Centre committed to making villages self-reliant: Union MoS Kamlesh Paswan

Centre’s Vision for Rural Empowerment: Union MoS Kamlesh Paswan Highlights Key Initiatives

Bharatmorningnews.com – At a daylong gathering of village leaders in Varanasi, Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan emphasized the transformative potential of local governance. He stated that with dedicated effort, village heads can drive meaningful change in their communities, urging them to prioritize long-term planning and inclusive decision-making. Paswan also highlighted the importance of investing in sustainable infrastructure to ensure lasting benefits for future generations.

Event Details and Participation

The Panch Sammelan, hosted at Rudraksh Convention Centre, brought together representatives from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Jharkhand. Jointly organized by the Union Rural Development Ministry and the Uttar Pradesh Rural Development Department, the event aimed to educate village heads on the objectives and mechanisms of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G).

Addressing Rural Challenges

Paswan acknowledged that despite decades of independence, many rural regions still face struggles with essential services. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has focused on creating a more efficient framework for rural development, targeting critical areas like electricity, water, and road networks. The minister described this as a commitment to fostering self-reliance and modern infrastructure in villages.

“The Centre is dedicated to building empowered, self-sufficient villages equipped with modern amenities,” Paswan stated. “VB-G RAM G will redefine rural governance by promoting transparency, accountability, and development.”

Revisions to Existing Schemes

Paswan explained that the new Act integrates improvements from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), streamlining processes to eliminate delays. He argued that this will ensure quicker delivery of benefits to villagers and create a robust system for monitoring rural development initiatives. The reforms also focus on tailoring schemes to local needs and enhancing community involvement.

Empowering Local Communities

Highlighting the Act’s features, Paswan noted that it introduces online tracking of projects, transparent approval workflows, and strengthened social audits. These tools, he said, will give women, self-help groups, and youth greater access to opportunities. He described VB-G RAM G as a visionary effort to turn “developed villages” into the foundation of a “developed India.”

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya echoed Paswan’s message, calling on gram panchayat heads to promote holistic village growth. He praised the participation of leaders from four states and celebrated the Union Cabinet’s approval of ₹25,000 crore for constructing two elevated roads in Varanasi. During the technical session, Rohini R Bhajibhakare, joint secretary in rural development, presented the Act’s core components and implementation strategies.