Shivraj, Rajasthan CM Discuss Rural Development Plans

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma held a high-level meeting in New Delhi to strengthen collaboration for rural development and agricultural growth, with significant financial and policy support extended by the Centre.

Highlights:

• ₹4,384 crore released to Rajasthan under MGNREGA for FY 2025.
• Positive review of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) implementation in Rajasthan.
• Approval is in progress for constructing 7.46 lakh rural homes, including those under the PM-JANMAN scheme.
• Emphasis on ‘Per Drop More Crop’, rainwater harvesting, and fencing schemes.
• Proposal for agricultural supervisors at Gram Panchayat level.
• Focus on improving interstate agri-trade and branding of castor oil, peanut varieties.
• Encouraging monsoon performance likely to boost 2025 harvests.

Union Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Rural Development Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan met Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma today at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. The meeting focused on advancing rural and agricultural initiatives in Rajasthan. Senior officials including MoS Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Secretaries Devesh Chaturvedi and Shailesh Singh, ICAR DG Dr. M.L. Jat, and others were present.

Emphasizing the Centre’s dedication to rural welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the release of ₹4,384 crore to Rajasthan under MGNREGA for FY 2025. The allocation comprises ₹3,286 crore for wages, ₹944 crore for material costs, and ₹154 crore for administrative expenses. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma thanked the Union Minister for this crucial financial assistance.

A detailed review of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) showed notable progress in Rajasthan. Shri Chouhan appreciated the state’s efforts and assured that approval for constructing 7.46 lakh new homes, including those under the PM-JANMAN scheme, will be granted promptly once the ongoing survey verifications are completed.

On the agricultural front, discussions focused on improving irrigation efficiency through the ‘Per Drop More Crop’ scheme, rainwater harvesting infrastructure, and providing fencing to safeguard crops. Progress in the Bassi region of Jaipur was particularly noted.

Chief Minister Sharma proposed deploying agricultural supervisors at the Gram Panchayat level with Centre’s support, to enhance grassroots-level guidance and implementation.

Both leaders also discussed boosting interstate agricultural trade, promoting Rajasthan’s high-quality castor oil and peanut varieties, and strengthening the National Rural Livelihoods Mission.

CM Sharma concluded by sharing positive updates on the monsoon season, noting that excellent rainfall would likely translate into an improved harvest for 2025, bringing optimism to the state’s agrarian community.