Overview
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B. Khandre chaired a review meeting on 9 August 2026 in Ballari to assess the implementation of the VB‑G RAM G scheme. The meeting highlighted low rainfall, rising risk of distress migration, and the need to generate more person‑days in the district.
Key Developments
- Ballari’s target for the fiscal year is 51.3 lakh person‑days; only 46% of the target was achieved by June.
- There are 1.84 lakh active job cards covering about 4.6 lakh workers. e‑KYC is completed for ~1.3 lakh cards; the remainder must be finished urgently.
- The taluk of Ballari, with ~48,000 active job cards, is providing work to only ~11,000 workers per day.
- Minister Khandre warned that any official whose area sees migration of SC/ST/BC families will be held responsible.
- Funds are not a constraint: the state has released >₹1,000 crore and the centre >₹1,700 crore for the scheme.
- Additional focus areas include timely wage credit, restoration of roads damaged during Jal Jeevan Mission works, and doorstep delivery of e‑Swathu records.
Important Facts
• Target: 51.3 lakh person‑days for 2026‑27.
• Current achievement: 46% of target up to June.
• Active job cards: 1.84 lakh (covering 4.6 lakh workers).
• e‑KYC completed for 1.3 lakh cards; remaining 0.54 lakh need verification.
• Funds released: State ₹1,200 crore; Centre ₹1,700 crore.
Exam Relevance
The discussion touches on several GS topics: VB‑G RAM G is a flagship rural employment programme, akin to MGNREGA, illustrating implementation challenges at the district level. Monitoring of person‑days reflects the effectiveness of wage‑work schemes (GS3). The use of e‑KYC and job cards showcases digital governance in welfare delivery (GS3). The emphasis on preventing migration of SC/ST/BC communities links to social justice and inclusive growth (GS2, GS3). Finally, coordination with Jal Jeevan Mission and delivery of e‑Swathu records illustrate inter‑sectoral integration, a key theme in governance and development (GS3).
Way Forward
- Accelerate completion of e‑KYC for all remaining job cards to ensure no eligible worker is left out.
- Mobilise additional works in Ballari taluk to raise daily employment from 11,000 to at least 30,000 workers.
- Institute real‑time monitoring of wage credit to prevent delays and build beneficiary confidence.
- Ensure contractors restore roads damaged during Jal Jeevan Mission works within 48 hours.
- Deploy field teams to deliver e‑Swathu records at households, reducing citizen travel to offices.