A Jan-Samvaad (Public Outreach) based IEC programme on Viksit Bharat – Gramin Rozgar Ajeevika Mission – Gramin (VB-GRAM-G) was successfully conducted today at the Multipurpose Hall, Mini Secretariat, Senapati. It brought together district officials, block functionaries, and village authority members of Tadubi, Paomata, Purul, Phaibung, Song Song, and Willong blocks to deliberate on the future of rural employment and livelihood generation.

Scheme Overview

The programme commenced with an overview of VB-GRAM-G by P. P. Ronald, MCS, ADM/Project Director, DRDA, Senapati. In his address, he reflected on the transformative journey of over two decades of MGNREGS in strengthening rural livelihoods and creating durable community assets.

He highlighted that the introduction of VB-GRAM-G—following the enactment of a new Act in December 2025—builds upon the strengths of MGNREGS while adopting a more focused, outcome-driven approach.

He elaborated on the key features of VB-GRAM-G, which include an enhanced emphasis on sustainable asset creation; convergence with other rural development schemes; improved transparency through AI-based digital monitoring systems; and a sharper focus on livelihood augmentation. He also outlined the major differences between MGNREGS and VB-GRAM-G.

Under MGNREGS, rural households were guaranteed 100 days of wage employment, whereas under VB-GRAM-G, this has been increased to 125 days. While wage payments under MGNREGS were entirely borne by the Central Government, VB-GRAM-G introduces a cost-sharing mechanism between the Centre and the States in a 60:40 ratio—with a special provision of 90:10 for North Eastern States.

Additionally, unlike MGNREGS, which had no statutory pause period, VB-GRAM-G allows States to notify up to 60 days in a financial year during which work will not be undertaken, thereby providing adequate time for agricultural activities such as plantation and harvesting for rural households.

Permissible Works

A detailed presentation on permissible works under the scheme was delivered by Nehemiah Rong, Project Economist, DRDA Senapati. He outlined the four major categories of works under VB-GRAM-G: water-related works aimed at ensuring water security; core rural infrastructure development; livelihood-related infrastructure to support income-generating activities; and special works focusing on extreme weather mitigation and disaster preparedness.

Aadhaar-based e-KYC and ABPS

Subsequently, K. Laothii Shangne, APO, DRDA Senapati, emphasized the importance of Aadhaar-based e-KYC and the Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) as critical components of the scheme. He stressed the need to ensure complete e-KYC and ABPS coverage for all eligible workers and job card holders to facilitate timely and transparent wage payments.

He also underscored that the success of VB-GRAM-G depends on strong coordination and collaboration among village, block, and district-level stakeholders.The programme also featured an interactive session with BDO/Programme Officers of MGNREGA.

Pani James, MCS, BDO/PO of Chilivai Phaibung Block, highlighted the inclusive nature of the programme in covering rural households and stressed the importance of prioritizing natural resource management works for sustainable village development and environmental security.

S. Lunguiba Thangal, MCS, BDO/PO of Purul Block, emphasized the need for maintaining proper work records, ensuring timely execution and geotagging of assets, and upholding quality standards in asset creation in accordance with the prescribed scheme guidelines.

Interactive Session

The interactive session also saw active participation from village authority members, who raised queries and shared feedback regarding MGNREGS and VB-GRAM-G. The concerns and suggestions put forth were duly addressed and noted by the officials during the programme. The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Project Economist, DRDA Senapati, who expressed appreciation to all participants for their active engagement and reaffirmed the district’s commitment to effective implementation of VB-GRAM-G.

Meanwhile, IEC videos on VB-GRAM-G were also screened to enhance understanding and ensure effective implementation of the scheme.

The programme served as an important platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and strengthening grassroots-level implementation mechanisms—marking a significant step towards achieving sustainable rural development in the district.