New Delhi: The Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has reiterated the Prime Minister’s vision of a poverty-free village. Addressing the gathering after the 66th General Council meeting of the National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj in Rajendra Nagar, Telangana, on August 13, 2024, Chouhan stressed that no one should remain poor in villages.
Chouhan emphasised that rural development encompasses more than just infrastructure. He highlighted the need for good schools, well-maintained panchayat buildings, community centres, and improved health facilities in villages. He pointed out the importance of infrastructure, including road connectivity, potable water, and healthcare services. Noting past initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) launched by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the ongoing Jal Jeevan Mission, he reaffirmed the government's commitment to rural infrastructure.
Chouhan also praised the Aajeevika scheme for its role in empowering women through the Livelihood Mission. He reported that 10 crore women are involved in the mission, significantly impacting both their lives and the national economy. The goal is to increase the number of ‘Lakhpati Didis’ from 1 crore to 3 crore, reflecting a drive to improve rural livelihoods.
In his remarks, Chouhan highlighted the role of the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) as a vital think tank for the Ministry of Rural Development. He urged postgraduate students at NIRDPR to contribute to rural development efforts.
During the event, two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed with Jawaharlal Nehru University and the Indian Institute of Public Administration for a Ph.D. programme. Chouhan also launched an online course for Gram Rozgar Sevaks (GRS).
Additionally, Chouhan visited the Rural Technology Park and inaugurated a PMAY-G Model House. The house, constructed at a cost of Rs 4.04 lakh, features various sustainable technologies including random rubble stone for the foundation, brick columns, RCC beams, and Bamcrete walling with chemical-treated bamboo strips.
The event also saw the presence of Kamlesh Paswan, Union Minister of State for Rural Development; Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Union Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications; Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of Rural Development; Dr G. Narendra Kumar, Director General of NIRDPR; Tanuja Thakur Khalkho, JS & FA, MoRD; Caralyn Khongwar Deshmukh, Additional Secretary, MoRD; Prof Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University; and Prof Nupur Tiwary, Professor at the Indian Institute of Public Administration.
The Union Minister and dignitaries also participated in planting saplings at the Rural Technology Park and visited the Mud Block making unit. /BI
