Guwahati: Assam has marked a significant stride in rural development with over 21 lakh houses completed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), and an additional 7 lakh homes currently under construction, as announced by Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ranjeet Kumar Dass. This ambitious housing initiative underscores the state government’s unwavering commitment to uplift its rural populace.
Minister Dass further elaborated on the future roadmap, stating that upon the completion of the ongoing construction phase, a comprehensive fresh survey would be undertaken to identify families still residing in temporary, or “kachcha,” houses. The new list of beneficiaries will then be meticulously presented to the Gram Sabha for their final approval, ensuring transparency and community involvement in the allocation process.
Beyond housing, the state government has extended a multitude of facilities to economically weaker sections, aiming for holistic development. These provisions include access to clean drinking water, reliable electricity, and essential banking services, all designed to minimise the need for intermediaries and directly benefit the populace.
In a strong push for women’s empowerment, Minister Dass invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of fostering self-reliance among women. “As per PM Modi, every woman must be independent, and we are making efforts in the direction of Lakhpati Didi, and we have over 8 lakh of them,” he proudly stated, highlighting the success of the initiative in the state.
The Minister detailed the mechanism of support for Self-Help Group (SHG) members, with 30 lakh women selected out of more than 40 lakh SHG members in Assam. Each of these women received an initial sum of Rs 10,000 in the first phase, followed by Rs 25,000, and subsequently, a 50% contribution from banks, providing crucial financial impetus for their entrepreneurial ventures.
This concerted effort is anticipated to inject a substantial Rs 30,000 crore into Assam’s economy, promising a significant boost to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and fostering sustainable rural growth.
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