Jammu: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Jammu today organised a media workshop here to highlight the role of Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-GRAM G) in transforming the rural employment scenario and empowering rural communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Sat Paul Sharma emphasised that the media has a vital role in disseminating information about the benefits of the VB-GRAM G scheme. Drawing parallels with MGNREGA, he said that VB-GRAM G is better equipped to provide dignified employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities to rural labourers.
He added that while earlier schemes faced several implementation challenges, VB-GRAM G addresses these gaps through improved planning, accountability and transparency. Highlighting the inclusive vision of the scheme, Sharma said that VB-GRAM G promotes climate-resilient development, national harmony and strengthens grassroots democracy by empowering Gram Sabhas.
Sat Paul Sharma, while addressing the gathering on the need for the new Act, highlighted the remarkable growth in fund allocation, works completed, and employment generated under the MGNREGA by the Modi government. He said from 2006–07 to 2013–14, the government released 2,13,220 crore rupees under MGNREGA, whereas the government allocated 8,53,810 crore rupees from 2014–15 to 11 December, 2025, marking a substantial increase in financial support for rural development. Similarly, 153 lakh works and structures were completed during the period from 2006–07 to 2013–14 while 862 lakh works and structures were completed between 2014–15 and 11 December 2025, reflecting a significant expansion in rural infrastructure creation.
In terms of employment generation, the government created 1,660 crore person-days from 2006–07 to 2013–14, whereas 3,210 crore person-days were generated from 2014–15 to 11 December, 2025, providing enhanced employment opportunities for rural communities. Sharma emphasized that the new Act will further strengthen the MGNREGA framework, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and benefits for rural citizens across the country.
MLA, Samba, Surjit Singh Slathia said that the scheme’s provisions are people-centric and will play a pivotal role in realising the Prime Minister’s vision of making India a developed nation by 2047. He stressed that it is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders, including the media, to highlight the visionary dimensions of the scheme so that its benefits reach the deserving rural workforce.
MLA, Ramgarh, Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal highlighted the urgent need for reforming earlier employment schemes and termed VB-GRAM G a revolutionary initiative that will transform rural employment mechanisms. He stated that the scheme would be instrumental in eliminating corruption prevalent in the previous framework.
Director, Press Information Bureau, Jammu, Neha Jalali highlighted that the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-GRAM G) represents a paradigm shift from the earlier demand-driven approach to a more objective, outcome-based and target-oriented framework. She explained that funding under the scheme is linked to clearly defined and measurable criteria, which will ensure better planning, effective implementation and enhanced accountability at all levels. Emphasising the critical role of the media, she urged media persons to proactively highlight government welfare initiatives, disseminate accurate information and bring greater clarity at the grassroots level through their respective platforms, thereby ensuring that the intended benefits of the scheme reach the targeted beneficiaries in a transparent and timely manner.
Deputy Commissioner, Samba, Ayushi Sudan appreciated the role of the media in highlighting public grievances. She noted that changing socio-economic indicators and rising aspirations of the people necessitated a scheme aligned with contemporary needs. She highlighted a significant enhancement in employment, with an increase of 25 percent in working days from 100 to 125. She added that limitations of MGNREGA have been addressed through the convergence framework of VB-GRAM G and emphasised that strengthened Gram Sabhas will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the scheme.
Assistant Commissioner Development, Rafiq Ahmad Jaral described VB-GRAM G as a landmark initiative that has modernised rural employment avenues and aligned them with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat–2047, articulated by the Prime Minister to transform India into a fully developed nation.
BDO, Bari Brahmana, Parul Khajuria highlighted the shared financial and administrative responsibility of the Centre and States in implementing the scheme.
BDO, Samba, Saqib Sharif said that biometric authentication is a key feature of the new scheme’s digital integration ecosystem, ensuring transparency and efficiency.
The workshop witnessed active participation from media representatives and officials, reinforcing the collective commitment to disseminating accurate information and ensuring the effective implementation of VB-GRAM G. Media and Communication Officers, Muzafar Hussain Wani and Zakir Nazeer also attended the workshop.
