Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUL 2 (NPN): Nagaland government on Thursday launched the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) at the Directorate of Rural Development Conference Hall, replacing the 2005 MGNREGA model with a new rural development framework that guarantees 125 days of wage employment to eligible rural households.
Delivering the keynote address, commissioner and secretary, Rural Development, Thavaseelan K. described the launch as a significant milestone in strengthening rural livelihoods and advancing the vision of a Viksit Bharat through empowered villages, resilient communities and sustainable economic growth.
He said Nagaland possessed immense potential in agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, handloom, bamboo and other rural enterprises. By combining traditional knowledge with modern technology, innovation and stronger market linkages, he said the state could create sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural communities.
Highlighting the key features of the scheme, Thavaseelan said VB-G RAM G was founded on digital governance and evidence-based planning. The initiative incorporates GIS mapping and geo-tagging of public assets and development works for location-based planning and transparent monitoring, mobile-based data collection through e-KYC and the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) for real-time field reporting, and participatory planning involving Village Development Boards, Village Councils, Self-Help Groups and local communities.
He said the scheme would focus on four key thematic areas– water security through irrigation, groundwater recharge and watershed development; strengthening core rural infrastructure such as roads and connectivity; creation of livelihood infrastructure, including storage facilities, markets and productive community assets; and enhancing climate resilience through works aimed at mitigating the impact of extreme weather events.
He said the role of Self-Help Groups under the mission would become more significant in promoting livelihood opportunities, strengthening community institutions and supporting inclusive rural development.
He also urged district-level officers, Block Development Officers, Village Development Boards, Village Councils, village functionaries and all stakeholders to implement the scheme with commitment and collaboration. Expressing confidence in the initiative, he said the mission would strengthen rural development, generate sustainable livelihoods and improve the quality of life of the people.
In her concluding remarks, director of Rural Development M. Mongna Konyak described VB-G RAM G as more than just a government scheme, calling it a commitment to strengthening rural livelihoods, creating sustainable employment opportunities and improving the overall quality of life in villages.
She said the programme had the potential to bring transformative changes to rural communities and contribute significantly to national development, while stressing that its success would depend on the collective efforts, dedication and sincerity of all stakeholders.
Mongna urged all concerned officers and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the Ministry’s guidelines and ensure that the benefits reached every deserving household.
Earlier, deputy director Rural Development, John Wesley Magh presented an overview of the VB-G RAM G Scheme and the Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan (VGPP). The programme was chaired by deputy director Jenny Kath.