Bhopal to host Defence University as MP Cabinet clears land and funding proposal
Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has approved the establishment of a new campus of Rashtriya Raksha Vishwavidyalaya (RRU), a central university for national security and policing, in Bhopal. Ten acres within the RGPV campus have been allotted for the project, which aims to enhance youth employment and skill development. This move is part of a broader state initiative that includes major investments in rural infrastructure, model villages, and women-led horticulture.
The Gujarat-headquartered RRU will be granted 10 acres of land within the existing Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) premises in the capital city. Until permanent infrastructure is completed, the university will operate from the existing facilities of RGPV. The state government will provide ₹1.05 crore annually for three years to support the initial operations and setup. Officials hailed the move as a step towards positioning Madhya Pradesh as a national hub for defence education and internal security training. “The presence of RRU will enhance employment opportunities and foster skill development in areas of strategic importance. It will also boost Madhya Pradesh’s role in the national education ecosystem,” he said.
In another major decision, the Cabinet approved ₹4,572 crore for the repair and reconstruction of 1,766 rural bridges across Madhya Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). These bridges, many of which were built years ago to improve rural accessibility, have deteriorated due to age, floods, and wear and tear, causing disruption in transportation and affecting village-level mobility. The Madhya Pradesh Rural Road Development Authority has been tasked with overseeing and executing the repair work. According to officials, the aim is to restore uninterrupted rural connectivity, particularly in tribal and remote districts.
The Cabinet also greenlit the Vrindavan Gram Yojana, an ambitious rural development program that will see one “model village” developed in each of the state’s 230 assembly constituencies. These villages, envisioned as self-sustaining and modern rural units, will be equipped with 27 development benchmarks ranging from sanitation and education to renewable energy, drinking water, housing, and digital connectivity. The program is being positioned as a flagship state initiative to uplift rural living standards and enable equitable development across all regions.
In a noteworthy move promoting environmental sustainability and women’s empowerment, the Cabinet also approved the “Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam” scheme. Under this initiative, 30,000 women associated with self-help groups will be mobilized to plant 30 lakh fruit-bearing saplings across 30,000 acres of land. The ₹900 crore scheme will be implemented across multiple departments, including Panchayat and Rural Development, Urban Development, Forest, and Horticulture. Funding will cover costs of saplings, fertilizers, fencing, irrigation infrastructure, and training.
The plantation drive will take place between July 1 and September 15 and is closely aligned with the larger “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign initiated by the state government. Officials say the project will not only promote sustainable farming practices but also support nutrition and income generation for women-led households in rural areas. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister praised the Cabinet decisions, saying they reflect the state’s commitment to a holistic and inclusive development model. “These initiatives show our government’s focus on education, rural livelihoods, women empowerment, and sustainability. We are working to make Madhya Pradesh a leader in not just infrastructure but also innovation and institutional excellence,” he said.
The combination of defence education, rural repair work, model villages, and women-centric green initiatives is expected to significantly impact both the economy and social framework of the state. State officials confirmed that implementation of all projects will begin in the current financial year, with deadlines to be monitored closely through a dashboard system. RRU is a Central University under the Ministry of Home Affairs, established to provide education and research in internal security, police science, and strategic studies. The university offers specialized undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs tailored for security professionals, police forces, paramilitary personnel, and civilians interested in national security and law enforcement careers.
The addition of a Bhopal campus marks a major expansion of the university’s outreach and will likely attract students and faculty from across central India.
