Agartala: Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Wednesday praised the Tripura government for what he termed exemplary implementation of rural development schemes, saying the state has emerged as a leading performer in rural governance.
Addressing the first conference of elected representatives organised to mark the enactment of the VBGRAMG scheme, Chouhan said Tripura has achieved 99 per cent of its target under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
“Out of the target of 3,76,913 houses, the state has completed construction of 3,73,828 dwellings. No other state has come so close to achieving its target,” he said.
The minister added that a fresh survey had identified 2.55 lakh unsafe houses. Subsequent physical verification indicated that nearly two lakh additional houses are required. “These houses will be sanctioned for Tripura soon,” he assured.
Chouhan further said proposals under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to connect 109 villages in the state are in the final stages of approval.
On the agriculture front, he announced that a team of experts — including scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and senior ministry officials, will visit Tripura to prepare a comprehensive development roadmap for the sector. The team will conduct soil testing, assess agro-climatic conditions and evaluate water resources before submitting its recommendations.
He also announced an additional allocation of Rs 60 crore under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and Rs 4 crore under the Dalhan Mission.
Highlighting the VBGRAMG Act, Chouhan said the legislation guarantees 125 days of employment and aims to enhance transparency and accountability in rural job schemes. He added that over Rs 2 lakh crore has been earmarked nationwide under various rural development programmes.