Raipur, 05 August 2024/ Revenue and Disaster Management Minister  Tank Ram Verma performed the housewarming ceremony for a newly constructed house under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) for Shri Girjashankar in Sakri village, located within the Balodabazar development block, on the auspicious occasion of the Hareli festival. He also planted jackfruit and guava saplings in the house’s courtyard.

Beneficiary  Girjashankar, a mason by profession, shared his past struggles with a Kutcha house and his dream of owning a pucca one. He stated “We always dreamed of owning a pucca house, but financial constraints prevented us from realizing this dream. However, in the year 2020-21, we were approved for a house under the PMAY-G scheme. Upon receiving the first installment, we began construction. We received a total of Rs 1.20 lakh in three installments. I also invested some of my own money to make the house a bit larger.”

Girjashankar also mentioned that his wife, Smt. Buddheshwari Verma, benefits from the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, receiving Rs 1,000 monthly. Besides, the family has benefited from the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.

Minister  Verma also inaugurated a fish farming initiative undertaken by the Jai Maa Annapurna Self-Help Group at the village’s Amrit Sarovar. Encouraging the women involved, he emphasized the profitability of fish farming. The women shared that they will be undertaking fish farming in this lake for the first time. Initially, the fisheries department has provided 65-70 Rohu, Katla, and Mrigal fish. The department will soon supply nearly 5,000 fish seeds (fingerlings) to support their venture.

Former Assembly Speaker  Gaurishankar Agrawal, former Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Sanam Jangde, Collector  Deepak Soni, and District Panchayat CEO  Divya Agrawal were also present on the occasion.