Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, chaired a high-level meeting at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, to review the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The meeting focused on assessing nationwide implementation, identifying challenges, and strengthening action plans to accelerate rural connectivity and development.
Progress Updates and Challenges
Senior officials, including Rural Development Secretary Shri Shailesh Singh, briefed the Union Minister on state-wise achievements under PMGSY. While most regions are advancing smoothly, work in some hilly and disaster-affected areas has experienced temporary delays due to natural calamities.
Special Focus on Northeast and LWE-Affected Regions
The meeting emphasised expediting road construction in northeastern states and Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas, including Chhattisgarh. Shri Chouhan announced plans to chair a dedicated review meeting in the region, bringing together Chief Ministers and state representatives to coordinate rural development schemes like PMGSY, MGNREGA, Skill Development, and the National Rural Livelihood Mission.
PMGSY’s Transformative Impact
Shri Chouhan highlighted PMGSY’s role in transforming rural India over 25 years. “This scheme has changed both the condition and direction of our villages. Completing 25 years is a remarkable achievement,” he said. Plans are underway to celebrate the milestone nationwide and release a comprehensive report documenting the scheme’s successes.
Commitment to Quality and Timely Completion
The Union Minister directed officials to maintain high-quality standards in all road construction projects and ensure timely completion. He stressed that durable roads are crucial for inclusive rural growth and play a key role in eliminating extremism by improving accessibility and connectivity in remote regions.
