CM Sukhu opposes VB-G-RAM-G, says scheme not in Himachal’s interest

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Shimla, July 8

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday said that  the state government will approach the Central Government over the implementation of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G-RAM-G) scheme, stating that replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) is not in the state’s interest as it increases the financial burden on Himachal Pradesh.

Chairing a review meeting of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, the Chief Minister said the state government is strengthening the department by filling vacant posts on a priority basis to improve administrative efficiency. He added that further recruitment would be undertaken in the coming period.

Sukhu said that under MNREGA, the Central Government provided 100 percent funding, whereas under the new VB-G-RAM-G scheme, the state government would have to bear 10 percent of the expenditure. He said this would place an additional burden on the state’s limited financial resources and added that the matter would be taken up with the Centre.

The Chief Minister also announced that the state government would provide Rs 30 crore to complete the construction of Panchayat Ghars across Himachal Pradesh. He directed officials to release additional funds to complete the District Panchayat Resource Centre in Una.

Highlighting the government’s efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods, Sukhu said that financial assistance is being extended to Self-Help Groups (SHGs). He said 310 SHGs have received credit assistance worth Rs 65.56 lakh.

To improve market access for SHG products, he said a Himachal Hat is under construction in Shimla, while new showrooms are being established at Pandoh and Kullu. A similar showroom is already operational in Dharamshala.

The Chief Minister added that food vans have been provided to SHGs to support their enterprises and more vehicles would be distributed in the future.

In reviewing the implementation of departmental schemes, Sukhu asked officials to expedite their execution so benefits reach eligible beneficiaries without delay. He also instructed the Secretary of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department to integrate all flagship schemes with the Chief Minister’s Dashboard for effective online monitoring.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Secretary C. Paulrasu, Secretary to the Chief Minister Ashish Singhmar, Director of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Raghav Sharma, and other senior officials attended the meeting.