Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Announces VB-G RAM G Scheme in Arunachal Pradesh
Union Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju spoke to reporters on Thursday during the Sarok festival at Bana in Bichom district, Arunachal Pradesh. He revealed details about the new VB-G RAM G initiative. Rijiju stated this scheme directly supports India's Viksit Bharat 2047 objectives for a developed nation.
Connecting Village Development to National Goals
Rijiju explained the government's focus during the 2024 election period. He said they informed people about significant improvements in the country's foundation and infrastructure over the past decade. The minister highlighted the completion of basic facilities like water, rice, and gas supply to every village within about ten years.
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the government decided to make special efforts to enhance people's lives. Rijiju emphasized the shift from Viksit village to Viksit Bharat. This policy change led to the creation of the VB-G RAM G Bill.
Key Features of the VB-G RAM G Scheme
The minister outlined several important aspects of the new scheme:
- Extended Job Guarantee: The program increases work days from 100 under MGNREGA to 125 days.
- Unemployment Allowance: Any unemployed person without work will receive an unemployment allowance.
- Penalty System: The state government pays a penalty if work is unavailable when someone claims unemployment and demands 125 days of employment.
Rijiju clarified the mechanism. If you remain idle in the village while claiming unemployment and requesting work, the state faces financial penalties for failing to provide employment opportunities.
Contrast with Previous Schemes
The Union Minister contrasted the new approach with previous programs. He mentioned that during the Congress era, corruption and underdevelopment were widespread across the country.
Rijiju criticized the implementation of MGNREGA under previous administrations. He stated the scheme did not guarantee complete employment for beneficiaries. Official records showed that workers often performed minimal tasks like digging pits or making minor repairs. The remaining funds were allegedly diverted through fake billing practices.
The minister presented VB-G RAM G as a more robust and accountable alternative to address rural employment needs while advancing national development objectives.
