From Our Correspondent
TURA, Feb 10: A ‘Vartalap’ interaction programme on Tuesday focusing on the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–GRAM G) was organised in Tura by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Shillong, in collaboration with the West Garo Hills District Administration. The initiative aimed to promote grassroots awareness and participatory governance in line with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The programme brought together district officials, media professionals, and students to discuss rural planning, the convergence of government schemes, and community-led development.
Addressing the gathering, ADC and Project Director of DRDA, Nipon Hajong, explained that VB–GRAM G is central to transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. He noted that empowered villages are the foundation of this vision and stressed that development must remain inclusive and people-centric.
Hajong highlighted the benefits of the mission, including guaranteed work days, timely wage payments, and the creation of productive rural assets. He added that digital systems would be utilized to reduce leakages and ensure transparency in rural employment initiatives.
Rongram BDO Cherime WR Sangma detailed the features of the mission, specifically the bottom-up planning framework.
She explained that Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs) are developed at the village level and integrated into state and national frameworks, covering essential sectors such as water security, infrastructure, and climate change mitigation. She also mentioned ongoing sensitization efforts at the Village Employment Council (VEC) level to ensure communities understand their entitlements.
District Mission Manager for NRLM, Michelle Ch Momin, spoke on the ‘Ajeevika’ component, explaining how livelihood interventions through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and women-led institutions strengthen rural economies and promote sustainable self-employment.
Earlier, Assistant Director of PIB Shillong, Gopajit Das, outlined the purpose of the Vartalap series, stating that such programmes bridge the information gap between the government and the public.
The session concluded with an interactive dialogue involving representatives from Doordarshan, All India Radio, and various media houses, alongside students from ICFAI University, Tura.
