Ground-level implementation of schemes govt's top priority: Chouhan

Indore: Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday said that the effective ground-level execution of welfare schemes was the supreme priority of the govt.Presiding over District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting in Khategaon, under Vidisha parliamentary constituency, Chouhan reviewed a wide spectrum of central and state developmental projects.Accompanied by Khategaon MLA Ashish Sharma and district officials, including Collector Rituraj Singh and SP Punit Gehlod, the minister reviewed progress across departments like NHAI, Jal Jeevan Mission, Agriculture, and Women and Child Development."The govt's goal is to provide a permanent house to every poor family under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana," he said, ordering a re-verification of names missing from the list. He also lauded the successful implementation of the PM SVANidhi scheme and the innovative 'Dewas Bal Vatika' initiative at the panchayat level.The Union minister announced a shift towards greater autonomy for local bodies. "In the future, Gram Panchayats will determine their own development priorities and budget allocations," he said. He suggested constructing grand community halls for social gatherings and restoring old ponds to tackle water crises.As summer approaches, Chouhan instructed the administration to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply and urged the agriculture department to focus on crop diversification, pulse clusters, and soil testing. The minister also performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the new Janpad Panchayat building in Khategaon, to be constructed at a cost of Rs 5.25 crore.