Shillong, Jan 30: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Shillong organised a Varta–media workshop on Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) today at the Shillong Press Club.
The workshop was held with the objective of engaging the media on key rural development, employment and livelihood-related initiatives of the Government of India.
National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), Guwahati Director Dr. R. Murugesan made a detailed presentation tracing the historical evolution of rural development initiatives, the paradigm shift in policy approaches and the programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development from focus on basic needs and equity considerations to economic growth and trickle down mechanisms.
Dr. Murugesan outlined the progression of India’s wage employment programmes, beginning with early initiatives such as the Rural Manpower Programme and the Crash Scheme for Rural Employment, followed by structured interventions including the National Rural Employment Programme, Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Programme, Jawahar Rozgar Yojana, and Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana highlighting how these programmes gradually evolved in response to changing socio-economic conditions.
Highlighting the limitations of incremental reforms under MGNREGA, Dr. Murugesan explained that the VB-G RAM G represents a decisive policy shift. He stated that the new Act addresses structural weaknesses while strengthening employment generation, transparency, planning and accountability. The transition from a central sector scheme to a centrally sponsored framework recognises the local nature of rural employment and asset creation, with Gram Panchayat-led planning, shared responsibility between the Centre and States, and a normative allocation framework to improve efficiency and prevent misuse.
He explained that the Act addresses these gaps by expanding guaranteed employment to 125 days, thereby enhancing household incomes, stimulating village-level consumption and reducing distress-driven migration.
He also discussed the persistent challenges of inequality, poverty, unemployment and social stratification in rural India, and outlined the evolution of the flagship programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development, including the key features and scope of MGNREGA. He then elaborated on how the VB-G RAM G builds upon these initiatives, addressing existing gaps through an expanded employment guarantee, stronger institutional mechanisms and enhanced transparency, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
PIB Guwahati Joint Director Pavni Gupta said such platforms provide an important forum to address concerns through informed discussion and meaningful interaction. “There is no need to be apprehensive about the changes being introduced; these reforms are aligned with present-day needs and national development goals,” she further added.
During the interactive session, media professionals deliberated on the proposed scheme, its expected implementation in Meghalaya, and how it would differ from the previous programme. Suggestions and feedback were shared on strengthening the scheme and enhancing its impact on rural livelihoods.
The workshop was attended by officials from the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), members of the Shillong Press Club, and journalists and media representatives from Shillong.
