Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Guwahati: Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan pledged full financial and resource support to Assam to boost the state's agriculture sector and rural development. During a meeting in New Delhi on June 2, Chouhan and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reviewed the progress of several central initiatives and explored ways to improve regional infrastructure.
Chouhan emphasized that the central government remains committed to ensuring the success of flagship programs. These include the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Rural Development Secretary Rohit Kansal confirmed that previous technical issues hindering these projects have been resolved and funds have been allocated based on the state government's specific needs.
Kansal also noted that the new Vikas Bharat-Rozgar Evam Aajeevika Mission will replace MGNREGA nationwide starting July 1 to better support rural livelihoods. To modernize local farming, Chouhan provided a specialized Agriculture Action Plan designed to match Assam's unique soil and climate, alongside reviews of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and various mechanization projects.
The officials praised Assam for its success with the Lakhpati Didi initiative, which has surpassed its target by empowering over nine lakh women. Looking ahead, the Centre and state plan to partner with incubators at Assam Agricultural University to provide training and market access to further support these women-led enterprises.
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