Secretary RDD calls for mission-mode push on VB-G RAM G implementation
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 18 (PTK): Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today chaired a review meeting to assess the progress of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G], directing officials to intensify efforts towards increasing Person Days generation, activating worksites, ensuring timely wage payments and strengthening field-level supervision across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Rural Development Department, including Directors of Rural Development Kashmir and Jammu, Director Social Audit, Additional Secretary, Superintending Engineers, Assistant Commissioners Development and Executive Engineers.
Asad directed Executive Engineers to process wage-component bills without delay and ensure that wage bills are prepared simultaneously once the wage component is released. He also called for material payments to be processed alongside wage payments to avoid unnecessary delays.
The Secretary stressed the need for immediate intervention to ensure timely initiation of works at all worksites and directed that all eligible Panchayats be enabled to undertake works at the earliest, with a focus on employment generation and effective grassroots implementation of VB-G RAM G.
Holding Assistant Commissioners Development responsible for effective leadership at the block level, Aijaz Asad observed that districts with proactive ACDs were performing better, while some remained behind on key parameters. He directed ACDs to take ownership of field-level implementation and cautioned that continued underperformance could invite accountability measures.
The Secretary also reviewed the e-KYC status of semi-skilled and skilled workers whose payments will now be routed through the wage component. He directed Executive Engineers to complete the process within the stipulated timeline.
He informed the meeting that the Ministry of Rural Development is expected to issue a detailed Standard Operating Procedure regarding the proposed shift under which semi-skilled and skilled workers, often booked under the material component, will be reclassified under the wage component.
Acknowledging that villages located in hilly, remote and snow-bound areas may naturally record comparatively lower figures during winter months, Asad directed officers to give special attention to such areas to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach all sections of the rural population.
Reviewing wage-payment performance, the Secretary directed district authorities to expedite generation of Fund Transfer Orders against wage claims, stressing that timely FTO processing is essential for prompt payment of wages to workers.
Aijaz Asad also emphasised the importance of Panch Sammelans as platforms for strengthening grassroots participation, direct engagement and coordination between elected representatives and field functionaries. He directed that proceedings and outcomes of all Panch Sammelans be properly documented and completion reports submitted promptly.
Reviewing Area Officer Monitoring Reports, the Secretary directed ACDs to undertake regular field visits and improve the quality of monitoring. He also called for expediting geo-tagging and completion of e-KYC within the prescribed timeframe.
On administrative discipline, Asad reiterated that no employee should leave the place of duty without prior permission. He directed both Directors to conduct random attendance checks and stressed strict enforcement of workplace discipline and accountability.
The Secretary called upon senior officers and field functionaries to implement the directions with immediate effect and ensure rigorous follow-up at every level.
He emphasised that the effectiveness of VB-G RAM G must ultimately be reflected through more active worksites, higher Person Days generation and timely wages reaching rural workers across Jammu and Kashmir.(PTK)
