Jaipur: Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Sunday emphasized that Village Development Officers (VDOs) can play a decisive role in accelerating Rajasthan’s development, calling them the backbone of grassroots governance and last-mile delivery of welfare schemes.
At a felicitation programme of the Rajasthan Gram Vikas Adhikari Association held at the chief minister’s residence, Sharma directed VDOs to ensure effective implementation of state and central schemes at the village level. He also chaired a review meeting with Agriculture Department officials ahead of the Gram Summit scheduled for Monday.
“VDOs are central to taking governance to the last mile. They are not just implementers but key partners in fulfilling the aspirations of rural communities,” Sharma said, stressing their role in translating policy into impact on the ground.
Highlighting the government’s priorities, the chief minister noted that major initiatives in water and power, including the Ramjal Setu Link project and ensuring daytime electricity for farmers, require strong field-level execution. VDOs would be critical in ensuring these benefits reach intended beneficiaries, he added.
Sharma pointed out that VDOs are instrumental in rolling out flagship schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, and the Swamitva scheme. He further mentioned that programmes like PM SVANidhi are enabling street vendors to become self-reliant, while dairy and livestock initiatives are strengthening rural livelihoods. Women empowerment efforts through Rajivika are also being driven at the grassroots with VDO support.
Announcing the Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet from May 23 to 25, Sharma said the event would promote modern farming and higher farmer incomes. He urged VDOs to actively contribute to the “Viksit Gram-Shahri Ward Abhiyan,” aimed at preparing comprehensive development plans for every village and urban ward.
The chief minister highlighted steps taken to strengthen the VDO cadre, including removal of promotion hurdles, creation of senior VDO posts, relaxation in experience requirements by two years, and an increase in gratuity limits from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.
During an interaction, Sharma said sarpanches and VDOs form a crucial link in village development, recalling his own experience as a sarpanch. He called for collective efforts to make Rajasthan a leading state, with VDOs playing a central role in driving inclusive and sustainable growth.
