NEW DELHI, 18 March 2026: Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, highlighted the government’s efforts to uplift rural India, empower women, and drive inclusive growth under the leadership of Narendra Modi.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Chouhan emphasized that India is witnessing the emergence of a new development model focused on the poor, villages, and women-led prosperity, including the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative.

Focus on Rural Employment and ‘Viksit Bharat – G RAM G’

Describing Viksit Bharat – G RAM G as an upgraded version of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Chouhan said the scheme ensures:

• 125 days of guaranteed employment (up from 100 days)

• Improved wages and unemployment allowance

• Legal safeguards, including interest payments for delayed wages

The government has allocated a record ₹95,692 crore for the scheme, reflecting its priority in strengthening rural livelihoods.

Broad-Based Support Across States

Chouhan noted that multiple states—including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal—have made budgetary provisions for the scheme, indicating nationwide acceptance across political lines.

Flagship Schemes Driving Inclusive Growth

Highlighting the government’s pro-poor initiatives, Chouhan listed key programmes contributing to rural transformation:

• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Construction of pucca houses

• Ayushman Bharat – Health cover up to ₹5 lakh

• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana – LPG connections for households

• Har Ghar Jal – Tap water access

• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana – Over 52 crore loans disbursed

• PM Kisan Samman Nidhi – Direct income support to farmers

He added that over 80 crore people are benefiting from free ration schemes, reinforcing food security.

Women Empowerment Through ‘Lakhpati Didi’

Chouhan placed strong emphasis on women-led development through the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, which promotes financial independence via self-help groups and entrepreneurship.

He highlighted innovative roles for women, including:

• ‘Drone Didi’

• ‘Krishi Sakhi’

• ‘Bank Sakhi’

• ‘Pashu Sakhi’

The government has set an ambitious target of creating 6 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’, aiming to eliminate poverty among women and expand their role from households to leadership positions.

Response on MGNREGA Funds in West Bengal

Addressing concerns regarding fund allocation under MGNREGA in West Bengal, Chouhan stated that the pause in funding was due to administrative and legal irregularities, not political reasons.

He cited issues such as:

• Fake job cards and muster rolls

• Contractor-driven work and use of machines

• Financial irregularities and delayed compliance

He clarified that funding for other schemes, including rural roads and housing, continues to flow to the state.

India’s Rising Global Standing

Chouhan also highlighted India’s growing global influence, noting that international developments—from energy crises to geopolitical conflicts—are increasingly factoring in India’s interests.

He expressed confidence that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India is firmly on the path toward becoming a prosperous, self-reliant, and developed nation (Viksit Bharat).

Outlook

The minister concluded that the combined impact of rural employment schemes, social welfare programmes, and women-led initiatives is reshaping India’s socio-economic landscape, driving inclusive and sustainable development across the country.