Bhopal, May 10 (IANS) Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, announced a massive package of development projects in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday, marking the “Silver Jubilee celebrations” of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Bherunda, Sehore district.

The state received approvals worth Rs 1,763 crore under PMGSY-IV for rural roads, Rs 261.81 crore under PM-JANMAN projects, and Rs 2,055 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).

These announcements were made in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and other dignitaries, indicating a strong push for rural infrastructure and housing development.

Shivraj Chouhan emphasised that roads are gateways to prosperity, education, healthcare and markets, and assured that all eligible roads in Madhya Pradesh meeting PMGSY criteria would be sanctioned.

He highlighted that 973 roads covering 2,117 km will be built under PMGSY-IV, benefiting nearly 987 habitations.

In Vidisha alone, 259 roads spanning 600 km have been approved, with projects worth over Rs 500 crore earmarked for the constituency.

Under PM-JANMAN, 384 km of roads will be constructed, benefiting 168 habitations.

He also noted that Madhya Pradesh has been allocated Rs 830 crore out of the national PMGSY budget for 2026-27.

Handing over the sanction of Rs 2,055 crore under PMAY-G to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Union Minister Chouhan assured that every poor family would be provided with a permanent house after physical verification.

He also stressed the empowerment of women through the Lakhpati Didi campaign, promising to accelerate self-help group initiatives.

Addressing farmers, he pledged that no eligible farmer would face injustice in wheat procurement and assured resolution of pending verification issues.

The event carried a political undertone as Shivraj Chouhan praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and criticised the Congress for neglecting rural development in the past.

He contrasted the dilapidated roads of earlier times with Madhya Pradesh’s current status as a leader in rural road construction.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav lauded Shivraj Chouhan’s efforts and reiterated the state government’s commitment to fulfilling public demands in coordination with the Union government.

–IANS

sktr/pgh