Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, during his visit to Rajasthan, announced major measures for rural housing and agricultural development at a state-level programme of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) in Baran. The programme was attended by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, public representatives, ministers and a large number of local residents.
Chouhan handed over an approval letter to the Chief Minister for the construction of 2,89,355 houses under PMAY-G, involving a total project outlay of ₹3,473 crore. He also handed over approval for ₹340.59 crore for agricultural development initiatives under various schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
Housing Support to Reach More Rural Families
Addressing the gathering, Chouhan said the approval reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to ensuring that poor families have access to safe and permanent homes. He said the new houses would bring significant improvements to families that continue to live in kutcha structures.
The Minister also disclosed that a survey covering 29,13,749 potential beneficiaries has been completed. Eligible families will receive housing assistance after physical verification. He directed authorities to ensure transparency by displaying beneficiary lists at district and panchayat levels and allowing people to raise objections.
He stressed that no deserving family should be denied assistance because of errors or improper exclusion during the identification process.
Eligibility Norms Expanded
The Union Minister announced important changes to PMAY-G eligibility criteria aimed at bringing more rural families under the housing programme. Families owning a two-wheeler will now be eligible for housing assistance, removing the earlier restriction.
The income ceiling for women has also been revised. Women earning up to ₹15,000 per month, compared with the earlier limit of ₹10,000, can now qualify for assistance. Small farmers owning up to five acres of unirrigated land or 2.5 acres of irrigated land have also been included within the eligibility framework.
Target of 32 Lakh Lakhpati Didis
Highlighting the role of women in rural economic development, Chouhan said around 16 lakh women in Rajasthan have already become Lakhpati Didis. The government now aims to double this figure to 32 lakh.
He added that approximately ₹13,400 crore has so far been disbursed through banks to women to support entrepreneurial and livelihood activities.
₹12,000 Crore Rural Development Push
Speaking about the newly introduced Viksit Bharat-G RAM G Yojana, Chouhan said Rajasthan has been assigned an investment target of ₹12,000 crore over the next nine months. The initiative is expected to cover every gram panchayat, with an indicative target of around ₹80 lakh annually for each panchayat.
He said development priorities should emerge from villages themselves rather than being decided solely at the state or national level. Panchayats and local communities, he added, would have an important role in determining their development plans.
Focus on Farmers and Agricultural Growth
Chouhan assured farmers that the government was taking steps to ensure adequate fertiliser availability and protect them from fluctuations in international prices. He said urea costing around ₹3,000 per bag internationally is being made available to farmers at ₹266, while strict action would be taken against black marketing.
He also announced plans for stronger legislation against fake pesticides and substandard seeds. The proposed legal measures are expected to introduce tougher penalties for those involved in supplying spurious agricultural inputs.
For the Kota-Jhalawar region, Chouhan said a comprehensive agricultural roadmap would be prepared in consultation with scientists and farmers. The plan would cover crop diversification, processing, marketing and exports, with the objective of connecting farmers to higher-value markets.
Call for a Developed Rajasthan
The Union Minister urged citizens to contribute to social development by serving society, planting trees, educating daughters and supporting efforts to build a drug-free society. He administered a pledge to those present and called for collective efforts to create a Viksit Rajasthan and Viksit Gaon.
Chouhan also highlighted the significance of Vande Mataram, describing it as a symbol of India’s freedom struggle, sacrifice and patriotism. He said respecting the national song and its values is a responsibility shared by every Indian.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
