MPPSC Revision Notes : 1/3

Madhya Pradesh: Awards, Honours, Recognitions and Related Developments

Tourism and Heritage RecognitionMadhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) has been conferred the Golden Banyan Award (2025) in the Best State – Heritage Tourism category at the Heritage Week Awards 2025 held in New Delhi. This recognition highlights the state’s efforts in preserving, promoting and integrating heritage with tourism-led development.The strength of Madhya Pradesh’s heritage is reflected through its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely:

• Khajuraho Group of Temples
• Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
• Sanchi Stupa

In addition, important cultural cities include:

• Orchha
• Mandu
• Chanderi
• Khajuraho

Further, Gwalior has received UNESCO recognition as a “Music City”, strengthening the cultural identity of the state.Madhya Pradesh has also been awarded the Best State Tourism Board Award (2025) at the India Travel Awards held in New Delhi, presented by the Union Tourism Ministry, recognising efforts in tourism innovation, sustainability and cultural promotion.

Energy, Water and Infrastructure Recognition

Miyana Railway Station (Guna) has been conferred the National Energy Conservation Award 2025 by the President of India on the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day. It was recognised as the Best Performing Unit in the Transport Category (Railway Station) for adopting energy-efficient technologies and sustainable practices.In the 6th National Water Awards 2024, Madhya Pradesh secured notable achievements:

• Khargone district secured 1st position (Best District – Western Region) for innovative water conservation practices and resource management
• Kaveshwar Panchayat (Khandwa) secured Joint 2nd position (Best Gram Panchayat category) for community-led water management

These awards were instituted by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, focusing on water conservation, management and community participation.In the renewable energy sector, Madhav Infra Projects Limited received multiple Letters of Award (LOAs) from Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (MPUVNL) for setting up grid-connected solar PV power plants under the Surya Mitra Krishi Feeder Scheme, aligned with PM-KUSUM (Component-C), with a total project value of approximately ₹342 crore.

Cultural Awards and Social Recognition

The National Handicrafts Awards (2023–2024) were conferred by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, in New Delhi, recognising exceptional artisanship and promotion of traditional crafts and rural livelihoods. The awards included:

• 12 Shilp Guru Awards
• 36 National Awards

Notable awardees:

• 2023: Ajit Kumar Das (Hand-painted textiles), D Sivamma (Leather puppetry)
• 2024: Subhash Arora (Metal craft), Mohammad Dilshad (Wood carving)

The National Model Youth Gram Sabha (MYGS) Awards 2026, conferred by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, aim to strengthen grassroots democracy awareness. In the EMRS category, EMRS Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) secured 3rd Prize (₹50 lakh).The National Tansen Award announced by the Madhya Pradesh Government honours contributions to Indian classical music:

• Pt Raja Kale (2024)
• Tarun Bhattacharya (2025)
  These will be presented during the 101st Tansen Samaroh in Gwalior.

Social Innovation and Individual Recognition

Dr Ruma Bhargava and Dr Megha Bhargava from Madhya Pradesh were honoured with the Forbes India We Serve India Award 2025 (Women-Led Social Innovation category) for their work through the NGO Samarpan (founded in 2015).Key highlights:

• Focus areas: education, menstrual hygiene, clean water, renewable energy
• Dr Ruma Bhargava: Global Health Lead at World Economic Forum (Geneva)
• Dr Megha Bhargava: IRS officer, Additional Commissioner of Income Tax

Cultural Policy and Institutional Developments

The Madhya Pradesh Government announced the ‘Emperor Vikramaditya International Award’ (2026) during Vikramotsav 2026 in Ujjain, with a prize of ₹1.01 crore, aimed at promoting India’s cultural heritage globally.Associated awards include:

• National Award – ₹21 lakh
• State Awards – ₹5 lakh each

Vikramotsav is described as an annual cultural event celebrating:

• Historical pride and identity
• India’s civilisational continuity

It has also received recognition as “Longstanding IP of the Year” (EMAXIM Global Awards 2025) with the objective of global cultural branding of Ujjain.

Governance, Business Reforms and Digital Integration

Madhya Pradesh has been recognised as a “Top Achiever State” under BRAP 2024 (Business Reforms Action Plan). The award was received by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav from Union Minister Piyush Goyal, highlighting progress in creating an investment-friendly ecosystem.The BRAP framework, implemented by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has evolved since 2014, with editions in 2015, 2016, 2017-18, 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2024.Other states recognised under BRAP 2024 include:

• Kerala – Best Performer / Fast Movers
• Rajasthan – Top Achiever
• Jammu & Kashmir – Top Achiever (5th Rank)
• Haryana – Top Achiever

The MP e-Seva Portal integrates over 1,700 services across 56 departments, reflecting strong digital governance and service delivery integration.

National Context: Women Safety and Institutional Developments

As per NCRB (2022) data:

• 4,45,256 cases of crimes against women were recorded
• 4% increase from the previous year
• Crime rate: 66.4 per lakh women

Regional variation:

• Delhi: 144.4 per lakh
• Haryana: 118.7 per lakh
• Telangana: 117.6 per lakh

The National Commission for Women (NCW) conducted the 9th National Consultation on Law Relating to Women in Prison at Sri Vijaya Puram, focusing on rights, dignity and welfare of women inmates and advocating a gender-sensitive correctional system.

Sports and Incident

Rohini Kalam, an international Jujitsu player, Asian Championship bronze medallist (8th Asian Jujitsu Championship, Abu Dhabi) and an IPS aspirant, was found dead at her residence in Dewas. Initial findings suggest suicide, and investigation is ongoing.

Padma Recognition

Under Padma Shri Awards 2026, 54 individuals were recognised, with Madhya Pradesh accounting for 3 awardees.Under Padma Shri 2025, the following personalities from Madhya Pradesh were honoured:

• Bheru Singh Chouhan – Devotional folk singer, preserving Malwa’s oral traditions
• Jagdish Joshila – Nimadi novelist, pioneer of prose literature in Nimadi
• Sally Holkar – Revived Maheshwari handloom industry, promoting women empowerment
• Dr Budhendra Kumar Jain – Medical services, associated with Sadguru Netra Chikitsalaya
• Harchandan Singh Bhatty – Artist from Bhopal, linked with Bharat Bhawan

Table: Awards & Recognitions