New Delhi: Poverty-free villages will be created across the country by ensuring the timely and effective implementation of all schemes under the Rural Development Ministry. This initiative will play a pivotal role in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a poverty-free India. Reviewing the Ministry's progress on New Year’s Day in New Delhi, Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that monthly targets have been set to achieve the Ministry's objectives.

While discussing schemes such as MNREGA, PMGSY, PM-Awas, NRLM, DAY-NRLM, NSAP, and Disha, Chouhan urged Ministry officials to ensure all targets for the next month are met. He emphasised that setting clear targets simplifies the path to achieving them.

The Minister acknowledged the Ministry's efforts in achieving various goals and expressed confidence that these initiatives would significantly contribute to making villages poverty-free. Extending New Year wishes to the nation, he reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working diligently towards its goals.

Between June and December 2024, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin achieved significant milestones. The scheme was extended for five years in August 2024, targeting the construction of 2 crore additional houses by 2029. Eligibility rules were revised to benefit more families and ensure housing for all. In September 2024, the Prime Minister launched the Awas Plus-2024 mobile app, followed by the Minister’s launch of the Awas Sakhi app in October. The scheme saw the highest-ever budget allocation of ₹54,500 crore for the financial year 2024-25.

From June to December 2024, 31.65 lakh houses were sanctioned under the scheme, with 4.19 lakh houses completed, including 71,000 under PM Janman. In January 2025, the focus will be on approving the pending 10 lakh houses from the 2024-25 target, with the first instalment to be disbursed to beneficiaries.

BI Bureau