SATARA — Union Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, launched a massive rural development package for Maharashtra on Friday, dedicating 5 lakh newly completed pucca houses to rural families under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).
Speaking at a state-level convention in Satara alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Chouhan rolled out critical financial funding, new connectivity projects, and crucial agricultural interventions for the state.
Key Highlights of the Central Package:
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Housing Infusion: The Centre released ₹8,368.50 crore as its central assistance share for Maharashtra’s PMAY-G scheme for FY 2026-27 to accelerate the state’s “homeless-free” rural mission.
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Road Infrastructure: Approved 35 rural road projects worth ₹122.98 crore under PMGSY-IV, spanning nearly 96 kilometers to connect 35 isolated habitations.
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Onion Procurement Lifeline: To shield distressed farmers from falling market prices, Chouhan announced that NAFED will immediately begin buying onions at ₹12.35 per kg.
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Vikit Bharat G-RAM-G Yojana: Announced the upcoming July 1 launch of a nationwide rural transformation scheme designed to empower Gram Panchayats to construct localized infrastructure blueprints.
Good Governance and Agri-Assurance
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis lauded the Centre’s support, noting that the state has successfully completed 5 lakh homes in record time under the Maha Awas Abhiyan. He emphasized that the state’s ultimate target is achieving zero homelessness while expanding solar power integration across rural households.
Addressing broader agricultural challenges, Minister Chouhan reassured the state’s sugarcane producers that the central and state ministries are actively coordinating to clear industrial bottlenecks and secure practical pricing solutions.
