Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today stressed that the dream of a prosperous and developed India cannot be realised unless villages become prosperous, self-reliant and developed.
Addressing the concluding session of the two-day National Rural Development Conference in New Delhi, Mr Chouhan said that villages are not merely beneficiaries but the driving force of development.
The Minister noted that every investment in villages ultimately contributes to India’s long-term economic growth, social progress and national prosperity. He said that states must ensure the timely release of their financial share to avoid delays in projects and payments.
Emphasising on the need to fill vacant posts related to rural development at the earliest, Mr Chouhan pointed out that prolonged vacancies weaken implementation capacity.
He laid particular emphasis on providing land to landless beneficiaries eligible under the rural housing scheme and directed that all pending housing cases be resolved expeditiously.
Mr Chouhan also informed that the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission scheme will be implemented across the country from 1st of next month.
Urging state governments to complete all required procedural formalities without delay, the Minister said that timely compliance would ensure smooth rollout of the scheme and uninterrupted delivery of its benefits to rural households across the country.
