be effectively communicated through the proceedings.

'Drishti' Online Platform Launched

During the meeting, the Chief Minister also launched the 'Drishti' online platform, designed to make Panchayat audits more transparent, efficient and technology-driven.

In addition, a payment gateway facility was inaugurated on the Panchayat Darpan portal to streamline financial transactions and improve governance at the grassroots level.

Schemes Extended Till 2031

The Cabinet approved the continuation of several government schemes until 2031, including irrigation projects and various Finance Department initiatives aimed at ensuring continuity in infrastructure development and public services.

GST Reforms to Benefit Businesses

Acting on recommendations of the GST Council, the state government also approved the establishment of a GST Appellate Board to hear disputes related to Goods and Services Tax.

The Cabinet further decided to simplify documentation required for claiming Input Tax Credit (ITC), a move expected to reduce compliance burden and improve liquidity, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Other Key Decisions

The Cabinet also approved the continuation of the state government's guarantee mechanism provided to banks for procurement operations carried out at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Preparations for 'Youth Year 2027' were also initiated. The government will invite suggestions from young people and the public until December 2026, following which new youth-centric policies and programmes are expected to be introduced during 2027.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet reiterated its focus on environmental conservation through a large-scale plantation drive during the monsoon season. The government has set a target of planting 21 lakh saplings in Indore, with officials stating that around one lakh saplings have already been planted in the city over the past two days.

The decisions reflect the government's focus on nutrition delivery, administrative reforms, digital governance, youth engagement and environmental initiatives ahead of the upcoming Assembly session.