March 25, Kohima: The Press Information Bureau, Kohima, organized a media workshop, "Varta," on the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) programme today.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Jayanta Choudhury, Head of the Department of Rural Development and Planning, Nagaland University, described the scheme as a promising step towards strengthening rural livelihoods and employment opportunities, emphasizing the importance of its implementation.
He highlighted the key structural changes and the implications of the new programme on the rural community, particularly in the northeastern region. He stated that its success would depend on careful implementation, monitoring, and the state's capacity to manage allocations while ensuring fair wages and technological accessibility.
Prof. Choudhury explained that VB-GRAMG guarantees 125 days of employment but does not specify inflation-linked wage revisions or address the long-standing issue of stagnant wages.
The new scheme will be implemented with a 60:40 share between the central and state governments, with 90:10 for the northeastern states, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, and the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Professor emphasized the need for proper technology adaptation, noting that unreliable digital infrastructure and poor network connectivity in rural areas could hinder mandatory biometric attendance in the new scheme.
He stated that rural development is the core of development, adding that the new programme envisions a holistic development from earlier manpower and sectoral planning. He also emphasized that it would create meaningful participation of women and address disparities in society.
Prof. Choudhury further highlighted the need for active coordination among all departments to ensure the success of the proposed programme.
The workshop brought together media representatives to discuss key aspects of the scheme in its pursuit of Viksit Bharat.