Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a review meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) in Raisen, Madhya Pradesh. While visiting his parliamentary constituency Vidisha, Chouhan evaluated the progress of key government schemes and issued firm directives to ensure effective implementation. He particularly focused on issues related to black marketing and delays in welfare delivery.
Chouhan condemned the sale of counterfeit fertilisers and black marketing in agriculture. He called it a serious wrong that betrays farmers. He instructed district authorities to take the toughest possible action against offenders and ordered regular inspections at procurement centres, especially those handling moong (green gram).
During the review of the PM Awas Yojana (Gramin) – Awas Plus, Chouhan expressed concern about the slow pace of construction. He stressed the need to release payments to beneficiaries on time and called for strict monitoring to ensure that construction work finishes without delay. In the fiscal year 2024–25, a total of 27,981 houses have been approved across the district’s Gram Panchayats. Of those, 4,825 houses have been completed, while work on 23,156 is still ongoing.
He also looked at the progress of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission and highlighted the importance of empowering rural women. Officials informed him that Raisen district currently has 43,613 ‘Lakhpati Didis’—women who have crossed the income threshold of one lakh rupees. Chouhan urged the administration to develop a solid action plan to help more women achieve economic independence.
Rural infrastructure was also a major topic in the meeting. Chouhan directed officials to make sure every village in the district connects to main roads through the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. He received updates that 30 roads, covering over 276 kilometres, have been approved for 2024–25, with 28 already completed. Of the 13 sanctioned bridges, 9 have been finished. He also reviewed projects under the National Highways Authority of India.
In the agriculture sector, Chouhan instructed field officers to regularly visit farms and guide farmers on proper pesticide use. He was concerned to learn that Basmati rice from the region was rejected in international markets due to banned pesticide use. He directed that awareness campaigns be launched to inform farmers about globally accepted practices. He also encouraged the use of Krishi Vigyan Kendras to promote the latest agricultural techniques and called for early preparations for the upcoming rabi season.
Chouhan reviewed the status of water infrastructure projects and instructed officials to ensure timely completion, particularly under the Jal Jeevan Mission, which aims to provide tap water to every household. He also assessed the construction of electricity substations and asked the Energy Department to speed up the work without further delays.
Chouhan asked officials and public representatives to focus on inclusive development, stating that Raisen should become a model district for welfare delivery. He stressed that no eligible beneficiary should be left out of any scheme and advocated for more engagement in the field to address the needs of the community.
