CS Reviews Preparedness for Rollout of VB-G RAM G Across J&K from July 1
Srinagar, June 3 (PTK): Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the preparedness of the Rural Development Department and district administrations for the implementation of the Viksit Bharat Gramin Rozgar Abhiyan Mission (VB-G RAM G) across Jammu and Kashmir from July 1, 2026.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary reviewed the progress made in transitioning from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) framework to the newly enacted VB-G RAM G, which was notified by the Government of India on May 11, 2026.
Emphasising the need for meticulous planning and coordinated execution, Dulloo directed all concerned officers to strictly adhere to prescribed timelines and ensure that all preparatory activities are completed well before the scheme’s official rollout.
He instructed officials to expedite all prerequisites, including notification of the scheme in consultation with the Law Department, completion of e-KYC verification of eligible workers, and advance planning and approval of developmental works to facilitate a seamless transition to the new employment framework.
The Chief Secretary also directed the Directors of Rural Development, Jammu and Kashmir, to personally oversee capacity building and training programmes for all officials and functionaries associated with the implementation of the scheme.
He stressed that employees at district, block and Gram Panchayat levels must be fully trained and familiar with the provisions, procedures and technological platforms under VB-G RAM G before its launch.
During the meeting, Secretary Rural Development, Aijaz Asad, informed that extensive awareness and outreach campaigns have already been conducted across all districts, covering all 4,291 Gram Panchayats through special Gram Sabhas, community engagement programmes, social media campaigns and newspaper awareness initiatives.
Reviewing progress under the Yuktdhara planning platform, the Chief Secretary was informed that all 20 districts, 285 blocks and 4,291 Gram Panchayats have been onboarded with 100 percent login creation. Planning activities have commenced in over 94 percent Gram Panchayats, while more than 92 percent have already submitted their plans.
Officials informed the meeting that nearly 3,849 Gram Sabhas have approved development plans and over 63,000 works have been identified, creating a robust project shelf to meet anticipated labour demand under the new programme.
The meeting was further informed that Jammu and Kashmir has emerged among the top-performing States and Union Territories in e-KYC coverage and face authentication compliance of MGNREGA workers, with all Gram Panchayats achieving full coverage.
The Chief Secretary noted that the adoption of advanced technology-driven governance mechanisms under VB-G RAM G, including face authentication, geofencing, artificial intelligence-enabled analytics and real-time monitoring dashboards, will significantly enhance transparency, accountability and service delivery.
Regarding operational readiness, officials informed the meeting that the draft notification for implementation of the scheme has already been prepared and submitted for approval, while work on rules, dedicated accounts, budgetary provisions and integration of financial management systems is progressing in accordance with timelines prescribed by the Ministry of Rural Development.
The categorisation of Gram Panchayats and other preparatory activities are also progressing as per schedule, the meeting was informed.
Calling for sustained public outreach and continuous monitoring, the Chief Secretary directed all stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the flagship rural employment and development programme from the very first day of its rollout across Jammu and Kashmir.(PTK)
