Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development  Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan will chair the Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan 2026, scheduled to be held on June 28–29 at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium, Pusa, New Delhi. The two-day Sammelan will bring together Rural Development Ministers, senior government officials and experts from all States and Union Territories to deliberate on holistic rural development, review key flagship programmes and formulate the future roadmap for rural India. Aligned with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision, the Centre is set to undertake a comprehensive national deliberation aimed at accelerating inclusive, sustainable and transformative development across rural India. Under the leadership of Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, this will be the first large-scale Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan of its kind, bringing the Centre and the States together to evolve a shared strategy for the development of villages. Shri Chouhan said that the Sammelan is being organised with the objective of translating the vision of 'Viksit Gram, Viksit Bharat' into reality. The discussions will focus on the effective implementation of the VB-GRAMG Act, 2025, strengthening planning processes at the Gram Panchayat level and ensuring efficient utilisation of resources. He also said that the Sammelan will undertake a comprehensive review of the implementation and progress of major rural development programmes, including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission, Rural Skill Development Programmes, and the National Social Assistance Programme.

Rural Development Ministers from All States to Participate

One of the key highlights of the Sammelan is the participation of Rural Development Ministers from all States and Union Territories. Senior officials from the Centre and State governments, policymakers and subject experts associated with various rural development programmes will also take part in the deliberations. The national forum will facilitate open discussions on states’ experiences, innovations and grassroots challenges, enabling the formulation of stronger and more practical policy interventions.

Thematic Sessions and Focus on Best Practices

Shri Chouhan said that the Sammelan will feature a series of thematic and breakout sessions covering rural housing, road connectivity, livelihoods, skill development and social security. Successful initiatives and innovative practices adopted by various states will be showcased so that they can be replicated across the country. He said special emphasis will be laid on the 'Lakhpati Didi' initiative, with discussions focusing on strengthening women’s economic empowerment through Self-Help Groups, promoting rural entrepreneurship and expanding employment opportunities. the Sammelan will also deliberate on enhancing skill development and market linkages for rural youth.

Emphasis on Technology and Artificial Intelligence

the Sammelan will accord special importance to the use of technology and Artificial Intelligence in rural development programmes. Deliberations will focus on digital platforms, real-time monitoring, transparency and accountability, along with technology-driven solutions to improve the speed and effectiveness of programme implementation.

Roadmap for the Future

Shri Chouhan said that on the second day of the Sammelan, June 29, plenary sessions and ministerial discussions will be held to gather suggestions from all States before finalising the future action plan. During the valedictory session, the Union Minister will present the key outcomes of the Sammelan and outline the central role of villages in achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

New Commitments and Action Plan for Rural India

The Union Minister said that the Sammelan is not merely a review exercise but an opportunity to formulate new commitments and a concrete action plan for rural India. The objective is to ensure that every village becomes an integral part of the country's development journey, in line with the priorities of the Government of India under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

Key Rural Development Publications to Be Unveiled

the Sammelan will also witness the release of a series of key publications on rural development, covering areas such as water security, Gram Development Plans, women’s empowerment, rural livelihoods and inspiring success stories. These publications are intended to serve as practical knowledge resources, providing guidance and best practices to States and Gram Panchayats for more effective planning, implementation and governance of rural development initiatives.

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