New Delhi: Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, addressed the media today to outline the achievements of the Ministry of Rural Development, emphasizing the government’s commitment to empowering women and transforming rural communities.
Chouhan highlighted the ministry’s utilization of ₹1.03 lakh crore from its ₹1.84 lakh crore annual budget, reiterating its focus on connecting rural communities with employment opportunities and essential facilities. He assured that the government would address any shortcomings identified in flagship schemes like MGNREGA and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) – Gramin, underscoring the demand-driven nature of these initiatives.
Chouhan reported significant progress under PMAY – Gramin, a scheme aimed at providing housing for all. Out of the targeted 2.95 crore houses to be completed by March 2024, 2.67 crore have already been constructed. Building on this success, the program has been extended to include an additional 2 crore houses over the next five years, with an estimated budget of ₹3.06 lakh crore.
To ensure inclusivity, the government has revised the exclusion criteria, removing conditions like ownership of mechanized fishing boats or refrigerators and raising the income threshold from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per month. This move aims to make the scheme accessible to more families in need.
The scheme goes beyond housing, integrating basic amenities such as toilets, cooking gas, and electricity through convergence with welfare programs like the Swachh Bharat Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, and Saubhagya Yojana. Additionally, solar rooftop connections under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar initiative reduce beneficiaries’ electricity expenses.
“This scheme isn’t just about providing a roof over people’s heads; it’s about delivering complete, dignified homes with essential facilities,” Chouhan said. “It forms the foundation for poverty-free villages and a developed India.”
Under the newly approved target of 2 crore houses, 38 lakh houses have already been allocated across 18 states, with ₹10,668 crore released to support their construction. The government assured there is no shortage of funds and urged states to expedite fund utilization and send proposals for subsequent installments.
Each house under the scheme is a minimum of 25 square meters, including a clean cooking area, with financial assistance of ₹1.20 lakh provided in plain areas and ₹1.30 lakh in northeastern and hilly states. Payments are efficiently disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
On September 17, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued approval letters for 15 lakh houses and released ₹3,180 crore as the first installment for over 10 lakh beneficiaries in a single click. Over 26 lakh completed houses were handed over to their new owners this year alone.
Chouhan described PMAY – Gramin as a “beacon of hope,” reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to rural development. The initiative, he said, is not just a housing scheme but a pathway to dignity, empowerment, and a better future for millions of rural families.
“This program underscores our dedication to transforming rural India, ensuring that every citizen can dream of a brighter tomorrow,” he concluded.