Mumbai, June 9 -- Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, alongside Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects totalling over Rs 78 billion in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh.
During the event, Shri Chouhan urged citizens to actively participate in development efforts and reaffirmed the government's commitment to achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) by 2047. He emphasised that the country's progress is rooted in the development of its villages, calling it a collective responsibility.
Highlighting water access, Chouhan stated that efforts are underway to bring Narmada water to Sehore, particularly to the agricultural lands in Ashta and Ichhawar. He noted that this initiative would significantly benefit farmers in the region.
In terms of urban planning, Chouhan revealed that Bhopal is being designated as a metropolitan city, which will have a positive impact on neighbouring Sehore by accelerating shared development.
Speaking about housing, Chouhan announced the approval of 785,356 additional homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) from the 2018+ list, bringing the total sanctioned to 1.4 million homes. He confirmed that survey and verification work is ongoing to include new eligible beneficiaries, aiming to ensure that every poor family secures housing.
Regarding rural employment, the Minister shared that Madhya Pradesh will receive approximately Rs 62.6 billion under MGNREGA this year to support job creation and rural livelihoods.
Celebrating women's empowerment, he proudly reported that 14.8 million women have become 'Lakhpati Didis', earning Rs 100,000 or more annually, and affirmed the government's goal to raise this number further through continuous support and opportunities.
Chouhan also spoke about the ongoing Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, noting that 16,000 scientists have been mobilised to work directly with farmers in villages. He urged farmers to engage with scientific recommendations to improve productivity and achieve the broader mission of developed agriculture for a developed nation.
Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, also addressing the gathering, assured the public of extended irrigation support to all farms, promising full assistance wherever needed to ensure complete water availability.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.