The Assam State has been performing well in the rural development sector. It is ranked fifth in the country so far its performance in the sector is concerned, said State's Minister of State (Independent) for Panchayat and Rural Development Ripun Bora here today. Sri Bora, who was addressing a press conference here, claimed that against the target of 66,709 new houses and upgradation of 33,306 houses under the Indira Awas Yojana (IAY), in 2001-2002, the State had constructed 42,990 new houses and upgraded 22,446 existing ones till March, 2003. Likewise, the State had constructed 10,667 new houses and upgraded 3,397 existing ones under the Pradhan Mantri Gramya Yojana Rural Shelter Scheme, till March 2003.