Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited his parliamentary constituency Vidisha, holding a high-level DISHA meeting in Raisen to fast-track development. The meeting covered key rural concerns—from fake fertilisers and moong procurement to women’s empowerment and road connectivity.
Crackdown on Fake Fertilisers and Black Marketing
Shivraj Chouhan didn’t mince words when addressing fertiliser scams. “Selling fake fertiliser is a grave sin,” he said, directing officials to take strictest action against offenders. The Minister demanded detailed inspection reports and urged procurement centres to stay alert. With rising concerns over counterfeit fertilisers harming crops and farmer trust, this move aims to restore agricultural integrity.
Focus on Moong Procurement and Crop Health
Moong, a vital pulse crop, was also on the review agenda. The Minister instructed officials to ensure that farmers receive fair prices and that procurement centres operate efficiently. He also stressed that agriculture officers must visit fields regularly and advise on crop health. Use of internationally banned pesticides led to Basmati rice rejections, prompting Chouhan to call for greater farmer education on approved chemicals.
Push for Timely PM Awas Yojana Installments
While reviewing the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin), Shri Chouhan emphasized that beneficiaries must receive their installments on time. In Raisen, 27,981 houses have been sanctioned for 2024–25. Of these, 4,825 homes are complete and 23,156 are under construction. Chouhan insisted on zero tolerance for construction delays, with strict monitoring at the district level.
Lakhpati Didis Leading Women Empowerment
Under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, the concept of “Lakhpati Didis” continues to transform women’s lives. Raisen alone boasts 43,613 Lakhpati Didis—women who earn ₹1 lakh or more annually. Chouhan called for an action plan to support and expand this success. “More women must become financially independent,” he said, advocating for skill training, market linkage, and credit support.
Connecting Villages with Roads and Bridges
Reviewing rural connectivity under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, the Minister said every village must be linked to main roads. As per 2024–25 data, 30 roads (276.236 km) were approved—28 are already complete. Of 13 sanctioned bridges, 9 are finished. Chouhan reviewed progress on National Highway projects too, pushing for zero backlogs in critical infrastructure.
Jal Jeevan Mission and Water Infrastructure
Water access remains a key issue. Reviewing the Jal Jeevan Mission, the Minister reiterated that every home must have tap water. He reviewed pond and reservoir conditions and demanded speedy completion of ongoing water projects. “Water is life. No delays will be tolerated,” he said firmly.
Strengthening the Energy Infrastructure
Shri Chouhan also inspected updates from the Energy Department. Multiple electricity substations are under construction. He ordered swift action to ensure power reliability across the district. “Electricity is the backbone of rural progress,” he noted, stressing that pending work should be closed on war footing.
Public Welfare is the Core Mission
Throughout the meeting, Chouhan urged officials to stay grounded and people-centric. “Tour villages. Find out who’s still excluded. Ensure every eligible person gets their benefits,” he said. He demanded real-time updates and accountability across departments. From PM Awas to rural roads and women’s livelihoods, the message was clear—work fast, work clean, work for the people.
Conclusion: Raisen as a Model District
Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan aims to transform Raisen into a development model. With strict directions, cross-sector reviews, and a people-first approach, the DISHA committee meeting marked a new urgency. From empowering women through Lakhpati Didis to curbing the menace of fake fertilisers, the Minister is pushing for deep reforms. His visit signals not just governance—but action on the ground.
