Haryana: Urban-Style Facilities to Be Introduced in Villages, This Department Will Take Charge — Full Development Plan Unveiled

In a significant step towards rural development, the Haryana government has announced plans to develop villages to the level of urban areas. In the first phase, 21 major villages (Mahagrams) and surrounding areas will be identified for planned development. The responsibility of providing basic infrastructure in these villages has been assigned to the Department of Town and Country Planning. The objective is to improve the standard of rural life by equipping them with urban-like amenities.

Promoting Self-Reliance and Inclusive Growth in Rural Panchayats

To ensure self-reliance at the panchayat level, the government plans to increase financial resources and encourage innovation. Roads (locally called firnis) in panchayats with populations over 1,000 are being upgraded from dirt to paved. So far, 224 village firnis have been completed, with a target to finish all remaining ones by March.

Women’s Chaupal and Reuse of Incomplete Buildings

For the first time, the state has decided to build dedicated chaupals (community halls) for women in every village. In the first phase, 754 villages have been selected for this initiative. Additionally, more than 600 long-abandoned buildings will be completed and put to use.

Plots and Amenities Under Mahatma Gandhi Rural Housing Scheme

Under the Mahatma Gandhi Gramin Basti Yojana, beneficiaries who were previously not allotted plots will now receive plots up to 100 square yards through the Mukhyamantri Gramin Awas Yojana. All such colonies will be equipped with essential amenities like electricity, roads, and drinking water.

E-Libraries and Indoor Gyms for Youth

To empower rural youth, the government has already established 891 e-libraries and 250 indoor gyms across villages. These facilities will continue to expand in a phased manner.

Focus on Cleanliness and Waste Management

As part of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), the state aims to make all villages open-defecation free while implementing solid and liquid waste management systems to convert them into model villages.

Household Waste Collection Through Self-Help Groups

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini stated that hopper tippers and dumpers are being procured for Mahagrams and village panchayats with populations exceeding 10,000 to improve waste management. Inspired by urban systems, door-to-door garbage collection in rural areas will be carried out by Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These workers will be paid monthly wages based on village population.

This initiative marks a transformative shift in Haryana’s rural development approach, aiming to bridge the gap between rural and urban lifestyles.