Itanagar/Yupia, Jul 2: Arunachal Pradesh officially launched the state-level implementation of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G] initiative during a Jan Sammelan held at Tidgo village under the Doimukh CD Block in Papum Pare district on Thursday.
The programme, organised by the Department of Rural Development in collaboration with the District Rural Development Agency, Papum Pare district, was held alongside the national launch event at Tirupati, where the scheme was formally launched by Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
The state-level launch was inaugurated by Advisor to Minister (RD) Taniya Soki, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Bamang Yayu and senior officials of the Rural Development Department. The event witnessed participation from PRI leaders, beneficiaries, self-help groups and members of the public.
Speaking on the occasion, Advisor Taniya Soki said the transition from MGNREGA to VB-G RAM G aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He explained the different categories of permissible works under the scheme and emphasised the government's focus on transparency and accountability through technology-driven implementation. While acknowledging that the transition may pose initial challenges, he expressed confidence that the reforms would ultimately benefit the genuinely needy rural population.
Delivering the welcome address, Deputy Director (Rural Development) Bengia Yakar highlighted the importance of the new initiative. Joint Director (Rural Employment) Chera Sanjiv outlined the key features of VB-G RAM G, stating that the scheme increases the guaranteed wage employment from 100 days under MGNREGA to 125 days for eligible rural households. He also announced that the daily wage rate has been enhanced to Rs 300, reaffirming the government's commitment to strengthening rural livelihoods.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering stressed the need to prioritise need-based works that generate sustainable assets, improve rural infrastructure and create long-term livelihood opportunities. He urged PRI leaders, SHGs, village communities and block and district officials to work collectively for the successful implementation of the scheme.
ZPC Bamang Yayu called upon officials to provide continuous guidance to PRI representatives in implementing various rural development programmes, including VB-G RAM G. She said the scheme would not only provide employment but also help create durable community assets and improve the quality of life in rural areas.
The programme concluded with the commencement of a new development work under the VB-G RAM G scheme at Tidgo, marking the formal rollout of the mission in Arunachal Pradesh.
DIPRO adds: The Department of Rural Development, East Kameng district, on Thursday launched the Jan Sammelan on VB-G RAM G at the Abo Tani Conference Hall in the District Secretariat, Seppa.
The programme was inaugurated by East Kameng Zilla Parishad Chairperson Pai Pizi Yangfo, in the presence of her fellow PRI leaders and departmental officials.
The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome address from Deputy Director (RD) Laxmi Dodum, who outlined the objectives of the VB-G RAM G initiative through a presentation. She highlighted the programme's focus on participatory planning, convergence of government schemes, timely service delivery, transparency and sustainable rural development.
An interactive session was held on the objectives, implementation strategies and field-level challenges of the initiative. PRI leaders and departmental officials expressed their commitment to ensuring its effective implementation across the district.
Participants also joined virtually the national launch of the Jan Sammelan on Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) held in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, reaffirming East Kameng's commitment to the national vision of inclusive rural development.
Addressing the gathering, ZPC Pai Pizi Yangfo stressed the need for stronger coordination between the RD Department and Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) representatives to ensure effective implementation of development schemes and the creation of quality community assets. She also assured that implementation-related issues would be taken up with the state government for necessary intervention.
In her concluding remarks, Laxmi Dodum urged all Block Development Officers to work closely with PRI representatives to ensure transparent and efficient implementation of rural development schemes at the grassroots.