Shivraj Singh Chouhan Reviews Rural Development Initiatives in Tamil Nadu; Highlights Milestones and Future Plans

Lauding Tamil Nadu’s historical and cultural significance, Shri Chouhan emphasized the Central Government’s commitment to the state’s holistic progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.

Union Minister for Rural Development, Agriculture, and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, conducted a comprehensive review of rural development projects being implemented in Tamil Nadu during a meeting in Chennai. Lauding Tamil Nadu’s historical and cultural significance, Shri Chouhan emphasized the Central Government’s commitment to the state’s holistic progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. Key Highlights of the Review

MGNREGA: Supporting Employment Opportunities

Wages Distributed: ₹12,603 crore disbursed to laborers under MGNREGA in 2023-24.

Current Year Allocation: ₹7,220 crore released so far, ensuring continuous employment for workers.

The minister assured that no worker in Tamil Nadu would remain unemployed under this scheme.

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana: Enhancing Connectivity

Infrastructure Achievements:

10,352 roads and 214 bridges sanctioned.

9,681 roads and 150 bridges completed.

Ongoing work on 671 roads is expected to conclude soon.

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): Housing for All

Target: 8,15,771 houses sanctioned for Tamil Nadu.

Progress:

7,47,542 houses approved.

6,31,512 houses completed.

Remaining houses are under construction, with guidance issued for timely completion.

Future Plans: Additional 1,42,059 houses proposed for 2024, with work to commence upon state approval.

Women Empowerment through Self-Help Groups

The Lakhpati Didi Program under the Livelihood Mission aims to make women self-sufficient by enabling annual earnings of over ₹1 lakh.

In Tamil Nadu, 10 lakh women have already achieved Lakhpati status, empowering families and communities.

Union Minister’s Call to Action

Shri Chouhan highlighted the dual objectives set by the Prime Minister: constructing two crore houses for rural poor and creating three crore Lakhpati Didis nationwide. He commended Tamil Nadu’s progress in these areas and reaffirmed the Central Government’s full support in ensuring the timely implementation of these schemes.

“Prime Minister Modi’s government is committed to uplifting every section of society, especially the rural poor. With the collaboration of the Tamil Nadu government, we aim to fast-track these projects to bring tangible benefits to the people,” Shri Chouhan stated.

The minister also urged state officials to focus on expediting the completion of ongoing projects and implementing livelihood initiatives to achieve broader developmental goals.

Additional Initiatives Discussed

Strengthening digital infrastructure in rural areas for better service delivery.

Expanding irrigation and agricultural schemes to improve farm productivity.

Enhancing access to health and education through convergence with other Central Government programs.

Concluding the review, Shri Chouhan expressed confidence in the combined efforts of the Central and Tamil Nadu governments to transform rural landscapes and uplift marginalized communities.