Kargil, July 4: Marking a major shift in rural employment initiatives, the Rural Development Department, Kargil, on Thursday formally launched the Viksit Bharat Gramin Rozgar Abhiyan (VB G-RAM-G), replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA). The new programme aims to strengthen rural livelihoods, generate sustainable employment and accelerate rural development across the district.
The district-level launch was chaired by Shafiq Ahmed, who said the scheme builds upon the achievements of MGNREGA by creating durable community assets, expanding livelihood opportunities and improving the socio-economic conditions of rural households. He urged officials and field functionaries to ensure effective implementation and create widespread awareness so that eligible beneficiaries can fully avail themselves of the scheme.
The programme was attended by Raziya Khatoon, Executive Engineer REW Fiza Banoo, Block Development Officers, Panchayat Inspectors, officials of the Rural Development Department, members of Self-Help Groups, job seekers and other stakeholders.
Participants were briefed on the objectives, implementation strategy and expected outcomes of VB G-RAM-G, with emphasis on transparency, timely execution of works, community participation and convergence with other rural development programmes. Officials expressed confidence that the initiative would generate greater employment opportunities while contributing to the vision of a developed, self-reliant and prosperous rural Kargil.
