DURG,INDIA: Union Agriculture Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday lauded the 'double engine government' led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in Chhattisgarh for its unwavering dedication to transforming the state's future.

Addressing the 'Mor Awas Mor Adhikar' (My Home, My Right) program in Nagpura, Durg district, Chouhan highlighted key achievements and initiatives aimed at uplifting rural communities and promoting sustainable development.

Chouhan announced the approval of 3,03,384 new houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for Chhattisgarh, adding to the already sanctioned 8,47,000 houses. He emphasized that the Central Government's revised eligibility criteria—raising the income limit to ₹15,000 and including families with small landholdings—ensures broader inclusion. Beneficiaries can now participate actively in the application and survey processes.

Highlighting the strides in agriculture under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, Chouhan stressed efforts to enhance crop production, reduce farming costs and diversify crops. He also mentioned the release of new paddy varieties and the empowerment of women through the Lakhpati Didi scheme, invigorating the rural economy.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai reflected on the government's progress in its first year, underscoring significant milestones like, approval of 18 lakh houses within a day of assuming office, fulfillment of promises like transferring a two-year paddy bonus to 13 lakh farmers, record-breaking procurement of 145 lakh metric tonnes of paddy at ₹3,100 per quintal, rransfer of ₹49,000 crores to farmers' accounts, marking a historical achievement in agriculture.

Sai emphasized streamlined housing initiatives through GIS mapping and the GRIHA portal. Self-help groups under the Lakhpati Didi program have been tasked with supplying construction materials, empowering women while expediting housing projects. Additional measures include discount coupons for affordable construction materials, a toll-free helpline for grievance redressal, and construction of 15,000 houses for surrendered Maoists and Naxal-affected families.

The government also focuses on connecting rural areas via 2449 km of road projects and implementing the PM Janman Yojana for special backward tribes, he added.

The event saw the distribution of materials to rural mason trainees and honors to Panchayats and voluntary organizations excelling in their efforts. Beneficiaries received rights records under the Ownership Scheme, sanitation kits, and incentives for individual toilet construction. Drone Didis and Lakhpati Didis were recognized for their contributions with citations.

Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma expressed gratitude for the Central and State Governments' coordination, driving progress in housing, rural connectivity, and sanitation.