Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan met with Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi to review the implementation of Viksit Bharat GRAMG and other rural development programs in Rajasthan. The meeting focused on the outcomes of village-level implementation and reaffirmed commitment to participatory, transparent, and sustainable rural development.
Under Viksit Bharat GRAMG, ₹445 crore has been released to Rajasthan, of which nearly ₹200 crore has been utilized. The proposed second installment of ₹180 crore will be released once currently sanctioned funds are substantially and timely utilized. The program is expected to drive ₹12,000 crore annual investment in rural development works across Rajasthan, generating employment for rural workers while creating durable assets for long-term rural economic strength.
Rajasthan was commended for its performance under the PM Micro Irrigation Scheme, having efficiently utilized the entire sanctioned allocation within stipulated timeframe, making it eligible for additional financial assistance. Under MGNREGA, comprehensive reconciliation of expenditure on both wages and material components is being undertaken to ensure complete financial transparency and eliminate outstanding liabilities.
The state's Gram Chaupal initiative was highlighted as an effective model of participatory governance where the Chief Minister personally visits villages to interact with women, youth, farmers, and public representatives, assessing local conditions and ensuring timely issue resolution. The bottom-up development model involves Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats identifying and prioritizing projects that address local needs, ensuring development works reflect local priorities and requirements.