Guntur, October 4 (Daily Kiran) : Central Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced the release of ₹3,600 crore as the first installment for 300,000 homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) 2.0 during an event in Burripalem village, Guntur district, on October 4. The occasion also marked the groundbreaking of India’s first pilot housing project utilizing 3D concrete printing technology, attended by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
The pilot project will see the construction of 177 homes in Burripalem and Obulnayudupalem at a cost of ₹14 crore. The government aims to complete these houses within six months, leveraging advanced 3D concrete printing to reduce construction time, costs, and labor requirements while enhancing durability compared to traditional building methods.
Speaking to a crowd of thousands, Chouhan emphasized the collaborative efforts of the central and Andhra Pradesh governments under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Naidu to accelerate the state’s development. He stated that the goal is to make Andhra Pradesh the top state in the country.
Initially, the central authorities proposed only 76,000 homes for Andhra Pradesh. However, following Naidu’s insistence on providing permanent housing for every poor family in the state, the number was increased to 300,000 with Modi’s support.
“Chief Minister Naidu insisted that every poor family in Andhra Pradesh should have a permanent home. With the blessings of Prime Minister Modi, we approved 300,000 houses instead of just 76,000,” Chouhan said.
He also noted that Naidu has requested an additional 600,000 homes. Chouhan assured that after the first 300,000 homes are completed, the central government would approve another 300,000 and then another 300,000, ensuring that every poor family in Andhra Pradesh receives a permanent home.
Chouhan highlighted the significance of the 3D concrete printing project as a modern technological advancement in rural housing construction. The pilot project, costing ₹14 crore, is expected to be completed within six months.
He explained that this technology will enhance construction speed while reducing costs and labor needs, resulting in homes that are more durable over time.
Chouhan also discussed the central government’s support for Andhra Pradesh’s development, recalling the challenges the state faced following its bifurcation in 2014. He mentioned that the Modi government passed legislation to recognize Amaravati as the permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh and provided ₹15,000 crore in special financial assistance for its development.
He referred to the Polavaram irrigation project as a lifeline for the state, noting past delays but highlighting the current progress with 100% grant assistance from the central government. Chouhan also mentioned the proposed Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, which he said would enhance connectivity and economic growth in the state.
Discussing initiatives to increase farmers’ incomes, Chouhan pointed out that under the PM-Kisan scheme, farmers receive ₹6,000 from the central government, complemented by ₹14,000 from Andhra Pradesh’s ‘Annadata Sukhibhava’ scheme, totaling ₹20,000 annually.
He expressed confidence that Andhra Pradesh could become the nation’s leading horticulture center by focusing on fruits, flowers, vegetables, and medicinal crops.
Chouhan highlighted women’s economic empowerment, noting that 2.3 million women are now part of self-help groups and have become ‘Lakhpati Didis.’ The government’s goal is to increase this number to 6 million.
Additionally, he announced that the National Saras Mela will be held outside Delhi for the first time in Andhra Pradesh on October 15, inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu. The fair will offer self-help groups an opportunity to showcase their products and expand their market reach.
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