Centre Announces 3.65 Lakh Additional Houses; Sakti to Get Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bastar Housing Survey Extended Till October 31
Sakti/Raipur: A major rural development and welfare programme was held in Jetha, Sakti district, where Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai jointly facilitated the Griha Pravesh of 2 lakh families who have received newly constructed houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).
During the state-level programme, Chouhan also announced 3.65 lakh additional houses for Chhattisgarh. He further announced the establishment of a new Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Sakti and extended the housing survey deadline in the Bastar division to October 31, 2026, allowing more eligible families who were left out of the earlier survey to be identified.
Responding to Chief Minister Sai’s request for the extension, Chouhan said, “If Vishnu Deo asks, Shiv cannot say no,” emphasising the Centre’s commitment to supporting eligible beneficiaries.
Sakti to Get New Krishi Vigyan Kendra
Addressing a large gathering, Chouhan described Sakti as a region known for its religious, cultural and natural heritage.
He announced the new KVK in Sakti following requests from Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and local MP Kamlesh Jangde.
The proposed centre is expected to help farmers gain access to modern agricultural technologies, crop diversification, scientific advisory services and improved farming practices.
Bastar Housing Survey Extended Till October 31
Chouhan also announced an extension of the housing survey deadline in Bastar to ensure that eligible poor families who were missed earlier can be included.
He said development activities in areas affected by Left-Wing Extremism have gained momentum following the government’s efforts to curb Naxal violence.
According to Chouhan, areas that were earlier affected by violence are now witnessing increased development activity.
The extension of the housing survey was announced after Chief Minister Sai requested additional time for identifying eligible beneficiaries in Bastar. Chouhan said the Centre would ensure that no eligible poor family is deprived of a permanent house.
More Than 1,600 PMAY Houses Being Completed Every Day
Chouhan praised the implementation of rural development schemes in Chhattisgarh and said that more than 1,600 PMAY houses are being completed every day in the state.
He said the BJP government had fulfilled its commitment to provide permanent houses to poor families.
Referring to the previous state government, Chouhan alleged that housing construction for poor families had suffered despite approvals from the Centre because the required matching contribution was not provided.
He also referred to former Deputy Chief Minister T.S. Singh Deo’s resignation during the previous government in connection with the issue.
Chouhan said that after Vishnu Deo Sai took office, the state government’s first Cabinet meeting approved 18 lakh houses, which he described as a major step towards restoring the housing entitlement of poor families.
According to figures cited at the event, more than 11.50 lakh houses have been completed in Chhattisgarh over the past two-and-a-half years through joint efforts of the Centre and state government.
Chhattisgarh Emerging Beyond the “Rice Bowl”
Chouhan also highlighted the changing agricultural landscape of Chhattisgarh.
He said that while the state is traditionally known as the “Rice Bowl” of India, it is increasingly emerging as a major producer of vegetables, fruits and flowers as well.
During his visit, Chouhan appreciated products displayed by members of self-help groups, including jackets made from flax stalks and products made from Kosa and mulberry.
He praised the skills of rural women and said the pace of development in Chhattisgarh could help the state emerge as one of the country’s leading states.
Chouhan Appeals to People to Light Lamps on PM Modi’s Birthday
Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s welfare initiatives, Chouhan appealed to citizens to mark the Prime Minister’s birthday on September 17 by lighting lamps at their homes.
He referred to government initiatives including free foodgrain distribution, construction of permanent houses, household sanitation, tap-water connections and the campaign to create 3 crore Lakhpati Didis.
Chouhan appealed to beneficiaries and citizens to light lamps at 7 pm on September 17 and pray for the Prime Minister’s health, long life and the progress of the country.
Chouhan Criticises Opposition Politics
During his address, Chouhan also criticised the Congress and accused the opposition party of pursuing negative politics.
He said India was strengthening its position on global platforms such as BRICS, while alleging that some Congress leaders were criticising the country from abroad.
He also referred to Vande Mataram and said that opposition to the national song was disrespectful to the freedom fighters who had sacrificed their lives during the independence movement.
“Permanent House for Every Poor Family Is a Priority”: CM Sai
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai thanked Chouhan for his continued support to Chhattisgarh’s development initiatives.
Sai said the approval of 18 lakh houses in the first Cabinet meeting of his government reflected its commitment to providing permanent homes to poor families.
He also highlighted the achievements of women-centric welfare and livelihood programmes in the state.
According to figures shared by the Chief Minister, 13.85 lakh women have become Lakhpati Didis through the National Rural Livelihood Mission and the state’s Bihan programme.
He further said that more than ₹20,000 crore had been transferred to the accounts of around 70 lakh women under the Mahtari Vandan Yojana.
AI-Based Housing Verification and Other Rural Initiatives Launched
Several rural development initiatives were also launched during the programme.
These included the introduction of AI-based geo-tag verification for houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin and the Chief Minister’s Housing Scheme.
Other initiatives launched or unveiled included the ‘Dhar Apar’ and ‘Sugghar Bari’ campaigns under the Viksit Bharat-G RAM G initiative, the launch of 270 new Integrated Farming Clusters, and the incubation programme ‘Ath Udyamita Ki Or’.
Outstanding Lakhpati Didis and high-performing Gram Panchayats were also felicitated during the event.
Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Minister in charge Guru Khushwant Saheb, MP Kamlesh Jangde, Zila Panchayat President Draupadi Kirtan Chandra, along with a large number of public representatives, Panchayat officials and rural residents, attended the programme.
