Union Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan reviews progress of rural development schemes in Majuli (Assam)

**Executive Summary** The Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Kamlesh Paswan, reviewed the progress of rural development schemes in Majuli, Assam, during his official visit. He inspected works related to housing, rural connectivity, and employment generation, and interacted with Self-Help Groups. The Minister issued directions for quality implementation of schemes and timely achievement of targets, including the completion of sanctioned houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G). This report was posted on February 24, 2024. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Review of Rural Development Schemes:** * Shri Kamlesh Paswan reviewed the progress of various schemes of the Ministry of Rural Development in Majuli district, Assam. * A review meeting was held with district-level officers to assess the implementation of key schemes, physical and financial progress, and quality standards. * **Self-Help Groups (SHGs) Interaction:** * The Minister interacted with women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs). * Under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY–NRLM), 39.76 lakh women in Assam are associated with 3.62 lakh SHGs. * Loans amounting to ₹23,252 crore have been disbursed, with non-performing assets at only 0.56%. * The Minister emphasized that women-led development is crucial for a ‘Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). * **Housing Scheme (PMAY-G) Inspection:** * The Minister inspected houses constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) in Garamur. * In Assam, 29.09 lakh houses have been sanctioned, and 21.33 lakh houses have been completed. * In Majuli, 20,107 out of 22,349 sanctioned houses have been completed. * Directions were issued to ensure quality construction, timely completion, and early completion of the remaining houses. * **Rural Connectivity:** * Shri Kamlesh Paswan inspected the Madhupur-Puranibari road constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). * In the state, 9,146 works (over 98%) have been completed out of 9,269 sanctioned works. * Officials were directed to pay special attention to quality and maintenance, emphasizing that strong rural connectivity strengthens the local economy. * **Healthcare Inspection:** * Shri Kamlesh Paswan inspected the Shri Shri Pitambar Dev Goswami District Hospital, Garamur, and reviewed the availability of health facilities. * **Cultural Heritage:** * The Minister visited Shri Shri Auniati Satra and Shri Shri Uttar Kamalabari Satra and appreciated Majuli's rich Vaishnav tradition and cultural heritage. **Impact Analysis** **District-level Officers** * **Impact:** Required to implement schemes effectively and adhere to quality standards. * **Action Required:** Ensure quality implementation of schemes, timely achievement of targets, and proper maintenance of completed works. **Women in Self-Help Groups (SHGs)** * **Impact:** Ongoing association with the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY–NRLM). * **Action Required:** Continue their contributions and participation in SHGs to further women-led development. **Beneficiaries of Housing Scheme (PMAY-G)** * **Impact:** Expected to receive completed houses that meet quality standards and are completed in a timely manner. * **Action Required:** Cooperate with officials to facilitate the completion of the remaining houses, ensuring quality construction and timely completion. **Residents of Rural Areas** * **Impact:** Improved rural connectivity, healthcare facilities, and access to livelihoods. * **Action Required:** Utilize the improved infrastructure and services to enhance their economic opportunities, healthcare access, and overall well-being.

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