El Niño Impact Reduces Agricultural Activities; State Allocates Work Through VB Jee Ramji to Ensure Employment The state government has prioritized providing employment to rural laborers amid declining agricultural activities caused by the El Niño effect. Officials have decided to allocate work through the VB Jee Ramji program, ensuring that all seeking employment receive work opportunities. Despite the usual seasonal break for agricultural activities during the Kharif season, the government has opted to continue operations to mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions. Agricultural activities have declined significantly due to the El Niño phenomenon, leading to reduced farming work and limited job opportunities for rural laborers. To address this, the government has directed authorities to ensure employment for all who apply. Currently, approximately 7 lakh laborers are engaged in work under the program, with officials aiming to increase this number to 10-12 lakh. This initiative is part of a broader effort to stabilize the rural workforce and prevent unemployment. The government has also taken strict measures against officials who failed to comply with the employment allocation guidelines. Over 36 APVOs (Assistant Public Works Officers) from 12 districts have been summoned for disciplinary action. Officials have emphasized that the program must prioritize providing work to all eligible laborers, with penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, a total of 162 crore rupees has been disbursed as wages to date, with another 300 crore rupees in funds allocated for upcoming work projects. The remaining wages are scheduled to be released by the end of the month.#el_nino #chandrababu_naidu #vb_jeeramji #national_employment_guarantee_scheme #apvo
