Kolkata: Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a series of major development initiatives for West Bengal, focusing on infrastructure, rural development, agriculture, housing, and women empowerment.
During his visit to Kolkata, Chouhan held a high-level review meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, state ministers, and senior officials from both the central and state governments.
Addressing a joint press conference after the meeting, the Union Minister said that the vision of a developed India cannot be achieved without a developed West Bengal. He highlighted several key decisions aimed at accelerating economic growth and improving the lives of people across the state.
₹82,000 Crore Infrastructure Projects to Get Faster Implementation
Shivraj Singh Chouhan reviewed 19 major infrastructure projects worth more than ₹82,000 crore during the meeting.
The projects cover important sectors, including:
- Roads and highways.
- Railways.
- Metro projects.
- Petroleum and natural gas.
- Coal sector.
- Labour-related infrastructure.
The Union Minister said that concerned agencies have been directed to resolve pending issues related to:
- Land acquisition.
- Rehabilitation and resettlement.
- Forest approvals.
- Right of way (RoW) clearances.
- Other project-related challenges.
He also suggested the formation of a State-level Project Monitoring Group (State PMG) in West Bengal to ensure timely completion of important projects.
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₹8,508 Crore Rural Development Package to Boost Employment
The Union Minister announced that more than ₹8,508 crore has been approved for rural development activities in West Bengal.
Including the state’s contribution, the total available resources will exceed ₹12,064 crore.
Chouhan said the focus will now move beyond providing only 100 days of employment, with a target of ensuring 125 days of employment opportunities.
Under the VB-G RAM G Act 2025, special emphasis will be placed on:
- Rural employment generation.
- Livelihood improvement.
- Creation of sustainable rural assets.
1 Lakh Houses Approved Under PM Awas Yojana (Gramin)
Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that one lakh houses have received interim approval under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) for West Bengal.
Due to delays in beneficiary surveys caused by heavy rainfall, the deadline for completing the survey has been extended until August 15.
Officials have been instructed to speed up:
- Beneficiary surveys.
- Physical verification processes.
- Allocation of houses to eligible families.
The move aims to ensure faster delivery of housing benefits to rural households.
₹295 Crore Support for Women Self-Help Groups
The Union Minister announced financial support of ₹295 crore for women self-help groups (SHGs) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana.
The financial assistance includes:
- ₹245 crore as bank loans.
- ₹50 crore as Community Investment Fund.
The initiative aims to strengthen rural women entrepreneurs by supporting activities such as:
- Production.
- Processing.
- Value addition.
- Marketing.
Malda Clean Plant Programme and Seed Hub Initiative
Chouhan highlighted several agriculture-focused initiatives to improve farming and strengthen value chains in West Bengal.
Under the Clean Plant Programme, Malda will be developed for producing disease-free planting material for crops such as:
- Mango.
- Litchi.
- Other fruit varieties.
Financial assistance will be provided for nurseries, including:
- Up to ₹3 crore for large nurseries.
- Up to ₹1.5 crore for medium-sized nurseries.
The Union Minister also said that efforts are underway to make West Bengal an Eastern India Seed Hub through agreements for seed production of:
- Potato.
- Hybrid maize.
- Other major crops.
Additionally, value chain projects related to rice, maize, and orchids have also been approved.
Scientific Agriculture Roadmap to Promote Research and Innovation
The Union Minister said that a scientific agriculture roadmap for West Bengal is being prepared with support from:
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- State agricultural universities.
The roadmap will focus on crop planning based on:
- Local climate conditions.
- Soil quality.
- Available resources.
The government is also working towards developing rice research centres into Centres of Excellence to promote agricultural innovation.
Special Campaign for Crop Insurance and Kisan Credit Cards
Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced plans to expand farmer welfare schemes across West Bengal.
Key initiatives include:
- Connecting more farmers with the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
- Conducting village-level campaigns for expanding Kisan Credit Card (KCC) coverage.
- Collaboration with NABARD and banks for farmer support.
The government will also accelerate implementation of schemes including:
- National Mission on Natural Farming.
- PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana.
- Digital AgriTech initiatives.
Centre and State to Work Together for West Bengal’s Growth
Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will work closely with the West Bengal government for the state’s overall development.
He expressed confidence that these infrastructure projects, agricultural initiatives, and welfare schemes will help West Bengal achieve new milestones in economic growth and development.
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