The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar Khandre announced intensified efforts under the VB‑G RAM G scheme to provide jobs in villages and stop people moving to towns.
Key Developments
- Out of taluks with deficit rainfall, 60 of 178 are facing severe shortage; priority given to drinking‑water supply and local employment.
- Since 1 July 2026, the scheme has generated 5 lakh man‑days of work, covering all applicants.
- Target of 10 lakh man‑days by end‑June 2026 and a monthly goal of 1.25 crore man‑days.
- First‑quarter fund release of ₹2,900 crore to finance the scheme.
- Every rural household with a job card will receive 125 man‑days of guaranteed work.
- Scope to undertake 318 types of works, with potential to expand further.
- Revenue Minister G. Parameshwara highlighted the need for water‑security measures, including hiring private borewells and drilling new ones.
- ₹117 crore released for drinking‑water assurance; administrative approval for works worth ₹95 crore.
- Farmers urged to take up crop insurance.
Important Facts
The scheme targets villages where deficit rainfall has reduced water availability. By mobilising private and new borewells, the government aims to secure drinking water until the next monsoon.
A man‑day metric helps track employment impact. The announced 1.25 crore man‑days per month translates to roughly 3.75 million workdays annually, a substantial boost to rural