India, Jan. 1 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan administered a pledge to the officials of both his ministries on the first day of the new year, with this the new year 2026 began with new energy and resolve for the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Ministries.
Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan today held a meeting with all senior officials of the ministries and reiterated his resolve, in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's call, "Government should be visible in the lives of the people, not in files." Shri Chouhan said that more than 70 percent of the country's population is associated with the Agriculture and Rural Development Ministries, so every step we take should be for the welfare of farmers and villagers. He instructed the officials to work with a team spirit, set weekly targets, and also prepare an action plan for the entire year, so that work can be expedited and results can be clarified.
Union Minister Shri Chauhan said that in accordance with the reform direction outlined by the Prime Minister, simplifying procedures and providing relief to the public should be the ministry's top priority. He urged officials to adopt a methodology that eliminates the need for anyone to run around various departments for their work.
Mr. Chauhan said that India's thinking is ideal and progressive - rural India will be developed in the same spirit as the Prime Minister's call to eradicate traces of slavery. He asked officials to finalize preparations for the Seed Act and Pesticide Act so that these bills can be introduced in the Parliament session and provide direct relief to farmers.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also directed that full consultations be held with the states before releasing funds for the schemes, to ensure transparency and proper utilization. He also directed that the states prepare a time-bound roadmap for agricultural development.
Emphasizing the development of model villages under the "Developed India - Ji Ram Ram Ji" scheme, Mr. Chauhan said that the best development work in rural India will now become a source of inspiration for the country. He said that healthy competition should be developed in agricultural universities and colleges and ICAR should implement a grading system from this year to encourage the spirit of excellence.
The Union Minister called upon the officials to work with determination and focused vision in the new year, so that real change can be brought in the lives of farmers and villagers.
Disclaimer: The original story of this translated version is available on Press Information Bureau.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
