New Delhi: Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday released the first instalment of ₹25,863 crore to States and Union Territories for implementing VB-G-RAM-G, the Centre’s new rural employment scheme.
Reviewing the programme through a video conference with Rural Development Ministers, Chouhan said the scheme had been rolled out nationwide from July 1 without disruption. He added that the transition from MGNREGA to VB-G-RAM-G had remained smooth, with no technical or operational issues reported.
The Minister said employment had already begun in a large number of Gram Panchayats during the first week. He appreciated Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Rajasthan for generating employment on the first day. Meanwhile, he urged Odisha and West Bengal to begin work in the remaining Gram Panchayats. He also asked Jharkhand to notify the scheme and complete budgetary formalities.
VB-G-RAM-G aims for timely wages and quality assets
Chouhan said wage rates under the scheme had increased by around 10% on average. He added that no State would now have a wage rate below ₹300 per day. Furthermore, he urged States to release their matching share promptly to ensure workers received wages within 15 days.
The Minister assured States that the Centre would provide sufficient funds for effective implementation. He also asked Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats to select projects based on local needs to promote inclusive rural development.
Moreover, Chouhan stressed the importance of transparency by directing States to implement face authentication, geo-tagging and other technology-based monitoring measures. He warned that the government would not tolerate irregularities or fraud in the scheme.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Rural Development, State governments and Union Territories attended the review meeting.
