Shivraj Singh Chouhan Unveils Rural Push for Bengal

West Bengal is set to witness an accelerated phase of rural and agricultural development after extensive discussions between the state government and the Centre. The meeting focused on strengthening agriculture, housing, rural infrastructure, employment generation and livelihoods across the state.

The Chief Minister said both governments have agreed to work together to ensure the effective implementation of key Central schemes. Discussions covered agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries, rural roads, the 125-day employment programme, rural housing and the empowerment of nearly 8 million Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

The state has already launched the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Programme in four districts. Approval has also been granted for one lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), even before the completion of beneficiary verification. The Centre further approved four new agricultural training centres, including a paddy cultivation centre in Chinsurah and an ICAR mango project unit in Malda, along with additional horticulture initiatives.

The Chief Minister said the Centre has approved 25.6 million job cards under the rural employment programme and extended the deadline for preparing the rural housing beneficiary list from July 20 to August 15.

Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that development projects worth ₹82,400 crore will be implemented in West Bengal. He said the state will now be integrated into India's fast-paced development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Chouhan also announced a comprehensive agricultural roadmap for West Bengal, prepared in consultation with scientists and experts. He said a special campaign to accelerate the issuance of Kisan Credit Cards will soon be launched, along with a large-scale village awareness drive.

Praising the state's public welfare outreach, the Union Minister said the camps organised across West Bengal have helped ensure that government benefits reach people at the grassroots level, adding that development in the state is now expected to gather significant momentum.