Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 18: In a significant move to bolster rural infrastructure in Assam, the Union government on Saturday announced the approval of 3.76 lakh additional houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G).

The announcement came during a virtual ‘Grihapravesh’ ceremony held in Guwahati, where Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan also celebrated the completion of 55,000 houses constructed under the same scheme.

Chouhan reiterated the Centre’s commitment to uplifting rural communities and improving living conditions for economically weaker families. He lauded Assam’s milestone of completing 20 lakh homes under PMAY-G, calling it a remarkable achievement in rural development.

The event featured several beneficiaries who have moved into their newly constructed homes. They were felicitated for their efforts in successfully building and completing the houses allocated to them.

In a progressive move aimed at empowering women, the minister launched the ‘Lakhimi Mistri’ initiative, a new programme to train rural women in masonry, thereby creating employment opportunities and promoting gender inclusion in the construction industry. To mark the launch, safety kits were distributed to five women who will undergo training under the scheme.

Furthering the government's focus on rural education and agricultural support, 21 ‘Knowledge Centres’ were also virtually inaugurated. These centres, established under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), will help farmers gain better access to information, training, and agricultural resources.

Chouhan commended the Assam government’s effective implementation of central schemes and praised Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his leadership in transforming rural Assam.

Chief Minister Sarma expressed his gratitude to the Union government for its continued backing and affirmed the state’s dedication to inclusive and sustainable development focused on empowering farmers, women, and rural households.