Central Government’s Rural Development Initiatives in Tamil Nadu
Union Minister for Rural Development, Agriculture, and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, recently conducted a review of the rural development initiatives undertaken by the Central Government in Tamil Nadu. The meeting took place in Chennai, where the Minister emphasized the significance of Tamil Nadu as a historic and culturally rich state. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s commitment to the comprehensive development of Tamil Nadu, highlighting the Central Government’s support across various schemes aimed at enhancing rural welfare.
MGNREGA: Ensuring Employment for All
During the review, Minister Chouhan provided insights into the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme. He announced that the Central Government has disbursed a staggering ₹12,603 crores in wages to laborers in Tamil Nadu for the fiscal year 2023-24. This financial support aims to ensure that no worker remains unemployed and that everyone has access to work opportunities. So far this year, ₹7,220 crores have already been released under this scheme.
The MGNREGA program is crucial for rural employment, providing a safety net for laborers in times of economic uncertainty. The Minister’s commitment to this initiative reflects the government’s dedication to improving the livelihoods of rural communities. By ensuring that funds are allocated efficiently, the government aims to create sustainable job opportunities and enhance the quality of life for workers in Tamil Nadu.
Infrastructure Development: Roads and Bridges
Shri Chouhan also discussed significant infrastructure developments in Tamil Nadu under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The Central Government has allocated resources for the construction of 10,352 roads and 214 bridges in the state. Out of this, 9,681 roads have already been completed, along with 150 bridges. Currently, work is ongoing on 671 roads, with expectations for timely completion.
These infrastructure projects are vital for improving connectivity in rural areas. Better roads and bridges facilitate easier access to markets, healthcare, and education, ultimately contributing to the overall development of rural communities. The Minister’s assurance of continued support for these projects underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure in Tamil Nadu.
Housing Initiatives: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
Another key focus of the review was the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), aimed at providing affordable housing for the poor. Minister Chouhan stated that the target for Tamil Nadu is to construct 815,771 houses. So far, 747,542 houses have been approved, and the first installment for 733,359 houses has been released. Out of these, 631,512 houses have already been completed.
The government aims to ensure that every poor individual has access to a permanent home. This year, an additional 142,059 houses are proposed for the state, with plans to expedite construction to meet the needs of the poor. The Minister urged the Tamil Nadu government to accelerate the completion of remaining housing projects, emphasizing the importance of providing shelter to those in need.
Empowering Women: The Lakhpati Didi Initiative
In addition to housing and infrastructure, the Minister highlighted the Women Empowerment Scheme, which aims to provide livelihoods to women through self-help groups. This initiative is part of a broader mission to create two crore houses for the poor in rural areas and to develop three crore “Lakhpati Didis,” or women who earn over one lakh rupees annually.
Shri Chouhan expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Lakhpati Didi program in Tamil Nadu, noting that around 10 lakh women have achieved this financial milestone. By empowering women economically, the government aims to foster self-sufficiency and improve the overall socio-economic status of families in rural areas.
The review meeting led by Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan underscores the Central Government’s commitment to rural development in Tamil Nadu. Through various schemes and initiatives, the government aims to enhance employment, infrastructure, housing, and women’s empowerment, ultimately contributing to the holistic development of the state.
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