MAY 17: In a landmark move to strengthen rural development and housing in Assam, Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, attended the virtual Grihapravesh ceremony of 55,000 newly constructed houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) in Guwahati today.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to transforming rural India through quality infrastructure and inclusive growth. Shri Chouhan praised Assam’s outstanding achievement in completing 20 lakh rural houses under PMAY-G, a feat that highlights the effective implementation of the scheme in the state. He also announced the sanctioning of an additional 3.76 lakh houses under PMAY-G for Assam for the current financial year.
The event also witnessed a significant step towards women’s empowerment in rural areas with the launch of the Lakhimi Mistri initiative — a program designed to train women in masonry under PMAY-G. The initiative not only aims to boost employment opportunities for rural women but also enhances their role in grassroots development. Safety kits were distributed to five women who will be part of the first training batch under this initiative.
Further, the Union Minister virtually inaugurated 21 Knowledge Centres across Assam, developed under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF). These centres will serve as vital hubs for agricultural information, training, and support, helping farmers make informed decisions and improving rural livelihoods.
During the ceremony, PMAY-G beneficiaries who had moved into their newly built homes were honored by the Minister, marking a moment of pride for the communities involved. Shri Chouhan also commended the efforts of the Assam government and appreciated the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma in driving rural development initiatives.
Chief Minister Sarma expressed gratitude to the central government for its continued support and reiterated the state’s dedication to empowering women, farmers, and rural populations through sustained development and livelihood programs.
The event was also attended by Assam Agriculture Minister Shri Atul Bora and Panchayat & Rural Development Minister Shri Ranjeet Kumar Dass, reflecting a unified commitment to rural progress.