VB-G Ram G Act lays foundation for self-reliant villages: Chouhan

Erode, Jan 5: Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday said in Erode, Tamil Nadu, that the ‘Viksit Bharat – G Ram G’ law is a significant step towards building self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) villages. Addressing workers and labourers in Erode, the Union Minister explained various provisions of this ambitious initiative, and said that the law is a concrete effort to strengthen employment generation, expand basic facilities, and promote self-sufficiency in villages. Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed confidence that the goal of developed and prosperous villages would be achieved only through public participation.
Union Minister Chouhan said that under the earlier system, MGNREGA provided a guarantee of 100 days of employment, but in many places, neither was work available on time nor were wages paid promptly. Terming this a serious concern, he said that to address such shortcomings and eliminate corruption, the government introduced reforms through the ‘Viksit Bharat – G Ram G’ law.
He said that under the new law, the employment guarantee has been increased from 100 days to 125 days. If work is not provided within the stipulated period, workers will be entitled to unemployment allowance. Similarly, if there is a delay of more than 15 days in the payment of wages, interest will also be paid. Chouhan said that administrative expenditure has been increased from 6 per cent to 9 per cent to ensure timely payment of salaries to field-level staff and to make the system more effective.
The Union Minister said that Gram Sabhas have been empowered under the new law, and village assemblies will now decide for themselves which development works should be undertaken in their villages. Chouhan made it clear that decisions related to development will no longer be taken in Chennai or Delhi, but at the village level itself.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that some people are deliberately spreading misinformation about the scheme. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought changes to the scheme to ensure that money meant for labourers and workers reaches their bank accounts directly, leaving no scope for corruption.
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited the famous turmeric market in Erode and interacted with turmeric-producing farmers and traders. During the visit, he announced the establishment of a testing laboratory in ‘Turmeric City’ in Erode, and issued necessary directions to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). He said this facility would help farmers through quality testing, certification, and better marketing of turmeric.
The Union Minister also assured the establishment of a regional office of the Turmeric Board in Erode. He said that while the subject falls under the Ministry of Commerce, as the Agriculture Minister, he would personally take the initiative in this regard. He added that this would provide turmeric farmers with policy support, improved market access, and new export opportunities.
Chouhan said that the need for cold storage facilities in the Erode region is extremely important. He noted that cold storages can be established under various central government schemes and that the Tamil Nadu government would be requested to utilise RKVY (Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana) funds for this purpose. He also assured action to curb turmeric brought through smuggling and said that a meeting would be held in Delhi to find concrete solutions to all these issues. Emphasising that good quality seed is the foundation of agriculture, he also stressed the need for seed development through ICAR.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also reviewed innovations taking place in the agriculture sector. He inspected more than 100 stalls showcasing agricultural products and interacted with farmers and entrepreneurs regarding their products, quality, and future potential. Chouhan held discussions with over 1,000 women farmers and also met representatives of various farmer organisations and progressive farmers. In addition, he participated in cultural programmes organised on the occasion. (PIB)