Kolkata: Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday announced major measures for workers and rural development in West Bengal, including 50 additional days of employment during natural disasters under the 125-day employment programme.
The announcement was made after a high-level review meeting at the state secretariat in Kolkata with West Bengal Chief Minister, ministers and senior officials. Chouhan said the Centre is committed to accelerating rural development, strengthening agriculture, improving infrastructure and ensuring better livelihood opportunities for people in the state.
50 Additional Employment Days Approved During Natural Disasters
Addressing the media after the meeting, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that under the 125-day employment programme (Viksit Bharat Gram Rajya Yojana law), workers will receive additional employment support during situations caused by natural calamities.
He said that if work is affected due to floods, heavy rainfall or other disasters, eligible workers will be provided 50 extra days of employment to support their livelihoods.
The move aims to provide financial security to rural workers during difficult periods and ensure continuous employment opportunities.
Daily Wages Fixed at ₹300 to ₹600 for Workers
The Union Minister announced revised wage structures under the employment programme.
The daily wages will be:
- Unskilled workers: ₹300 per day
- Semi-skilled workers: ₹450 per day
- Skilled workers: ₹600 per day
Chouhan said the government has already identified around 2.56 crore job card holders in West Bengal under the scheme.
He added that applications for new job cards will also be processed soon to expand employment coverage.
One Lakh Houses Approved Under PM Awas Yojana in Bengal
A major announcement from the meeting was the approval of one lakh new houses for poor families in West Bengal under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin.
The deadline for preparing the list of beneficiaries has been extended from July 20 to August 15 due to heavy rainfall and difficulties in verification during the monsoon season.
The extension will allow officials to complete the beneficiary identification process smoothly.
₹1,000 Crore Released for Rural Roads Under PM Gram Sadak Yojana
The Centre has approved the construction of 2,400 kilometres of rural roads in West Bengal under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
In the first phase, the government has sanctioned ₹1,000 crore for improving rural connectivity.
The project is expected to strengthen transportation networks, improve access to markets and boost economic activities in villages.
Centre and Bengal Discuss Rural Development, Agriculture and Infrastructure Plans
The high-level meeting between Shivraj Singh Chouhan and state representatives focused on several important sectors, including:
- Rural housing
- Employment generation
- Agriculture development
- Rural roads
- Women self-help groups
- Infrastructure expansion
West Bengal ministers and senior officials participated in the meeting, including representatives from the Panchayat and Rural Development, Agriculture and other departments.
Four New Soil Testing Centres to Boost Agricultural Productivity
To strengthen agricultural self-reliance, the Centre announced plans to establish four new soil testing and research centres in West Bengal.
The government will also promote local production of:
- Potato seeds
- Jute seeds
The initiative aims to reduce dependence on other states and improve agricultural productivity.
ICAR Projects Approved for Mango, Fruit and Rice Research
The meeting also approved important agricultural research initiatives.
Key projects include:
- A ₹100 crore ICAR project in Malda for mango and other fruit development
- An advanced rice research centre in Chinsurah
- Support to make West Bengal a major seed production hub in eastern India
Chouhan said the Centre will provide all possible support to strengthen agricultural research and increase farmers’ income.
Focus on PM Kisan, Horticulture and Special Agriculture Schemes
During the meeting, discussions were held on expanding agricultural support schemes and promoting high-value crops.
The government discussed:
- Expansion of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme
- Connecting Darjeeling, Alipurduar, Birbhum and Purulia districts with the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Yojana
- Promotion of maize, makhana, litchi, flowers and betel leaf cultivation
These initiatives aim to diversify agriculture and create new income opportunities for farmers.
Women Self-Help Groups and Lakhpati Didi Campaign to Get Boost
The Centre also announced measures to strengthen women-led rural development programmes.
Special focus will be given to:
- Empowering 80 lakh women associated with self-help groups
- Expanding the Lakhpati Didi campaign
- Creating more livelihood opportunities for rural women
The initiatives aim to increase women’s participation in the rural economy.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan Accuses Previous TMC Government of Corruption
During his interaction with the media, Shivraj Singh Chouhan accused the previous Trinamool Congress government of corruption, claiming that funds provided by the Centre for development schemes did not always reach intended beneficiaries.
He said the development of West Bengal is important for the overall progress of India.
According to Chouhan, the vision of a developed and self-reliant India cannot be achieved without a developed West Bengal.
Bengal Government Promises Faster Implementation of Schemes
After the meeting, the state government said it will work in coordination with the Centre to ensure faster implementation of approved schemes.
Chief Minister’s representatives said the focus will remain on delivering benefits directly to people, strengthening rural infrastructure and improving economic opportunities.
Centre Aims to Boost Bengal’s Rural Economy and Agriculture Growth
Shivraj Singh Chouhan said better coordination between the Centre and state government will give a new push to West Bengal’s rural development, agriculture sector and infrastructure growth.
He expressed confidence that these initiatives will:
- Strengthen the rural economy
- Increase farmers’ income
- Improve employment opportunities
- Support agricultural innovation
- Begin a new phase of agricultural growth in Bengal
The announcements mark a major push towards improving livelihoods, infrastructure and economic development across rural West Bengal.
Read also: West Bengal Rolls Out ₹313 Crore Welfare Push for Tea Garden Workers Under PMCSY
