SHOPIAN, JULY 2: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today underscored the pivotal role of grassroots functionaries in translating government policies into tangible developmental outcomes, stating that the success of every flagship programme rests on the dedication, efficiency and commitment of officials working at the field level it was stated on State-Level Sammelan-cum-Launch of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-GRAM G) at Shopian, the event was organised by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, J&K.
The event coincided with the nationwide virtual launch of the programme by Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Secretary, Rural Development Department, Mohammad Aijaz Asad; Director, Rural Development Department Jammu, Shahnaz Akhter; Additional Secretary-cum-Incharge, J&K VB-GRAM G, Wasim Raja; senior officers of the department Field functionaries and large gathering attended the programme.
Highlighting the transformative impact of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Minister said the programme has significantly strengthened rural livelihoods, generated sustainable employment, created durable community assets and improved the socio-economic profile of villages across Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the launch of VB-GRAM G marks a new milestone in rural transformation, aimed at making employment generation more productive, sustainable and aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Reflecting on the developmental journey of Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister observed that despite numerous challenges over the past two years, the Rural Development Department has played a vital role in improving rural infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life in villages.
“The remarkable progress achieved in rural areas is largely the result of the tireless efforts of our officers and field staff who have worked with commitment under challenging circumstances,” he said.
The Minister noted that Block Development Officers and field functionaries remain the first point of contact for rural citizens, who approach them with issues relating to roads, drainage, public infrastructure and other developmental needs.
Responding to their aspirations with sensitivity, efficiency and accountability is our foremost responsibility,” he said.
Javid Dar informed that the existing employment guarantee framework has now been transformed into the Viksit Bharat–Gramin Rozgar framework with greater emphasis on sustainable livelihoods, natural resource management and durable rural asset creation.
He said Jammu and Kashmir actively participated in the consultative process for the new framework and submitted several suggestions to the Union Government, many of which have been incorporated, while others have been formally recorded for future consideration.”The objective is to make the programme more practical, flexible and responsive to local needs while fully supporting the vision of a developed India,” he added.
Reassuring officers and beneficiaries, the Minister categorically stated that there would be no disruption in the execution of ongoing developmental works.
The Minister further informed that the issue of pending liabilities under previous years has already been taken up with the Union Government and senior officials have assured appropriate resolution of the matter.
Highlighting an important feature of the new framework, he said Union Territory have been given flexibility to determine a two-month implementation window based on local climatic and agricultural conditions. “In Jammu and Kashmir, employment planning will be synchronised with agricultural seasons so that farming activities are not affected while employment opportunities are optimally generated,” he said.
The Minister observed that the new framework provides immense opportunities for strengthening water conservation, natural resource management, land development and creation of durable public assets, thereby complementing the existing rural development initiatives.
He also appreciated the progress made by the department in areas such as e-KYC, administrative reforms and scheme implementation, while expressing confidence that the remaining challenges would be addressed through coordinated efforts and collective commitment.
Earlier, Secretary, Rural Development Department, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, described the launch of VB-GRAM G as the beginning of a new phase in rural development and employment generation. He said MGNREGA has emerged as one of the most impactful rural development programmes by generating sustainable employment, conserving natural resources, strengthening rural infrastructure, promoting self-reliance and empowering local communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Secretary-cum-Incharge, Wasim Raja, presented an overview of the achievements of the department over the past two years. He informed that nearly 4.12 crore person-days of employment have been generated under MGNREGA, benefiting around eight lakh households, with women accounting for nearly 30 per cent of the beneficiaries.
He further stated that approximately Rs 1,300 crore has been spent under the programme, including nearly Rs 900 crore directly transferred to workers as wages. Around 16.69 lakh developmental works have been taken up across Jammu and Kashmir, a substantial number of which have already been completed, while several new works continue to be executed.
