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Bhopal, April 9 (IANS) In a landmark move, the Madhya Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, has resolved to lift the eight-year-long embargo on promotions for over four lakh government employees.

This much-awaited resolution is set to unwrap a proposal soon to be presented before the cabinet, charting a course for enhanced career growth and opportunities within the state’s administrative framework. The government is soon going to announce plans to lift the eight-year freeze on promotions for over four lakh government employees.

A proposal addressing this long-standing issue is set to be presented to the cabinet soon, promising significant relief and career growth opportunities for state employees.

In a post on his X handle, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday congratulated all employees of the state and said: “I am happy that the demand for promotion of government employees and officers of the state, pending for the last 8 years, is going to be fulfilled soon. We have found a way for promotion by discussing it at different levels. We are soon going to announce the good news of the promotion of more than 4 lakh employees and officers. Heartiest congratulations to all government employees and officers from my side.”

The promotions of employees have been stalled since 2016, during which time more than one lakh employees retired without advancing to higher positions. “The government has now finalised a strategy to resolve the matter. Departments have been directed by the General Administration Department to convene Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meetings and issue promotion orders once cabinet approval is secured,” a well-placed government source told IANS.

The promotion freeze followed a legal dispute regarding reservation policies in promotions. The Madhya Pradesh High Court struck down the MP Public Service (Promotion) Rules, 2002, which allowed reservation in promotions, arguing that benefits (of reservation) should only be granted once. The case was later taken to the Supreme Court, which ordered a status quo, halting promotions statewide. This left countless employees awaiting career advancements over the past eight years.

Chief Minister Yadav emphasised the urgency of addressing the issue, particularly after employees raised repeated demands and, reportedly, the Law Department initiated promotions for over 125 employees earlier this year. This step reignited calls for similar measures across all departments.

CM Yadav reassured that no financial burden would be imposed on the state, as the promotions would be tied to the existing time-scale pay structure. The move will benefit a wide spectrum of employees, particularly third-class employees, who make up a significant portion of the state workforce. Additionally, employees who joined government service in 2014-15 stand to gain from the implementation.

The promotions will also open up vacancies in lower-level positions, creating new job opportunities and addressing unemployment.

In government departments, the number of employees has gone up from 5,54,991 in 2020 to 6,06,876 as of March 31, 2024.

The school education department is the largest employer in the state with 22,56,098 headcounts or 37.18 per cent of the total number of employees followed by police and home department which has 93,634 headcounts or 15.43 of the total strength. The legal department has only 17,708 employees or 2.92 per cent of the total number of employees. However, salary is 22.9 per cent of the revenue receipts of the state government in 2025-26 (estimated) from 26.6 per cent in 2020. Similarly, pension is almost stagnated at 10 per cent of the revenue receipt.

The Chief Minister confirmed that promotions would proceed without demotions for the SC-ST employees, despite the court’s 2024 ruling on the matter. This initiative is seen as a pivotal moment in reviving morale and fostering career progression within the state administration.

–IANS

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New Delhi, May 25 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reiterated his appeal to the citizens to actively participate in the upcoming International Yoga Day on June 21 and lauded the efforts of the Andhra Pradesh government for promoting yoga culture through its YogAndhra Abhiyan campaign.

While addressing the 122nd edition of his monthly radio programme, Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi said, “Less than a month is left for ‘International Yoga Day’. This occasion reminds us that if you are still away from yoga, join yoga now. Yoga will change the way you live your life. Friends, since the beginning of ‘Yoga Day’ on June 21, 2015, attraction towards it has risen continuously.”

He noted the growing global enthusiasm for yoga, saying, “This time also, the zeal and enthusiasm among people all over the world about ‘Yoga Day’ is amply visible. Myriad institutions are sharing their preparations. The pictures from past years have been very inspiring. We have seen that during these years, people in various countries have made Yoga Chain or Yoga Ring.”

“There are many pictures which depict four generations doing yoga together. Many people have chosen iconic places in their city for yoga. You can also think of celebrating Yoga Day in some interesting way this time,” he said.

Referring to Andhra Pradesh’s YogAndhra Abhiyan, the Prime Minister said, “Its objective is to develop the yoga culture in the entire state. Under this campaign, a pool of 10 lakh people practising yoga is being created. I will get an opportunity to participate in the ‘Yoga Day’ programme in Visakhapatnam this year.”

The Prime Minister expressed happiness about youth participation in yoga and said, “I am happy to know that this time too our young friends are going to perform yoga at iconic places related to the heritage of the country. Many youth have pledged to create a record and become a part of the Yoga Chain.”

He also mentioned that the private and corporate sectors are embracing the yoga culture in innovative ways.

“Our corporations are also not lagging in this. Some institutions have set aside a separate place for yoga practice in their offices. Some startups have set up ‘office yoga hours’. Some people are preparing to go to villages and teach yoga. This awareness of people about health and fitness gives me immense joy,” PM Modi said.

Alongside yoga, PM Modi also spoke about the recent advancements in the field of Ayurveda and traditional medicine.

“Just yesterday, i.e. on May 24, an MoU was signed in the presence of the WHO Director General and my friend, Tulsi Bhai. Along with this agreement, work has started on a dedicated traditional medicine module under the International Classification of Health Interventions. This initiative will help in making AYUSH reach a maximum number of people across the world in a scientific manner,” he added.

PM Modi also mentioned ‘sugar boards’ being installed in several CBSE-affiliated schools to make people aware of the sugar intake and encourage healthy living.

“You must have seen blackboards in schools, but now ‘sugar boards’ are also being installed in some schools — not blackboard, but sugar board! This unique initiative of CBSE aims to make children aware of their sugar intake. By understanding how much sugar should be consumed and how much sugar is being consumed, children have started choosing healthy options themselves. This is a unique effort, and its impact will also be very positive. It can prove to be very helpful in inculcating healthy lifestyle habits from childhood. Many parents have appreciated it, and I believe that such initiatives should also be taken in offices, canteens and institutions. After all, if there is health, there is everything. Fit India is the foundation of a strong India,” PM Modi mentioned.

–IANS

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