Assam Receives ₹603.96 Crore Under New Rural Employment Scheme

Centre Allocates Funds for Rural Employment Initiative

Guwahati/New Delhi, July 5: On Sunday, the central government announced the release of ₹25,863 crore to various states and Union Territories for the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G-RAM-G), with Assam receiving ₹603.96 crore as part of this initiative.

This funding, referred to as the "mother sanction," was disclosed by Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan during a video conference aimed at reviewing the implementation of VB-G-RAM-G with Rural Development Ministers from all states and Union Territories.

During the conference, Chouhan emphasized that the initial funds are designed to ensure timely wage payments within a 15-day window. He encouraged state governments to promptly provide their matching contributions to avoid any delays in disbursing wages.

The minister reaffirmed the Centre's dedication to executing the scheme nationwide without interruptions starting July 1. He noted that the transition from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to VB-G-RAM-G has been executed smoothly, with no reported technical or operational challenges.

Chouhan highlighted the rapid implementation of the new scheme, stating that while MGNREGA took nearly three years to be fully operational across the country, VB-G-RAM-G was launched in just one day.

Additionally, he mentioned that wage rates under the new initiative have been raised by approximately 10%, ensuring that no state will have a wage rate lower than ₹300 per day.

The first instalment was allocated based on requests from the states, and Chouhan urged local bodies like Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats to identify development projects that align with community needs to foster inclusive rural development.

In a social media update, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed the receipt of ₹603.96 crore as the first instalment under the scheme.

In his post, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for their efforts in advancing the programme.