India to Create Poverty-Free Villages: Shivraj Singh Chouhan

By properly implementing all the schemes being run under the Rural Development Ministry on time, poverty-free villages will be created in the country.

NEW DELHI (India CSR): The Rural Development Ministry is taking significant steps toward realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a poverty-free India. Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while reviewing the ministry’s progress on New Year’s Day, reaffirmed the commitment to creating poverty-free villages by effectively implementing all rural development schemes on time.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that the timely execution of programs under the ministry will play a pivotal role in transforming rural India and uplifting millions of citizens. He highlighted that monthly targets have been established to ensure the ministry’s objectives are met without delays. “When targets are set, the path to achieving them becomes easier,” he said while addressing ministry officials.

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Focus on Rural Development Programs

During the review meeting, Shri Chouhan closely evaluated the progress of key programs, including:

• MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act)
• PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana)
• PM-Awas Yojana Gramin
• NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission)
• DAY-NRLM (Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana-NRLM)
• NSAP (National Social Assistance Programme)
• DISHA (District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee)

He urged officials to work diligently to meet the set targets within the next month. Shri Chouhan praised the Rural Development Ministry’s efforts in achieving various goals and encouraged his team to continue their hard work to fulfill the vision of poverty-free villages.

Achievements of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G)

Shri Chouhan presented the key milestones achieved under PMAY-G from June to December 2024:

1. Extension of the Scheme:
   • In August 2024, the scheme was extended for five years, targeting the construction of 2 crore additional houses by 2029.
   • Eligibility criteria were revised to include more families, ensuring the goal of “Housing for All.”
2. Technological Advancements:
   • The Awas Plus-2024 mobile app was launched in September 2024, streamlining beneficiary identification.
   • The Awas Sakhi app, introduced in October 2024, empowers women to play a crucial role in scheme implementation.
3. Record Budget Allocation:
   • A record allocation of Rs. 54,500 crore was made for FY 2024-25, reflecting the government’s commitment to rural housing.
4. Progress in Housing Construction:
   • Out of the target of 42 lakh houses for the year, 31.65 lakh houses were sanctioned, and 4.19 lakh houses were completed.
   • This includes 71,000 houses under the PM Janman initiative.

January 2025 Targets

For January 2025, the ministry will prioritize sanctioning 10 lakh pending houses under the allocated target for FY 2024-25. The first installment of funds will also be released to beneficiaries to expedite construction.

A Vision for Poverty-Free Villages

Shri Chouhan emphasized that the ministry’s work is not just about achieving targets but about transforming lives. “We will work hard to make villages self-reliant and poverty-free,” he said, reaffirming his ministry’s dedication.

He concluded by extending New Year greetings to all citizens and expressing optimism for a brighter, more prosperous rural India. This initiative marks a critical step in bridging the rural-urban divide and ensuring inclusive growth across the country.

Key Highlights

• Target of 2 crore additional houses by 2029 under PMAY-G.
• Rs. 54,500 crore allocated for FY 2024-25, the highest-ever budget for rural housing.
• Focused efforts to clear 10 lakh pending houses in January 2025.
• Technological advancements like the Awas Plus-2024 and Awas Sakhi apps to enhance transparency and efficiency.

(India CSR)