Haveri
The Vikasit Bharat – Garib Kalyan and Aajeevika Grameen (VBG-Rama Jyothi) scheme has been launched to promote comprehensive rural development across districts, with the primary aim of improving livelihoods, expanding employment opportunities, and strengthening rural infrastructure.
According to Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Panchayat, D. P. Delshith Kumar, the scheme focuses on ensuring sustainable livelihood security for rural families while creating local job opportunities. He stated that under this initiative, each eligible rural household will be provided up to 125 days of skilled wage employment annually. The programme also prioritizes financial stability for rural families through direct wage transfers.
The scheme officially came into effect from July 1, 2026, following a government order fixing the daily wage rate at ₹382 for the financial year 2026–27. Officials confirmed that 318 types of works have been approved for implementation under the programme, and ongoing works will be continued under the same framework.
These works are categorized into four major groups, including rural road development, water conservation structures, agriculture-related development, and livelihood enhancement activities. Special emphasis has been placed on irrigation facilities, watershed management, rural sanitation, and strengthening community assets.
The scheme also includes six sub-programmes under water security, with 107 activities identified for execution. Similarly, 90 works are planned under rural infrastructure development, 86 under livelihood improvement programmes, and 35 works dedicated to disaster management and emergency response.
Key objectives of the scheme include generating local employment, improving rural infrastructure, empowering women economically, strengthening vulnerable communities, and promoting environmental conservation. The initiative also aims to enhance the effectiveness of gram panchayat-level planning and implementation.
Authorities have directed gram panchayats to actively identify job seekers and ensure proper registration. Rural residents interested in skilled wage employment have been urged to contact their local gram panchayat offices to participate in the programme.
Officials emphasized that successful implementation of the scheme will depend on active cooperation between district administrations, gram panchayats, and local communities. The initiative is expected to significantly contribute to rural economic growth and self-reliant village development across the region.
