- Central Region Diary
By Dilip Jha
Bhopal: Several administrative and governance issues in Madhya Pradesh have recently come under scrutiny, ranging from the alleged leak of school examination papers to declining investment proposals and irregularities in public schemes.
A major controversy has emerged after question papers for the Class 5 and Class 8 board examinations were reportedly leaked before reaching examination centres. The papers for as many as 17 districts were printed at a single press in Bhopal, raising serious concerns over security arrangements. Following the uproar, officials initiated a preliminary inquiry and submitted a report to Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh. The matter has since been referred to the cyber cell and police for further investigation. Initial findings suggested that security arrangements at the printing facility were inadequate.
The issue has triggered widespread criticism as the examinations involve lakhs of schoolchildren. Education experts say irregularities at the foundational stage of schooling could severely affect the academic future of students.
Meanwhile, the state’s Economic Survey has revealed a sharp decline in large investment proposals over the past two years. While investment proposals worth Rs 57,333 crore were received in 2022–23, the figure reportedly fell to around Rs 2,000 crore in 2024–25. Even in the first nine months of the current financial year, proposals worth only about Rs 14,000 crore were recorded, raising concerns despite the state government offering incentives such as cheaper land, lower electricity tariffs and concessions in stamp duty.
Another issue highlighted in the Assembly relates to the sale of urea fertiliser at higher prices. The state government acknowledged that irregularities occurred in fertiliser distribution. Agriculture Minister Aindal Singh Kansana informed the House that 48 cases had been registered. According to the government, 39 traders were found selling fertiliser above the prescribed price, while in nine cases farmers were allegedly forced to purchase additional products such as pesticides or nano urea along with fertiliser.
Concerns have also been raised over delays in the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme in the Arredi gram panchayat area. The project, launched in January 2023, aims to construct 130 housing units, including flats and duplex houses. Although the construction was scheduled for completion by July 2025, the project remains unfinished even after two-and-a-half years. Officials are now facing questions over how construction could proceed without approval from the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). After the issue surfaced, municipal authorities reportedly submitted documents in January 2026 to obtain the necessary RERA permissions.
Together, these developments have sparked debate over administrative accountability and the need for stronger oversight in key sectors such as education, agriculture and urban development.
