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Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan participates in 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' event in Jammu
Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has said that the Government will make farmers self-reliant and transform the agricultural landscape of India. The minister was addressing a convention of farmers organised under the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' (VKSA) at R. S. Pura, Jammu, on Friday. He was accompanied by the Union Minister of State, Science and Technology, MoS PMO, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh. The Union Minister paid homage to the brave soldiers stationed at the border areas and lauded the enduring resilience of farmers living under the constant shadow of cross-border threats. The Minister emphasised the government's dedication to national security and agricultural prosperity. The Minister upheld the valour of Indian soldiers and recognised the significance of Operation Sindoor, during which calculated strikes were conducted on terror infrastructure across the border. 'It was a necessary step; Pakistan's attempts to infiltrate with drones and missiles were dealt with decisively. This is a tribute to the strength of our armed forces and the will of the Indian people,' he said. The Minister highlighted the vital role of farmers living in border regions, describing them as the second line of defence. Terming the courage of farmers as unmatched, he said that despite facing constant danger, farmers continue to cultivate the land and feed the nation. He assured the local farming community that their concerns, particularly regarding land rights, security infrastructure, and access to government schemes, have been heard. 'The demand for more bunkers in vulnerable areas will be strongly raised in New Delhi. Your safety is our priority,' he affirmed. Underlining the government's vision of Viksit Bharat, he said that there can be no Viksit Bharat without Viksit Krishi, highlighting that the agricultural production has reached an all-time high this year, thanks to the hard work of the farmers and scientists. As part of an ongoing agricultural transformation, he revealed that research scientists will now visit villages, address farmers' queries, and provide hands-on guidance to tackle crop diseases and boost productivity. 'Maintain close contact with these scientists. They are your partners in progress,' he urged. The Minister thanked the Prime Minister, the state government, and the farmers of Jammu for their efforts and cooperation. He reiterated his mission to elevate the agriculture sector to new heights, ensuring that Jammu & Kashmir becomes a model agri-region for the nation. He said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the government has taken a resolve to transform the agriculture sector by incorporating the latest trends, technologies and modern research. Chouhan emphasised that his life is devoted to serving farmers, increasing agricultural output, lowering production costs and protecting the nation's food supply. He highlighted that a balanced use of fertilisers, a deep understanding of local conditions and access to high-quality seeds are key factors that can significantly boost the productivity of farmers. He said that the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ministry, State Agriculture Ministry, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Krishi Vigyan Kendra and all agricultural institutes should work together as a team to realise this goal. Terming the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan as a result-driven initiative, he expressed confidence that its benefits, including higher crop yields and reduced input costs, would be evident as early as the upcoming Kharif season.
India Gazette
18-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan sanctions 3.76 lakh additional houses under PMAY-G for Assam
Guwahati (Assam) [India], May 18 (ANI): In a significant milestone for rural development in Assam, Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan along with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the virtual Grihapravesh ceremony of 55,000 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G) in Guwahati. The ceremony was held on Saturday where the Union Minister announced the sanctioning of 3.76 lakh more houses under PMAY-G for the current financial year. It may be noted that besides the Grihapravesh ceremony, the Union Minister along with the Assam Chief Minister launched 'Lakhimi Mistri'- women mason initiative under PMAY-G where in women beneficiaries will be trained to master the art of masonry to construct PMAY-G houses. They also distributed safety kits to the women beneficiaries. The day also marked the inauguration of 21 knowledge centres across the state, and the launch of e-POS system for fertiliser purchases and distribution of Asomi seeds to the beneficiaries. Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the government's commitment to enhancing rural infrastructure and improving the quality of life for marginalized and underprivileged communities. The Union Minister praised Assam's remarkable achievement of completing 20 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G). As part of the event, PMAY-G beneficiaries who have successfully completed and moved into their new homes were felicitated by the minister. In a landmark step towards empowerment of rural women, Chouhan also launched the Lakhimi Mistri - a Women Mason initiative under PMAY-G, aimed at equipping women with essential masonry skills to enhance employment opportunities. To commemorate the launch, safety kits were distributed to five women who will be trained under Lakhimi Mistri initiative. On this occasion Union Minister Chouhan virtually inaugurated 21 Knowledge Centres across Assam under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF). These Centres have been established with the objective of strengthening rural agricultural infrastructure and empowering farmers with timely access to resources and information. Chouhan lauded the efforts of the Assam government and congratulated Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his leadership in ensuring effective implementation of rural housing and development initiatives. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma said that for putting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of providing pucca houses to all in practice, State government has been taking all steps for the successful implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Grameen) in the state. 'In a historic move last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated 5,55,555 houses under PMAY (G) to the use of the people of Assam. In the month of July 2023, the State government distributed 3,08,640 houses on a single day to the eligible beneficiaries. Moreover, in the month of September last year, synchronizing with roll out of the PMAY-G 2.0, allotment letters were distributed to 1,71,593 new beneficiaries. In the month of January this year in presence of Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the government gave 50,000 houses to the eligible beneficiaries. Continuing the tempo, another 55,000 beneficiaries have been endowed with the gifts of pucca houses today under PMAY-G in Assam,' the Chief Minister said. CM Sarma moreover said that under PMAY-G scheme, since 2016, Assam received a target of building 26,11,793 houses. 'Out of these, till May 15, allotment of 25,73,325 houses have been given. Out of the total allotted houses, construction of 20,13,478 houses have already been completed. Efforts have been made to ensure that all eligible families become entitled to pucca houses and as per Awaas Plus Survey, all eligible families will be brought under PMAY-G scheme,' the Assam Chief Minister said. He also said that the distribution of 55,000 houses today would be considered historic as the launch of Lakhimi Mistri initiative constitutes an important part of PMAY-G houses. 'This initiative along with empowering the women folks will help them to become self-reliant. Moreover, this initiative will help in creating a skilled pool of work forces in the state,' he said. Chief Minister Sarma also thanked Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for approving a target of 3,76,075 houses for Assam during financial year 2025-26 under PMAY-G from the final Awaas Plus 2018 survey list. Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass, Agriculture Minister Atul Bora, MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi, Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota, Commissioner and Secretary Agriculture Department Aruna Rajoria, Commissioner P&RD J. Keerthi and host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion. (ANI)
