The Central Government has announced a major package for rural development and farmers’ welfare in Maharashtra, with several key initiatives unveiled during a large public event in Satara. Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the Griha Pravesh ceremony for 5 lakh rural families under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) and made multiple announcements aimed at strengthening villages, improving infrastructure and supporting farmers.
The event was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis along with senior ministers, public representatives and beneficiaries from across the state.
The Centre announced financial assistance of ₹8,368.50 crore for Maharashtra under the PMAY-G scheme for the financial year 2026-27. The fund is expected to accelerate rural housing construction and help provide permanent homes to eligible families living in inadequate housing conditions.
Speaking at the event, the Union Minister said the government’s vision under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to ensure that every poor family in the country gets access to a dignified pucca house along with basic facilities such as electricity, water and sanitation.
During the programme, 5 lakh completed rural houses were formally dedicated to beneficiaries, and selected families were handed symbolic house keys. Officials described Maharashtra’s performance in implementing rural housing schemes as one of the fastest in the country.The minister said the government would continue identifying eligible families through surveys and verification so that no deserving household is left out of the housing scheme.
Centre also approved 35 rural road projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV for Maharashtra. These projects, worth around ₹122.98 crore, will improve connectivity across 35 rural habitations.
The nearly 96-kilometre road network is expected to make access to schools, hospitals, markets and other essential services easier for villagers.
Viksit Bharat G-RAM-G Yojana” to Begin from July 1:
A new rural development initiative named “Viksit Bharat G-RAM-G Yojana” will be launched from July 1, according to the Union Minister. The scheme aims to support planned and holistic village development through Gram Panchayat-level planning. Under the initiative, village bodies will prepare development plans based on local needs, focusing on infrastructure, employment generation and public facilities.
Big Relief for Onion Farmers:
Government also announced immediate relief for onion growers in Maharashtra. NAFED will begin onion procurement at ₹12.35 per kilogram to support farmers affected by falling market prices and surplus production. The minister assured that the procurement process would remain transparent and properly monitored so that genuine farmers receive direct benefits.
Government Assures Support to Sugarcane Farmers:
On issues related to sugarcane farmers, the Union Minister said both the Centre and Maharashtra Government would work together to find practical solutions. Discussions have already been initiated at the policy level to address concerns linked to the sugar and sugarcane sector.
Focus on Farmers and Rural Economy: The event also highlighted several ongoing agricultural reforms and welfare measures, including higher MSPs, oilseed and pulse procurement, the Cotton Mission, Farmer ID initiatives and expansion of rural infrastructure.
FAQs:
1. What is the PMAY-G scheme?
PMAY-G is a rural housing scheme by the Government of India that provides financial assistance for pucca houses to poor rural families.
2. How much assistance was announced for Maharashtra under PMAY-G?
The Centre announced ₹8,368.50 crore for Maharashtra for the financial year 2026-27.
3. What is the onion procurement price announced by NAFED?
NAFED will procure onions at ₹12.35 per kilogram in Maharashtra.
4. What is the Viksit Bharat G-RAM-G Yojana?
It is a new rural development scheme launching from July 1 to support village-level planning and infrastructure development.
5. How many rural families received houses during the programme?
A total of 5 lakh rural families received pucca homes under the PMAY-G scheme.
