Samba : Deputy Commissioner Samba Ayushi Sudan Thursday addressed a one-day Capacity-Building Programme organised by the Rural Development Department (RDD) to acquaint field functionaries about the provisions and implementation framework of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-GRAM-G] Act, 2025.
The day-long programme was aimed at sensitising officials and field functionaries about the salient provisions, operational modalities and implementation mechanisms under the new rural employment framework, with a view to ensuring its effective and seamless implementation at the grassroots level.
The programme assumes particular significance in view of the enhanced provisions under the Act, including the increase in the statutory employment guarantee from 100 to 125 days, provisions relating to employment allowance and delay compensation, as well as the provision for a pause period during the agricultural season. The capacity-building initiative was organised on a larger scale to cover the officials and field-level functionaries involved in the execution and implementation of the Act.
Addressing the participating officials, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated the Rural Development Department for its concerted efforts and wholehearted contribution towards the implementation of various schemes and development programmes. She particularly appreciated the Block Development Officers, Panchayat Secretaries and field functionaries for undertaking the Digital Crop Survey and Agristat-related activities alongside their regular responsibilities.
She directed the Panchayat Secretaries and Gram Rozgar Sahayaks (GRSs) to give focused attention to the effective planning and execution of works under the four thematic categories envisaged under the Act, with particular emphasis on water conservation, rural livelihood infrastructure and environmental conservation. She also underscored the importance of undertaking sustained Swachhata and cleanliness drives at the grassroots level.
She urged the field functionaries to work in close coordination and leave no stone unturned in translating the objectives of the new rural employment framework into tangible outcomes for rural households.
Earlier, ACD Rafiq Ahmad Jaral briefed the participants about the objectives, scope and proceedings of the programme. He informed that a series of capacity-building initiatives have already been conducted to familiarise the implementing machinery with the provisions of the new Act.
The VB-GRAM-G framework has been operational across rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir from July 1, 2026, following notification of the corresponding UT scheme.
