Bhairunda: In a significant move towards enhancing rural self-employment, Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan participated in the Rural Self Employment Programme held in Bhairunda, Madhya Pradesh. During the event, he launched the Awas Sakhi Mobile App under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and inaugurated 100 Community Managed Training Centres (CMTCs) across 18 states. Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for 500 kilometers of newly paved roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and introduced the Gram Sadak Survey & Planning Tool.
The event was attended by prominent figures including Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan, Panchayati Raj Minister Prahlad Patel, and Rural Development Secretary Shailesh Kumar, along with numerous officials from the ministry and state government.
In his address, Minister Chouhan announced the commencement of a nationwide survey to assess kuccha houses, ensuring that individuals who were previously omitted from the 2018 pucca house list will now be included. “This survey will be completed within six months to ensure that no sister or brother is left out,” he emphasized. He also indicated that the eligibility criteria for the PMAY has been relaxed, allowing individuals with an income of up to ₹15,000 per month to apply, regardless of their ownership of a phone, motorcycle, or scooter.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, he introduced the “Lakhpati Didi” initiative aimed at ensuring that every woman earns over ₹10,000 monthly. “The Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is continuously working towards empowering women,” he stated, noting that ₹100 crore has been allocated for this initiative.
Chouhan further discussed support for farmers, announcing the implementation of a 27.5% tax on imported oil to stabilize domestic soybean prices, which have been adversely affected by foreign imports. He confirmed that the central government has approved the purchase of soybeans in Madhya Pradesh at the minimum support price, and registration for this initiative is now open. He also noted that Madhya Pradesh has already procured the entire moong crop.
“Our government has taken various initiatives for farmers, including the procurement of lentils, black gram, and pigeon pea at minimum support prices, along with the release of 109 new seed varieties,” said Chouhan, who also mentioned that the minimum support price for the Rabi crop will soon be announced. He reiterated the government’s dedication to rural development, stating, “For me, serving you is worship of God,” and assured that both the central and state governments will provide financial support.
With a focus on education, he announced plans to open more CM state schools in the region, emphasizing that the government will not leave any district behind. “Three lakh 68 thousand houses have already been allotted to the poor in Madhya Pradesh,” he added, reinforcing the government’s commitment to serving the less fortunate.