early times report
SAMBA, Jan 8: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Jammu today organised a media workshop here to highlight the role of Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-GRAM G) in transforming the rural employment scenario and empowering rural communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Shri Sat Paul Sharma emphasised that the media has a vital role in disseminating information about the benefits of the VB-GRAM G scheme.
Drawing parallels with MGNREGA, he said that VB-GRAM G is better equipped to provide dignified employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities to rural labourers. He added that while earlier schemes faced several implementation challenges, VB-GRAM G addresses these gaps through improved planning, accountability and transparency. Highlighting the inclusive vision of the scheme, Shri Sharma said that VB-GRAM G promotes climate-resilient development, national harmony and strengthens grassroots democracy by empowering Gram Sabhas.
Sat Paul Sharma, while addressing the gathering on the need for the new Act, highlighted the remarkable growth in fund allocation, works completed, and employment generated under the NDA government compared to the previous UPA government with respect to MGNREGA. He said from 2006–07 to 2013–14, the UPA government released 2,13,220 crore rupees under MGNREGA, whereas the NDA government allocated 8,53,810 crore rupees from 2014–15 to 11 December, 2025, marking a substantial increase in financial support for rural development.
During the UPA tenure, 153 lakh works and structures were completed, while under the NDA, 862 lakh works and structures were completed between 2014–15 and 11 December 2025, reflecting a significant expansion in rural infrastructure creation.
In terms of employment generation, the UPA government created 1,660 crore person-days from 2006–07 to 2013–14, whereas the NDA generated 3,210 crore person-days from 2014–15 to 11 December, 2025, providing enhanced employment opportunities for rural communities. Shri Sharma emphasized that the new Act will further strengthen the MGNREGA framework, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and benefits for rural citizens across the country.
MLA, Samba, Shri Surjit Singh Slathia said that the scheme’s provisions are people-centric and will play a pivotal role in realising the Prime Minister’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047. He stressed that it is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders, including the media, to highlight the visionary dimensions of the scheme so that its benefits reach the deserving rural workforce.
MLA, Ramgarh, Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal highlighted the urgent need for reforming earlier employment schemes and termed VB-GRAM G a revolutionary initiative that will transform rural employment mechanisms. He stated that the scheme would be instrumental in eliminating corruption prevalent in the previous framework.
Director, Press Information Bureau, Jammu, Ms. Neha Jalali highlighted that the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-GRAM G) represents a paradigm shift from the earlier demand-driven approach to a more objective, outcome-based and target-oriented framework. She explained that funding under the scheme is linked to clearly defined and measurable criteria, which will ensure better planning, effective implementation and enhanced accountability at all levels.
Emphasising the critical role of the media, she urged media persons to proactively highlight government welfare initiatives, disseminate accurate information and bring greater clarity at the grassroots level through their respective platforms, thereby ensuring that the intended benefits of the scheme reach the targeted beneficiaries in a transparent and timely manner.
Deputy Commissioner, Samba, Ms. Ayushi Sudan appreciated the role of the media in highlighting public grievances. She noted that changing socio-economic indicators and rising aspirations of the people necessitated a scheme aligned with contemporary needs. She highlighted a significant enhancement in employment, with an increase of 25 percent in working days from 100 to 125. She added that limitations of MGNREGA have been addressed through the convergence framework of VB-GRAM G and emphasised that strengthened Gram Sabhas will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the scheme. |
