The Impressive TimesSatara, May 15, 2026: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday led a major rural development outreach in Maharashtra’s Satara district, marking the completion of 5 lakh pucca houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G). The event was described as a significant milestone in the state’s rural transformation journey, with thousands of families formally entering their new homes under the “Griha Pravesh” ceremony.
At the centre of the programme was the announcement of central assistance worth ₹8,368.50 crore for Maharashtra under PMAY-G for the financial year 2026–27. The funding is expected to accelerate ongoing rural housing construction and further expand coverage for eligible families who are still without permanent shelter. The Union Minister reiterated the government’s commitment that no eligible rural household in India should remain without a pucca house.
During the event, Shivraj Singh Chouhan also symbolically handed over approvals for 35 rural road projects worth ₹122.98 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. These projects, covering nearly 96 kilometres, are aimed at improving connectivity to 35 rural habitations, thereby strengthening access to education, healthcare, markets, and essential services in remote areas.
The programme highlighted Maharashtra’s role as a leading state in implementing rural housing schemes, with Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis noting that the rapid completion of 5 lakh houses reflects a strong model of governance and administrative efficiency. He added that the state’s goal remains to achieve a “homeless-free Maharashtra” through continued collaboration with the Centre.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized that rural development must go beyond housing and focus on holistic improvement in living standards, including access to electricity, water, sanitation, and livelihood opportunities. He stressed that the vision of a developed India is inseparable from the development of its villages.
A key policy announcement during the event was the upcoming launch of the Vikasit Bharat G-RAM-G Yojana on July 1, which aims to provide a structured framework for comprehensive village development planning. Under this initiative, Gram Panchayats will be encouraged to prepare local development plans aligned with their specific needs, ensuring targeted investment in infrastructure and rural livelihoods.
In a significant relief measure for farmers, the Union Minister announced that NAFED will begin procurement of onions at ₹12.35 per kilogram. The decision comes in response to price fluctuations and aims to protect farmers from market instability. He assured that procurement mechanisms would be closely monitored to ensure transparency and effective benefit delivery to genuine farmers.
Chouhan also addressed concerns related to sugarcane farmers, stating that both the Centre and the Maharashtra government are actively working on solutions. He emphasized that coordinated efforts will be undertaken to address structural issues in the sugar sector, which remains a key component of Maharashtra’s rural economy.
The Union Minister further underlined that agriculture continues to be the backbone of India’s economy and farmers remain central to national development. He referred to recent policy initiatives such as MSP increases, oilseed and pulse procurement drives, the Cotton Mission, and digital farmer identification systems as part of a broader push toward farmer-centric governance.
Paying tribute to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chouhan described Satara as a land of inspiration for good governance, courage, and public welfare. He said the ideals of Shivaji Maharaj—centred on justice, dignity, and welfare of the poor—continue to guide the government’s development approach.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, speaking at the event, said that Maharashtra’s achievements in rural housing demonstrate what can be achieved when political will and administrative efficiency work in coordination. He noted that the state has already completed a large number of houses in record time and continues to work toward expanding coverage further.
The programme witnessed participation from public representatives, senior officials, beneficiaries, and rural citizens, reflecting the large-scale social impact of the PMAY-G initiative in Maharashtra. The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the Centre and State’s shared commitment to strengthening rural infrastructure and improving quality of life in villages across the state.
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