Over 11.18 lakh permanent houses to be built in Bihar under PMAY-G, says Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary pose for a photo at the Griha Pravesh ceremony in Patna on August 20, 2026.
| Photo Credit: ANI
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, participated in a programme regarding the ‘Grih Pravesh’ of 2.35 lakh houses completed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) in the 2026-27 financial year on Thursday (August 20, 2026).
Mr. Chouhan made several important announcements for the State’s farmers, women and rural population, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of inclusive development.
11.18 Lakh Pucca Houses
Announcing a housing package for Bihar, Mr. Chouhan said that 11,18,937 pucca houses had been approved for poor families in the state. An allocation of ₹13,427 crore has also been made, and the sanction letter was handed over to the Chief Minister.

Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary, with Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan and other dignitaries, distributes house keys and acceptance letters to newly selected beneficiaries during a Grah Pravesh ceremony at Bapu Auditorium in Patna.
| Photo Credit:
ANI
He said that the initiative was not merely about constructing houses but about providing dignity, security and a better quality of life to poor families. “A pucca house is not a structure of brick and cement. It is a symbol of dignity and confidence for an entire family,” Mr. Chouhan said.
Targeting previous governments, he said that earlier the full amount meant for the poor did not always reach them, whereas the present system ensured that every rupee reached its intended destination.
‘Vande Mataram’ national pride
He also used the platform to launch a sharp attack on the Congress party, Mr. Chouhan said that the decision to sing only a portion of Vande Mataram was an insult to the sentiments of the country and to the national song. He said that Vande Mataram was not an issue belonging to any particular political party but was a matter of respect for Bharat Mata.
The song had served as a source of inspiration during India’s freedom movement, and singing it in its entirety was a duty of every Indian, he added.
Mr. Chouhan accused the Congress of indulging in vote-bank politics and alleged that some political parties attempt to distort symbols associated with India’s unity, culture and national identity for political gains. He asserted that Vande Mataram should be sung in its entirety and that there could be no compromise on an issue linked to national pride.

The Bihar CM handed over house keys to existing beneficiaries and sanction letters to newly selected ones, whereas the Union Minister handed over a letter detailing the new target allocated to Bihar under the scheme to the Chief Minister.
Mr. Choudhary said that this initiative to provide permanent housing to the State’s poor families is set to propel Bihar forward. He stated that between 1986 and 2014, only 30 lakh permanent houses were constructed for poor families in Bihar under the Indira Awas Yojana.
“Under the leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an allocation has been made to build 50 lakh permanent houses for poor families in Bihar between 2014 and 2026,” Mr. Choudhary said.

The Bihar Government contributes 40% of the funds for the permanent houses built under this scheme.
Earlier on Wednesday (August 19, 2026), the Bihar Cabinet amended the Bihar Social Media and Other Online Media Rules, 2026, under which social media creators producing content on Bihar Government schemes and programmes can earn up to ₹1 lakh per video.
Published – August 21, 2026 04:44 am IST
Source: www.thehindu.com
