CHENNAI: Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced on Tuesday that the Centre will construct 8,15,771 houses in Tamil Nadu under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) (PMAY-G) scheme.
The Minister made the announcement after participating in a high-level meeting with senior officials of the State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department at Guindy.
Chouhan said that out of the total houses to be built, 7,47,542 have been approved so far, and the first instalment has been released for the construction of 7,33,359 houses.
He added that 6,31,512 houses have been completed, and the Centre has proposed to build 1,42,059 houses in the State this year.
Meanwhile, the Minister emphasised the importance of strengthening Self Help Groups (SHGs) and facilitating connectivity of rural habitations with all-weather roads.
He also stressed the need for effective convergence of schemes and resources to maximise the impact of rural development initiatives.
Singh said that the Centre has provided all possible assistance to Tamil Nadu in every TN Rural Development Department scheme.
He added that public welfare schemes like Lakhpati Didi, PMAY-G, and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) are being effectively implemented in the State.
"We will leave no stone unturned in developing villages and changing rural India's image and destiny," he told reporters.
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department Additional Chief Secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi led TN officials at the meeting. The discussions also focused on implementing various Union government schemes in the State.
During the meeting, Bedi provided an overview of the various schemes and initiatives implemented by the State government in conjunction with the Union government.
The discussion centred on the progress made, challenges faced, and plans for rural development in the State.
The State Rural Development Department's Joint Secretary Rohini R Bhajibhakare was also present at the meeting.