VB-G RAM G not in state's interest, says Himachal CM
Shimla, July 8
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Wednesday said the implementation of the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission is not in the interest of the state.
He pointed out that in the previous scheme, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), the Central government had provided 100 per cent funding, while under the new scheme the state government is required to bear 10 per cent of the expenditure.
He said the state government is making efforts to strengthen the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, recognising its pivotal role in the holistic development of rural areas.
Presiding over a departmental review meeting here, the chief minister said that vacant posts in the department are being filled on priority to enhance administrative efficiency, adding that further recruitment would be undertaken in the coming days.
Sukhu said the state would provide Rs 30 crore to complete the ongoing construction of Panchayat Ghars across the state. He directed that additional funds be provided to complete the District Panchayat Resource Centre in Una.
Highlighting the government's commitment to empowering rural women, the chief minister said financial assistance is being extended to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to strengthen their livelihoods. He said 310 SHGs have already received credit assistance amounting to Rs 65.56 lakh.
To provide better marketing opportunities for SHG products, a Himachal Hat is under construction in Shimla, while showrooms are also being established at Pandoh and Kullu. A similar showroom is already operational in Dharamsala. He said food vans have been provided to SHGs to promote their enterprises and more such vehicles would be distributed in the future.
Reviewing the progress of various departmental schemes, the chief minister directed officers to expedite their implementation to ensure that benefits reach the intended beneficiaries promptly.
He also instructed the Secretary (Rural Development and Panchayati Raj) to integrate all the department's flagship schemes into the Chief Minister's Dashboard for effective online monitoring.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I appreciate the CM's focus on rural development and Panchayati Raj. The ₹30 crore for Panchayat Ghars is long overdue - our village still doesn't have a proper community hall. But I wish they'd also look at how many of these panchayats actually function effectively. Just building infrastructure isn't enough; we need trained officials too. Hope the recruitment drive addresses that.
Bro, yahan ek cheez notice karo - MNREGA mein 100% center funding thi, isme 10% state ka burden. But isn't that a small price to pay if the scheme actually provides better employment? Himachal tourism industry ko bhi boost chahiye. Aur yeh Self-Help Groups ko ₹65.56 lakh ka credit - that's peanuts for 310 groups. Each group got barely ₹2,000-2,500? Need to increase that amount substantially! 🤔
CM sahab ka decision samajh mein aata hai. 10% state contribution ka matlab hai ki hamein apne budget mein se paise nikalne padenge. Himachal jaisi chhoti economy ke liye yeh burden bahut hai. Lekin ek baat - kya yeh opposition sirf politics hai ya sach mein state ke hit mein nahi hai? Main 2019 mein MNREGA ke under Shimla mein kaam karta tha, us time bhi delays hote the. Naya scheme kya guarantee de sakti hai? Time hi batayega.
Good to see SHGs getting food vans and showrooms in Dharamsala, Pandoh, and Kullu. But showroom in Shimla ka bhi mention hai - Himachal Hat construction - that's too late! We've been waiting for years. Meanwhile, local women from my village (near Manali) sell apples
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