‘VB-G RAM G to enhance welfare of rural masses’

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu emphasised that the VB-G RAM G will significantly enhance the welfare of the rural masses, reports Joken Ete.Speaking to reporters at state BJP Headquarters here on Tuesday, Khandu said the initiative passed during the Winter Session of the Parliament is designed to strengthen employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural India. The chief minister said the scheme focuses on creating assured work opportunities within villages by promoting skill development, self-employment, and rural entrepreneurship. It emphasizes the use of local resources, support for self-help groups, and development in sectors such as agriculture, dairy, fisheries, and handicrafts.The VB GRAM G seeks to empower youth, women and marginal farmers, reduce migration, increase household incomes, and contribute to building a strong rural economy, alinging with the vision of a developed India, he said.Khandu said while MGNREGA provides villagers with short-term wage work mainly for daily needs, VB GRAM G goes a step further. It emphasises skills, permanent work, and self-employment, enabling people to learn new skills, start small businesses, and earn a stable income without leaving their villages.Addressing concerns regarding the renaming of the MGBNEGA scheme, he said it was not the first name change and cited the example of National Rural Employment Programme, Rural Landless Guarantee Programme, Jawahar Rozgar Yojana, Employment Assurance Scheme, etc.The chief minister also highlighed the key benefits of the reformed schemes like the increase in work limit from 100 to 125 days, agricultural farmers can avail of the scheme while taking necessary breaks during the farming season, funding for the Northeastern and Himalayan states will follow a 90:10 pattern (compared to 60:40 pattern in other states, and panchayat will not play a central role in addressing village-specific needs, ensuring development assets are effectively created and utilised.Panchayati Raj and Rural Development minister Ojing Tasing, BJP president Kaling Moyong, AP State Science and Technology chairman Tage Taki were also present.