First National Rural Development Conference to shape roadmap for Viksit Gram, Viksit Bharat

Key facts

• The first-ever National Rural Development Conference will be held on June 28–29, 2026, at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium in Pusa, New Delhi.
• The conclave will be chaired by the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, to translate the vision of Viksit Gram, Viksit Bharat into action.
• The event will review the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission, rural skill development initiatives, and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).
• Special attention will be given to the Lakhpati Didi initiative, aimed at strengthening women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs), promoting entrepreneurship, and creating sustainable income opportunities.
• The conference will explore the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital platforms to improve transparency and efficiency in rural schemes to help achieve the vision of a developed India by 2047.