Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan advocated for increased utilization of artificial intelligence and technology in rural development initiatives. Addressing a national rural development conference in New Delhi, Chouhan stressed the importance of digital tools in enhancing transparency, monitoring, and the efficient delivery of welfare programs. He highlighted the pivotal role of technology-driven governance in realizing the vision of a developed rural India.
Chouhan urged states to bolster AI-based monitoring systems and raise public awareness about various schemes to amplify their effectiveness. Emphasizing the significance of villages as the essence of India, he underscored that the nation’s progress is intricately linked to the advancement of its rural areas. Chouhan also disclosed the upcoming nationwide implementation of the “Viksit Bharat–G RAM G” program from July 1, with an initial approval of Rs 95,682 crore allocated for the scheme.
Furthermore, the minister unveiled initiatives focused on women’s empowerment, including the “Lakhpati Didi Dashboard” and the “SHE LEAPS” digital platform for women involved in self-help groups. He outlined the government’s objective to double the number of financially empowered women from three crore to six crore, along with a bank-linkage plan amounting to Rs 10 lakh crore over the next five years. The conference, attended by rural development ministers, officials, and policymakers from 29 states and Union Territories, marked a significant gathering in the sector, with participation from key figures like Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma.
