MGNREGS – Rural Infrastructure Projects Gain Momentum in Machilipatnam
MGNREGS – Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra on Wednesday said the NDA government was working to improve basic infrastructure in rural areas through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and the Viksit Bharat initiative. He said the programmes were intended to create employment opportunities while also addressing long-term needs in villages.
VB G-RAM G Programme Launched
The Minister launched the VB G-RAM G programme at Mekavanipalem in the Machilipatnam Assembly constituency. During the visit, he met workers engaged under MGNREGS and inspected facilities available at the worksite. He also reviewed the progress of development activities being carried out in the area.
Ravindra said rural employment programmes should go beyond providing temporary work and help build useful public assets. He noted that roads, drainage systems, water facilities and other infrastructure projects could improve daily life for residents while generating jobs for local workers.
Expanded Scope of Rural Works
According to the Minister, reforms introduced during the tenure of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had widened the range of works permitted under MGNREGS. He said the scheme now includes 32 categories of projects, allowing local bodies to undertake a broader range of infrastructure activities.
These works include cement concrete roads, compound walls and other public facilities required in villages. Ravindra said the expanded list had helped panchayats take up projects based on local requirements instead of limiting work to a narrow set of activities.
Road Projects Near Completion
The Minister said development works worth about Rs 42 crore were currently being implemented in the Machilipatnam constituency. Of the 393 roads proposed under the rural employment scheme, 382 have already been completed, he said.
He added that the remaining road works were expected to be finished after necessary administrative and technical processes were completed. The projects are aimed at improving connectivity between villages, agricultural areas and nearby markets.
Water Supply and Major Infrastructure Plans
Ravindra said the government was also moving ahead with plans to provide tap water connections to every household in the constituency by the end of next year. The initiative is part of a wider effort to improve access to drinking water in rural and semi-urban areas.
He said work was continuing on roads, bridges and the Machilipatnam Port project. The port development plan is expected to support regional trade, transport and employment opportunities once it becomes operational.
Focus on Welfare and Investment
The Minister said the state government would continue its focus on welfare programmes, job creation and investment promotion. He said attracting companies and strengthening infrastructure were important for improving economic opportunities across Andhra Pradesh.
Ravindra also criticised the opposition, alleging that political disputes were being used to create hurdles for development projects in the state. He said the government would continue to pursue its development agenda despite such challenges.