Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Inaugurates Major Rural Development Push in Tripura
In a significant move to bolster rural infrastructure and governance, Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, alongside Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, launched a comprehensive package of 179 rural development initiatives valued at Rs 546.79 crore. The event, held in Agartala, was attended by state cabinet members and Members of Parliament, marking a concerted effort to accelerate progress in Tripura's villages.
Conference on New VB-G RAM G Act 2025 Replaces MGNREGA
Minister Chouhan presided over an inaugural conference for elected representatives spanning from panchayats to parliament, focusing on the implementation of the newly enacted VB-G RAM G Act 2025. This legislation has officially replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), with the conference aiming to raise awareness among leaders about their critical responsibilities in ensuring the effective execution of rural development programs under this updated legal framework.
Highlighting the Act's profound significance, Chouhan emphasized that it addresses key gaps identified in MGNREGA by strengthening the administrative framework and introducing innovative measures to tackle contemporary rural challenges. The conference was strategically designed to chart a coordinated strategy that enhances local governance and improves the delivery of essential programs, fostering a more responsive and efficient rural ecosystem.
Groundbreaking Union Budget 2026-27 and Enhanced Rural Employment
Chouhan characterized the Union Budget 2026-27 as groundbreaking and forward-looking, particularly noting its record investment in the northeastern region to position it as a key driver of India's overall economic growth. The budget includes a substantial 21% increase in allocation for the Ministry of Rural Development, specifically designed to benefit villages, marginalized groups, farmers, youth, and women across the country.
He underscored the consistent decline in poverty under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and highlighted the budget's pivotal role in empowering the underprivileged. A major enhancement under the new VB-G RAM G Act 2025 is the increase in guaranteed rural employment from 100 days to 125 days annually. This adjustment aligns with the vision of achieving a developed India by 2047 and aims to lift an estimated 25 crore people out of poverty, reinforcing the government's commitment to inclusive growth.
Spiritual Visit to Tripureswari Temple
Following the official engagements, Minister Chouhan visited the historic Tripureswari temple in Udaipur, renowned as one of the 51 Shaktipeeths in Hindu tradition. He offered puja at the temple, reflecting a blend of administrative duties with cultural and spiritual reverence, which resonated with the local community.
This series of events underscores a robust push towards rural revitalization in Tripura, leveraging new legislative measures and budgetary support to drive sustainable development and improve livelihoods in the region.
