Raipur: In a landmark event, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai released a coffee table book to commemorate two years since the approval of 18 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) during his first Cabinet meeting. The program also marked the launch of 10,000 livelihood ponds (Aajeevika Dabris) across the state, aimed at providing sustainable employment and enhancing rural development.
Distribution of Livelihood Ponds and Beneficiary Approvals
The ceremony held in Raipur included beneficiaries from the Janman Awas Yojana in Kawardha district and specially targeted projects for surrendered Maoists and families affected by Naxal violence in Narayanpur district. These beneficiaries were handed formal approval letters for the Aajeevika Dabris. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Principal Secretary of Panchayat & Rural Development Niharika Barik Singh, Director and Commissioner of PMAY (Gramin) Taran Prakash Sinha, and Secretary of Panchayat & Rural Development Department Bhim Singh.
Massive Progress in Rural Housing Construction
Since its launch in April 2016, PMAY (Gramin) in Chhattisgarh set a target of 26.27 lakh houses for 2016-2026. So far, 24.37 lakh houses have been approved, with 17.14 lakh completed. Under CM Vishnu Deo Sai’s leadership, nearly 8 lakh houses were constructed in just two years, setting a new record and demonstrating effective implementation of the scheme. The past six months saw an average of 2,000 houses completed per day, highlighting strong administrative efficiency and continuous monitoring.
Financial Support and Scheme Convergence
Each house under PMAY (Gramin) receives ₹1.20 lakh in financial assistance. The scheme is also integrated with other programs such as MGNREGA, which provides 90 days of wage employment, and Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), which contributes ₹12,000 for toilet construction. This convergence ensures beneficiaries receive comprehensive housing and livelihood support.
Livelihood Ponds Promote Sustainable Rural Development
The 10,000 Aajeevika Dabris under the ‘More Village-More Water’ campaign will be constructed on private lands of eligible beneficiaries, including PMAY (Gramin) recipients. These ponds aim to promote water conservation, irrigation, fisheries, duck farming, tree plantation, and other agro-based activities. The initiative will not only boost sustainable livelihoods but also increase rural household incomes.
Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Development
Through the integration of PMAY (Gramin) and MGNREGA, the Chhattisgarh government is achieving multiple objectives: rural development, housing security, employment generation, and water conservation. This initiative represents a major step toward inclusive and sustainable development in the state, providing long-term benefits to rural communities.
