Minister of Rural Development of India

The Minister of Rural Development plays a vital role in transforming rural India by implementing schemes that create employment, build infrastructure, and reduce poverty. The ministry focuses on sustainable and inclusive growth through flagship programs like MGNREGA, PM Awas Yojana (Gramin), and PMGSY, ensuring better living conditions and livelihood opportunities in rural areas.  

Updated On - 11 Feb 2026
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List of Rural Development in India from 1979 to present:

Name

Duration

Political Party

Prime Minister

Shivraj Singh Chouhan

10 June 2024 – present

Bharatiya Janata Party

Narendra Modi

Giriraj Singh

7 July 2021 – 9 June 2024

Bharatiya Janata Party

Narendra Modi

Narendra Singh Tomar

31 May 2019 – 7 July 2021

Bharatiya Janata Party

Narendra Modi

Narendra Singh Tomar

5 July 2016 – 30 May 2019

Bharatiya Janata Party

Narendra Modi

Birender Singh

9 November 2014 – 5 July 2016

Bharatiya Janata Party

Narendra Modi

Nitin Gadkari

4 June 2014 – 9 November 2014

Bharatiya Janata Party

Narendra Modi

Gopinath Munde

27 May 2014 – 3 June 2014

Bharatiya Janata Party

Narendra Modi

Jairam Ramesh

12 July 2011 – 26 May 2014

Indian National Congress

Manmohan Singh

Vilasrao Deshmukh

19 January 2011 – 12 July 2011

Indian National Congress

Manmohan Singh

C. P. Joshi

28 May 2009 – 19 January 2011

Indian National Congress

Manmohan Singh

Raghuvansh Prasad Singh

23 May 2004 – 22 May 2009

Rashtriya Janata Dal

Manmohan Singh

Kashiram Rana

24 May 2003 – 22 May 2004

Bharatiya Janata Party

Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Ananth Kumar

6 April 2003 – 24 May 2003

Bharatiya Janata Party

Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Shanta Kumar

1 July 2002 – 6 April 2003

Bharatiya Janata Party

Atal Bihari Vajpayee

M. Venkaiah Naidu

30 September 2000 – 1 July 2002

Bharatiya Janata Party

Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Sundar Lal Patwa

13 October 1999 – 30 September 2000

Bharatiya Janata Party

Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Babagouda Patil

20 March 1998 – 13 October 1999

Bharatiya Janata Party

Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Kinjarapu Yerran Naidu

1 June 1996 – 19 March 1998

Telugu Desam Party

H. D. Deve Gowda / I. K. Gujral

Jagannath Mishra

11 June 1995 – 16 May 1996

Indian National Congress

P. V. Narasimha Rao

P. V. Narasimha Rao

21 June 1991 – 11 June 1995

Indian National Congress

P. V. Narasimha Rao

Buta Singh

31 December 1984 – 25 September 1985

Indian National Congress

Rajiv Gandhi

Mohsina Kidwai

4 November 1984 – 31 December 1984

Indian National Congress

Rajiv Gandhi

Mohsina Kidwai

2 August 1984 – 31 October 1984

Indian National Congress

Indira Gandhi

Harinath Mishra

29 January 1983 – 2 August 1984

Indian National Congress

Indira Gandhi

Rao Birender Singh

23 January 1982 – 29 January 1983

Indian National Congress

Indira Gandhi

Rao Birender Singh

20 January 1980 – 23 January 1982

Indian National Congress

Indira Gandhi

Bhanu Pratap Singh

30 July 1979 – 14 January 1980

Janata Party (Secular)

Charan Singh

FAQs on Minister of Rural Development

  • Who is the current Minister of Rural Development of India?

    As of 2024, Shivraj Singh Chouhan serves as the Minister of Rural Development under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term.  

  • What are the key responsibilities of the Minister of Rural Development?

    The minister oversees the planning and implementation of rural development programs that aim to alleviate poverty, create jobs, and improve rural infrastructure.

  • Which major schemes are managed by the Ministry of Rural Development?

    Key schemes include Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G).

  • How does the ministry support rural employment?

    The ministry provides wage employment and livelihood opportunities through programs like MGNREGA and NRLM, encouraging self-employment and skill development.

  • How can rural citizens apply for development schemes?

    Citizens can visit the official Ministry of Rural Development website or approach their state’s rural development office to apply for benefits under various schemes.

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