Chief Minister Pema Khandu of Arunachal Pradesh has articulated a strong vision for rural upliftment, highlighting the transformative potential of the newly passed VB-G RAM G initiative. Speaking to journalists at the state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Headquarters in Itanagar on Tuesday, Khandu positioned the scheme as a significant leap forward in strengthening employment and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities across rural India.
Beyond Wage Labor: A Focus on Skills and Entrepreneurship
The Chief Minister explained that while the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) provides crucial short-term wage work for immediate daily needs, the VB-G RAM G scheme is designed to go a step further. It shifts the paradigm from temporary jobs to fostering skills, permanent work, and self-employment. The core objective is to enable villagers, especially the youth, women, and marginal farmers, to learn new skills, start their own small businesses, and earn a stable income without being forced to migrate to cities.
The scheme will focus on creating assured work opportunities within villages by actively promoting skill development, self-employment, and rural entrepreneurship. A key strategy involves leveraging local resources and providing dedicated support to self-help groups. Development will be targeted in vital rural sectors including agriculture, dairy, fisheries, and handicrafts.
Key Benefits and Addressing Renaming Concerns
CM Khandu also addressed questions regarding the renaming of the scheme, noting that such changes are not unprecedented. He cited historical examples like the National Rural Employment Programme and the Jawahar Rozgar Yojana evolving into new forms. He then highlighted several pivotal benefits of the reformed scheme:
- The annual work guarantee limit has been increased from 100 days to 125 days.
- Agricultural farmers can now avail of the scheme while taking necessary breaks during their farming season, ensuring it complements their primary occupation.
- Funding for Northeastern and Himalayan states, including Arunachal Pradesh, will follow a more favorable 90:10 centre-state pattern, compared to the 60:40 pattern applicable to other states.
- Panchayats will have a central role in addressing village-specific needs, ensuring that development assets are effectively created and utilized.
Khandu emphasized that the overarching goals of VB-G RAM G are to empower the rural populace, reduce migration, increase household incomes, and contribute to building a robust rural economy, aligning with the national vision of a developed India.
High-Level Support at the Announcement
The press briefing was attended by several senior leaders, indicating the scheme's importance. Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Ojing Tasing, state BJP President Kaling Moyong, and AP State Science and Technology Chairman Tage Taki were present alongside Chief Minister Khandu.
