Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai Meets Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to Discuss Rural Development
On Monday, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met with Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi to discuss various issues related to agriculture and rural development in the state.
Key Issues Discussed
The meeting, held at Krishi Bhawan, focused on several key topics:
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: CM Sai highlighted that 15.18 lakh families in Chhattisgarh have not received housing approval, with 6.99 lakh on the permanent waiting list and 8.19 lakh included in the Awas Plus scheme. He attributed this to the previous government’s failure to release the state’s share of the scheme.
- Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana: Sai emphasized the need for improved road connectivity in tribal areas and requested the inclusion of remaining tribal areas and the construction of 426 bridges.
- Exemption from Aadhaar-based Payment System (ABPS): Due to lack of internet and banking facilities in naxal-affected areas, Sai requested exemptions from ABPS under MGNREGA until March 31, 2025, and the allowance of cash payments.
- Millet Crop Production: Sai stressed the importance of increasing the production of millet crops like Kodo, Kutki, and Ragi, which are nutritious and staple foods in tribal areas.
Assurances from the Union Minister
Union Minister Chouhan assured CM Sai that the Centre would provide necessary assistance and take positive steps on the proposals discussed. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Secretary to the Chief Minister P Dayanand, Principal Secretary of Panchayat and Rural Development Department Niharika Barik, Director of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Rajat Bansal, and senior officers of the Central Government.
Doubts Revealed
Chhattisgarh -: Chhattisgarh is a state in central India. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural resources.
CM -: CM stands for Chief Minister. The Chief Minister is the head of the government in a state in India.
Vishnu Deo Sai -: Vishnu Deo Sai is the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. He is responsible for the administration of the state.
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a member of the central government in India. They are responsible for specific departments like agriculture or education.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan -: Shivraj Singh Chouhan is the Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister. He works on improving farming and village life in India.
Rural Development -: Rural Development means improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people living in rural areas, or villages.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana -: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana is a government scheme in India that aims to provide affordable housing to the poor.
Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana -: Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana is a government program to build good roads in rural areas, making it easier for people to travel.
Aadhaar-based payments -: Aadhaar-based payments use a unique identification number called Aadhaar to make transactions. It helps in direct transfer of money to people.
Naxal-affected areas -: Naxal-affected areas are regions in India where there are groups of people called Naxalites who sometimes fight against the government.
Millet crop production -: Millet crop production refers to growing millet, a type of grain that is very nutritious and can grow in dry areas.
