Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Marks Griha Pravesh of 5 Lakh Rural Homes in Maharashtra

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today inaugurated the Griha Pravesh ceremony of 5 lakh completed rural houses, handed over house keys to 5 beneficiaries, and announced several important decisions that will give a new impetus to rural development in Maharashtra at the “Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) Beneficiary Conference and Maha Awas Abhiyaan State Level Award Distribution Ceremony” held at the Sainik School Ground in Satara, Maharashtra. Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Shri Jaykumar Gore, Tourism, Mining and Ex-Servicemen Welfare Minister and Minister-in-Charge of Satara, Shri Shambhuraj Desai, Public Works Minister Shri Shivendrasinh Bhosale, Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Shri Makarand Jadhav (Patil), Minister of State for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Shri Yogesh Kadam and local MP, Shrimant Chhatrapati Udayanraje Bhosale were present on the occasion.

In his address, Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the central government has a clear resolve that no poor person in the country should live in a kutcha house and every eligible family should get a respectable pucca roof. He said that Maharashtra has done remarkable work in the implementation of PMAY-G and has set an excellent example of good governance, sensitivity and result-oriented administration by completing 5 lakh houses in record time.

Union Minister Shri Chouhan announced the release of Central share assistance of ₹8,368.50 crore for Maharashtra under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin for the financial year 2026-27. He said that this amount will further accelerate the construction of houses for the rural poor in the state and strengthen the resolve for a homeless-free rural Maharashtra.

Shri Chauhan also stated that the door is open for eligible families who have been left out, and that more housing will be provided as needed after the survey and verification process is complete. He reiterated that the central government’s goal is not just to build houses, but to raise the overall rural standard of living with electricity, water, sanitation, and a dignified life.

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan also handed over approval to Chief Minister Mr. Fadnavis for 35 road projects worth Rs. 122.98 crore for Maharashtra under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV. These projects, spanning 95.99 kilometers, will benefit 35 rural habitations in the state, providing easier access to education, health, markets and other essential services.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while honoring districts, units, and officials who excelled under the “Maha Awas Abhiyan,” along with Chief Minister Shri Fadnavis, said that when political will, administrative efficiency and a sense of public welfare come together, development campaigns become mass movements. He said that the speed and commitment Maharashtra has demonstrated in the field of rural housing is inspiring for other states.

Referring to the Vikasit Bharat G-RAM-G Yojana, Union Minister Shri Chouhan said that this initiative, which will be launched on July 1, will become a new foundation for the holistic and planned development of villages. He said that through this scheme, Gram Panchayats will prepare a comprehensive development plan in accordance with their local needs, which will accelerate important works related to village infrastructure, public facilities and livelihoods and the national resolve of a Viksit Bharat will be carried forward on the strong foundation of developed villages.

Speaking specifically on farmers’ issues, Union Agriculture Minister Shri Chouhan provided major relief to onion farmers. He said that due to increased production and export related conditions, market prices have been affected, hence from today itself NAFED will start purchasing onions at the rate of Rs. 12.35 per kg, so that farmers can get immediate support. He clearly said that the Central Government will not leave the farmers alone in their crisis and stressed on making the procurement system effective, transparent and systematic. Shri Chouhan also instructed the officials to keep a close watch so that the procurement process remains smooth and genuine farmers can get its benefits.

Regarding issues related to sugarcane producers, Mr. Chauhan assured that the central and Maharashtra governments would work together to resolve the problems. He stated that the issue had been discussed with Chief Minister Shri Fadnavis and that necessary discussions at the relevant ministry level would be conducted to find practical solutions, as farmers are the backbone of the country’s economy.

Shri Chouhan also underlined that agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy and farmers are its soul. Citing measures such as the recent increase in MSP, oilseed and pulse procurement, the Cotton Mission, Farmer ID, farmer-centric systems, and expansion of rural infrastructure, he said the central government is giving top priority to the welfare of farmers and the rural poor.

Describing the sacred land of Satara as a place of inspiration for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s bravery, self-respect, and good governance, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Shivaji Maharaj is a hero not only of Maharashtra but of the entire nation. He said that Shivaji Maharaj gave the country the message that good governance means wiping the tears of the poor, ensuring the respect of mothers and sisters, making farmers prosperous and embracing the last person in society. The central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is working with the resolve to advance this public welfare and sensitive governance vision.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis said at the event that with the support of Prime Minister Shri Modi and Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Maharashtra received approval for a record 3 million houses, and the state completed 5,00,000 houses in record time and dedicated them to beneficiaries today. He said that the state government has transformed the campaign into a model of comprehensive social security by improving the quality of housing, providing electricity through solar energy and also providing assistance to eligible landless families.

The Chief Minister also stated that Maharashtra’s goal is to achieve a homeless-free state and that more families will be provided housing in the future. He welcomed the NAFED procurement announced by Union Minister Shri Chouhan for onion farmers and expressed confidence in resolving issues related to the sugarcane and sugar industry through centre-state coordination.

The programme was attended by public representatives, officials, beneficiaries and a large number of rural citizens associated with rural development.