Agartala: Union minister for agriculture and rural development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with Tripura CM Manik Saha, cabinet members, and MPs from the state, launched 179 rural development initiatives of Rs 546.79 crore.Chouhan presided over the inaugural conference for elected representatives from panchayats to parliament, focused on the implementation of the new VB-G RAM G Act 2025, which has replaced MGNREGA. The conference aimed to raise awareness among leaders about their responsibilities in ensuring effective execution of rural development programs under the new law.
Highlighting the Act’s significance, Chouhan said it addresses gaps identified in MGNREGA by strengthening the framework and introducing measures to tackle contemporary rural issues. The conference was expected to chart a coordinated strategy to strengthen local governance and improve program delivery.He characterises the Union Budget 2026-27 as groundbreaking and forward-looking, emphasising its record investment in the northeast to position the region as a key driver of India’s growth. The budget includes a 21% increase in allocation for the rural development ministry, designed to benefit villages, marginalized groups, farmers, youth, and women.He highlighted the consistent decline in poverty under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and underscored the budget’s role in empowering the underprivileged. He added that the new Act ensures 125 days of rural employment, up from 100 days under MGNREGA, aligning with the vision of a developed India by 2047 and lifting 25 crore people out of poverty.Later, the minister visited the Tripureswari temple in Udaipur, one of the 51 Shaktipeeths, and offered puja.
