Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today took charge of the Ministry of Rural Development. Addressing the media after taking charge, the Minister said that rural development is the priority of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several schemes are being implemented in this direction. Shri Chauhan said that schemes like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has changed the rural landscape of the nation. Talking about the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), he said that it is a huge employment generator and there is now an emphasis on creating assets under the scheme. He said there has been revolutionary progress in rural development under leadership of PM Modi and empowering three crore lakhpati didis is a dream for him. Shri Chauhan said the scheme is very close to his heart and his government is committed to ensure justice for the female population of the country. The minister said woman empowerment is a mission for the government and self - help groups are playing an important role for it. The rural development minister also said that his Ministry will work to achieve the tasks set up in the 100-days plan of the government.  He also mentioned the decision taken by the union cabinet to construct three crore more houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Later, he held a meeting of senior officials of the Ministry and underscored the need for transparency in Ministry functioning. He also handed government manifesto for rural development and called upon everyone to work towards its fulfilment.

Minister of State in Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan also took charge of his portfolio today. The hon’ble Ministers were welcomed by department Secretaries and other senior officials of the Ministries.

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SK/SS