Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has disbursed the initial installment of Rs 25,863 crore to states for the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G-RAM-G) scheme. This release, part of the scheme’s primary allocation, occurred during a video conference with Rural Development Ministers from all states and Union Territories to assess the VB-G-RAM-G scheme. Chouhan emphasized the importance of timely wage payments by ensuring that states have sufficient funds, urging prompt matching contributions from state governments to avoid payment delays.
The Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to a seamless nationwide rollout of VB-G-RAM-G from July 1, with a smooth transition from MGNREGA. He commended Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Rajasthan for swiftly creating employment opportunities, urging Odisha and West Bengal to expedite work in remaining Gram Panchayats. Chouhan also requested Jharkhand to implement the scheme promptly and advised states with pending formalities to complete them promptly.
Chouhan underscored the scheme’s objective of providing dignified employment, timely wages, and sustainable rural assets. He praised the rapid nationwide implementation of VB-G-RAM-G in contrast to the lengthy process of MGNREGA, attributing this success to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, state cooperation, and administrative efficiency. Additionally, Chouhan noted an average 10% wage increase under VB-G-RAM-G, ensuring no state pays below Rs 300 per day, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing rural workers’ income and social security.
The Minister assured ample funding for VB-G-RAM-G’s effective implementation, releasing the first installment based on states’ demands. He emphasized the importance of local needs-based development works selected by Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats for inclusive rural development. Chouhan stressed the implementation of technological measures like face authentication and geo-tagging to ensure transparency, accountability, and quality asset creation, with zero tolerance for irregularities or fraud in the scheme.
Chouhan also announced the deployment of Area Officers, led by Joint Secretary-ranked officers, to provide ongoing support to states, ensuring swift resolution of implementation issues.
