Shillong, June 30: The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved the adoption of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-GRAM G), a new rural development programme that replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) with an expanded framework aimed at strengthening livelihoods and accelerating rural infrastructure development across the state.
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| Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma chairs a Cabinet meeting where the state approved the adoption of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-GRAM G), aimed at expanding rural employment, infrastructure and livelihood opportunities across Meghalaya. (Image: X/SangmaConrad) |
Announcing the decision, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the new programme marks a significant step forward in enhancing employment opportunities and broadening the scope of rural development initiatives in Meghalaya.
Under the newly approved framework, the guaranteed number of employment days for rural households has been increased from 100 days to 125 days annually, providing additional income opportunities for rural families.
The Chief Minister said the programme also substantially expands the range of permissible works that can be undertaken under the scheme. In addition to employment generation, VB-GRAM G will support the construction and development of rural roads, Anganwadi centres, school buildings, livelihood projects, and environmental conservation initiatives, creating more comprehensive development opportunities for villages across Meghalaya.
Sangma stated that the expanded scope of the programme is expected to improve rural infrastructure while simultaneously generating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
"For the next nine months, Meghalaya has received a normative allocation of ₹1,100 crore under the new programme," the Chief Minister said.
While welcoming the reforms introduced under VB-GRAM G, Sangma also expressed concern over the cap on funding beyond the state's normative allocation. He noted that Meghalaya has consistently demonstrated its ability to effectively utilise higher allocations under previous rural employment programmes.
The Chief Minister said the state government would continue engaging with the Government of India to ensure that states with strong implementation records receive additional financial support.
"We have raised concerns regarding the cap on funding beyond the normative allocation. Meghalaya has consistently demonstrated its ability to effectively utilise higher allocations, and we will continue engaging with the Government of India to ensure that performing states are supported and rewarded for their capacity to deliver more for the people," Sangma said.
According to the Chief Minister, the adoption of VB-GRAM G aligns with the government's broader vision of strengthening rural livelihoods, improving infrastructure and creating sustainable economic opportunities in villages.
The new programme is expected to benefit thousands of rural households by providing increased employment, enhancing public infrastructure and supporting community development projects across Meghalaya.
The Cabinet's approval of VB-GRAM G represents a major policy shift in rural development and is expected to contribute significantly to improving living standards, promoting environmental conservation and creating stronger livelihood opportunities for people living in rural areas of the state.
