Rural Development – Himachal Government Raises Concerns Over Proposed VB-G-RAM-G Scheme
Rural Development – The Himachal Pradesh government plans to raise its objections with the Union government over the proposed VB-G-RAM-G scheme, with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu saying the new arrangement may not suit the financial and geographical realities of the hill state.
Speaking during a review meeting of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department on Wednesday, Sukhu said the replacement of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, or MNREGA, could affect the state’s rural employment framework.
Funding Structure Draws State Government’s Attention
The Chief Minister said MNREGA had provided complete financial support from the Centre, while the proposed VB-G-RAM-G scheme would require Himachal Pradesh to contribute 10 per cent of the total expenditure. According to Sukhu, this could increase pressure on the state budget.
He said the issue would be formally presented before the Union government, adding that Himachal Pradesh has limited financial resources and faces distinct challenges due to its difficult terrain and scattered rural population.
Funds Announced for Panchayat Infrastructure
During the meeting, Sukhu announced that the state government would allocate Rs 30 crore for completing Panchayat Ghar buildings in different parts of Himachal Pradesh. These facilities are intended to support local governance and improve the delivery of public services in villages.
He also instructed officials to provide additional financial assistance for the completion of the District Panchayat Resource Centre in Una. The centre is expected to support training, planning and administrative work related to panchayat institutions.
Focus on Strengthening Rural Administration
Sukhu said the government was working to improve the capacity of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department because of its central role in village-level development. He said vacant positions in the department were being filled on priority, while further recruitment is planned in the coming months.
The Chief Minister said stronger staffing and better administrative systems would help the department implement welfare programmes more efficiently across rural areas.
Support Measures for Women’s Self-Help Groups
The state government is also continuing its efforts to expand livelihood opportunities for women associated with Self-Help Groups. Sukhu said 310 SHGs have received credit support amounting to Rs 65.56 lakh.
To help these groups reach more customers, the government is developing a Himachal Hat in Shimla. New sales outlets are also being established in Pandoh and Kullu, while a similar showroom is already functioning in Dharamshala.
The initiative is aimed at giving locally made products a more organised market platform and helping women-led groups increase their income through small enterprises.
Food Vans Planned for Rural Enterprises
Sukhu said food vans have been provided to selected Self-Help Groups to support their business activities. The government intends to distribute more such vehicles in the future, allowing groups to sell food and other products at different locations.
Officials were asked to speed up work on ongoing departmental programmes so that eligible beneficiaries receive assistance without avoidable delays.
Digital Monitoring of Flagship Schemes
The Chief Minister also directed the Secretary of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj to connect all major schemes with the Chief Minister’s Dashboard. The move is expected to allow the government to track progress online and identify implementation gaps at an early stage.
Sukhu said timely monitoring, improved staffing and stronger local institutions would remain important parts of the government’s approach to rural development in Himachal Pradesh.