Calls for sustained public outreach, close monitoring at all levels
SRINAGAR, JUNE 03: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the preparedness of the Rural Development Department and district administrations for the smooth rollout of the Viksit Bharat Gramin Rozgar Abhiyan Mission (VB-G RAM G) across Jammu and Kashmir from July 1, 2026.
The Chief Secretary, as per an official statement, reviewed the progress achieved by the department 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.
Stressing the importance of meticulous planning and coordinated execution, the Chief Secretary directed the officers to adhere strictly to the timelines prescribed for operationalization of the scheme and ensure that all preparatory activities are completed well before its commencement on July 1, 2026.
He called for expediting all prerequisites, including notification of the scheme in consultation with the Law Department, completion of e-KYC of all eligible workers, and advance planning and approval of works to facilitate a smooth and seamless transition to the new framework.
The Chief Secretary also directed the Directors of Rural Development, Jammu and Kashmir, to take personal responsibility for capacity building and training of all functionaries associated with the implementation of the scheme. He emphasized that every employee at the district, block and Gram Panchayat level should be adequately trained and fully conversant with the provisions, procedures and technological platforms under VB-G RAM G before its rollout.
During the meeting, the Secretary Rural Development, Aijaz Asad apprised that extensive awareness and outreach campaigns have been conducted across all districts, covering all 4,291 Gram Panchayats through special Gram Sabhas, community engagement programmes, social media campaigns and newspaper outreach initiatives.
Reviewing the planning process under the Yuktdhara 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 more than 94 percent Gram Panchayats, while over 92 percent have already submitted their plans. Around 3,849 Gram Sabhas have approved development plans and more than 63,000 works have been identified, providing a robust shelf of projects to cater to 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 technology-driven governance mechanisms under VB-G RAM G, including face authentication, geofencing, AI-enabled analytics and real-time monitoring dashboards, would further strengthen transparency, accountability and service delivery.
Regarding the operational readiness of the new scheme, the meeting was apprised that the draft notification for implementation of VB-G RAM G has been prepared and submitted for approval, while the rules, dedicated accounts, budgetary provisions and integration of financial management systems are being pursued in accordance with timelines prescribed by the Ministry of Rural Development. The categorisation of Gram Panchayats and other preparatory activities are also progressing as scheduled.
The Chief Secretary also called for sustained public outreach and close monitoring at all levels so that the objectives of the flagship rural employment and development initiative are realized effectively across Jammu and Kashmir from day one of its implementation.
