Chhattisgarh’s rural housing pace a national role model; ‘Mor Gaon Mor Pani’ campaign strengthens water conservation
Raipur (Economy India): Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday said the Central government’s primary objective is to create employment-oriented and self-reliant Gram Panchayats, with accelerated rural development through enhanced budgetary support and mission-driven implementation.
Reviewing the performance of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department of Chhattisgarh, the Minister said the implementation of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood – Rural Mission will significantly boost development momentum in villages.
“Employment generation and self-reliant village panchayats are the core goals of our government. To achieve this, we have provided nearly one-and-a-half times higher budgetary approval, ensuring faster and more effective execution at the grassroots level,” Chouhan said.
Employment-Driven, Self-Reliant Village Panchayats Are Our Goal: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Chhattisgarh Emerges as National Benchmark in Rural Housing
Praising the state’s performance, Chouhan described Chhattisgarh’s rural housing construction pace as a role model for other states.
He highlighted the success of large-scale housing delivery under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), stating that timely completion and quality execution have placed the state among the top performers nationally.
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“The speed and scale at which houses are being constructed in Chhattisgarh set an example for the entire country,” the Minister noted.
‘Mor Gaon Mor Pani’ Campaign Boosts Water Conservation
Chouhan also lauded the state’s flagship ‘Mor Gaon Mor Pani’ Maha Abhiyan, calling it a significant contributor to water conservation and groundwater recharge in rural areas.
He said integrating water conservation measures with housing and livelihood schemes reflects a holistic approach to rural sustainability.
Focus on Women Empowerment and Timely Wage Payments
The Union Minister directed state officials to expand the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, urging them to connect more women to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to strengthen financial independence.
Key directives included:
Expanding SHG networks under NRLM-Bihan
Ensuring zero pendency in wage payments under MGNREGA
Enhancing skill training and entrepreneurship support for rural women
“Women’s economic empowerment is central to rural transformation. Wage payments must never be delayed under any circumstances,” Chouhan emphasised.
Special Strategy Planned for Bastar’s Pending Projects
Addressing regional disparities, Chouhan instructed senior officials to prepare a special development strategy for Bastar division, where several infrastructure and rural projects remain pending.
“Bastar remained deprived of development for decades. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, we are committed to ensuring its comprehensive and inclusive development,” he said.
Detailed Review of Key Rural Development Schemes
During the review meeting held at Mahanadi Bhawan, Raipur, the Union Minister conducted an in-depth assessment of major schemes, including:
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
Chhattisgarh State Rural Livelihood Mission (BIHAN)
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
PM-JANMAN
RCPLWEA (Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas)
He also directed officials to expedite recruitment for vacant posts under NRLM to improve on-ground implementation capacity.
Over 17.6 Lakh Rural Houses Completed, 8.41 Lakh in Two Years
Officials informed the Minister that:
24.58 lakh houses have been approved under PMAY-G in Chhattisgarh
17.60 lakh houses have already been completed
Under PM-JANMAN, 18,373 houses completed out of 33,246 sanctioned
3,416 houses sanctioned under special projects for surrendered Naxals
8.41 lakh houses completed within just two years of the current government, the highest in the country
Additionally:
Over 8,000 women have become Lakhpati Didis
More than 5,000 masons trained statewide
Rainwater harvesting systems installed in over 1.5 lakh houses
Officials also showcased innovations such as QR code-based monitoring, Didi ke Goth, and Chhattis Kala initiatives.
High-Level Participation in Review Meeting
The meeting was attended by:
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma
Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam
Chief Secretary Vikasheel
Principal Secretary to CM Subodh Kumar Singh
Panchayat & Rural Development Secretary Niharika Barik Singh
PWD Secretary Dr Kamalpreet Singh
Senior officials from New Delhi and the state administration
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