Shivraj Singh Chouhan asks states to release funds on time, deploy AI for effective schemes implementation

New Delhi: Rural development minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday called on states to release their share of funds on time and deploy artificial intelligence and other new-age technologies for effective adoption and delivery of centrally-sponsored schemes.

These schemes, including those for rural employment, housing and roads, typically require states to release their mandated share first for obtaining central funds. So, late releases by them delay programme implementations, impacting beneficiaries. Most states are required to share up to 40% of costs.

The minister also exhorted them to fill in vacancies of officers responsible for the implementation of key schemes, refrain from their frequent transfers, improve public awareness about all rural programmes and undertake social audits to gauge their efficacy. Officials with key implementation responsibilities should remain in the same postings for at least two to three years.


Chouhan was addressing his counterparts from 29 states and Union territories, and senior central and state government officials on the second day of a two-day conference organised by his ministry in New Delhi.

The issues flagged by him were identified by these officials who deliberated on Sunday on likely steps to strengthen rural growth and development.

Chouhan underscored joint efforts and sought co-operation from states.

“This is not the time for Centre-state competition but for partnership. This is not the time for politics but for development,” he said. “The path to a developed India passes through developed villages.”

Those attending the conference not only reviewed the implementation and progress of major rural development schemes but also evolved concrete strategies for developed villages.

Villages, Chouhan said, are not merely clusters of soil, fields and village squares; they represent India’s strength, its consciousness and soul. So, prosperous and developed villages are pre-requisites to a developed India, he added.

Employment, housing schemes

Chouhan exhorted states and Union territories to complete all required formalities to ensure smooth implementation of the proposed Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission-Gramin (VB-G RAM G) from July 1. It will replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

Earlier this month, the Centre announced the release of its FY27 budgetary allocation of Rs 95,692 crore to states for the VB-G RAM G implementation.

The minister also called on states to ensure all intended beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin are identified fast and all pending cases be resolved expeditiously.

He also exhorted them to share best practices for wider adoption and undertake reforms necessary for developed villages.