RAIPUR/NEW DELHI: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Mondaymet Union Agriculture and Rural Development minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan and discussed in detail issues related to agriculture and rural development mainly Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana in Naxal affected areas of Chhattisgarh, exemption from the Aadhar-based payment system (ABPS) for Naxal-affected regions under MGNREGA.

The Chief Minister briefed the Union Minister that 15.18 lakh families in the state have not yet received housing approval under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Of these, 6.99 lakh families are on the permanent waiting list and 8.19 lakh families are included in the Awas Plus scheme. He highlighted that the problem persisted due to non-receipt of the state’s share for the scheme in the past five years. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma was also present.

He underlined the need for rehabilitation of surrendered Naxals and affected families in Naxal-affected areas. Sai urged for inclusion of 10,500 new eligible families in the PMAY. He also demanded approval of housing construction to the Panchayats in Naxal-affected areas.

.Sai urged for exemption in Aadhaar Based Payment System (ABPS) under MNREGA scheme till March 31, 2025, as there is lack of internet facility and other problems in remote and Naxal-affected areas.

He highlighted the need to improve road connectivity in tribal areas where many settlements are not connected by all-weather roads including all-weather bridges

The chief minister also emphasized on increasing the production of millet crops like Kodo, Kutki, and Ragi. The union minister assured to take positive steps soon on the agriculture and rural development proposals.