Thavaseelan K says VB-G RAM G will boost rural livelihoods, digital governance and sustainable development in Nagaland.
KOHIMA — Commissioner and Secretary for Rural Development, Thavaseelan K, on Thursday said the newly launched Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) marks a significant step towards strengthening rural livelihoods through digital governance, community participation and sustainable development.
Speaking at the state launch of the scheme held at the conference hall of the Directorate of Rural Development, Kohima, Thavaseelan said the mission, which replaces the 2005 Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) framework, aligns with the vision of building a Viksit Bharat by empowering villages, creating resilient communities and promoting sustainable economic growth.
He said Nagaland possesses immense potential in agriculture, horticulture, handicrafts, handloom, bamboo and other rural enterprises.
By integrating the state's rich traditional knowledge with modern technology, innovation and stronger market linkages, the official maintained that sustainable livelihood opportunities could be created across rural areas.
Highlighting the key features of the new mission, Thavaseelan said VB-G RAM G is founded on the principles of digital governance and evidence-based planning.
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These include GIS mapping and geo-tagging of public assets and development works for location-based planning and transparent monitoring; mobile-based data collection through e-KYC and the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) for real-time field reporting; and participatory planning involving village development boards (VDBs), village councils, self-help groups (SHGs) and local communities in identifying priorities, preparing development plans and monitoring outcomes.
He further said the scheme focuses on four thematic areas such as water security through irrigation, groundwater recharge, water conservation and watershed development; strengthening core rural infrastructure, particularly roads and connectivity; developing livelihood infrastructure such as storage facilities, markets and productive community assets; and enhancing climate resilience by undertaking works that mitigate the impacts of extreme weather and improve communities' adaptive capacity.
The official said SHGs’ role would become even more significant under the new mission in promoting livelihood opportunities, strengthening community institutions and ensuring inclusive rural development.
He also called upon district-level officers, block development officers, village development boards, village councils, village functionaries and all stakeholders to implement the scheme with commitment and collaboration.
Expressing confidence in the programme, Thavaseelan said VB-G RAM G would significantly strengthen rural development in Nagaland, generate sustainable livelihood opportunities and improve the quality of life of the people.
Director of Rural Development, M Mongna Konyak, in her address, described the initiative as more than just a government scheme, calling it a commitment to strengthening rural livelihoods, generating employment opportunities and improving the quality of life in villages.
She expressed confidence that the programme would bring transformative changes to rural communities and contribute meaningfully to the country's development.
Stressing that its success depends on collective efforts, dedication and sincerity, Mongna urged all concerned officers and stakeholders to strictly adhere to the Ministry's guidelines and ensure that the benefits reach every deserving household.
She further called upon all stakeholders to work with a sense of responsibility and purpose for the welfare of the people and also acknowledged the support and cooperation extended by the media fraternity.
Earlier, Deputy Director of Rural Development John Wesley Magh presented an overview of the VB-G RAM G and the Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan (VGPP).
The programme was chaired by Deputy Director, Rural Development, Jenny Kath.
Village functionaries, members of self-help groups, and officials from the Directorate and Secretariat of Rural Development attended the launch event.
Participants also watched the live telecast of the national launch of VB-G RAM G held at Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, where the programme was inaugurated by Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with other dignitaries.