Nagaland: Rural development at the centre of development Prof Jayanta Choudhury, head of the Department of Rural Development and Planning at Nagaland University, emphasized that rural development is central to broader development goals. During a discourse organized by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) in Kohima on March 25, he highlighted how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) rely heavily on improving rural development through inclusive and participatory strategies. The event, part of a discussion on the central scheme “Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)” (VB–G RAM G), aimed to explore its implications for rural employment and livelihoods. The VB–G RAM G, previously known as MGNREGA, is designed to provide 135 days of wage employment per rural household annually. Prof Choudhury noted that the scheme now features a 60:40 funding split between the central and state governments, with North Eastern and Himalayan states receiving 90% central funding. This adjustment aims to address rural employment gaps and support livelihood initiatives. However, he raised concerns about the scheme’s potential to weaken existing safety nets, citing unresolved issues from the previous MGNREGA framework. Key changes from MGNREGA include a shift from demand-driven to supply-driven planning, revised wage and employment day calculations, and greater emphasis on fiscal responsibility and technology-driven monitoring. Prof Choudhury pointed out that many recommendations from past parliamentary committees remain unimplemented, raising questions about the scheme’s effectiveness. He also highlighted the exclusion of rural work during peak agricultural seasons, which could disrupt employment for those reliant on continuous income.#nagaland #press_information_bureau #mgnrega #prof_jayanta_choudhury
PIB Kohima holds media workshop on Central Scheme 'VB GRAMG' The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Kohima, organized a one-day media workshop on the newly launched central scheme 'VB GRAMG' on March 25, 2026, at the Kohima Press Club Office. The event, part of the VARTA discourse series, focused on the Ministry of Rural Development's initiative aimed at transforming rural employment mechanisms. Prof. Jayanta Choudhury, head of the Department of Rural Development and Planning at Nagaland University, highlighted the central role of rural development in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He emphasized that sustainable rural growth is essential for inclusive progress, noting that over 80% of the world's poor reside in rural areas and that issues like hunger and malnutrition are predominantly concentrated there. Prof. Choudhury stressed the importance of localized Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sustainable practices such as organic farming to address rural challenges. He argued that the development of urban centers is intrinsically linked to the strength of rural economies, suggesting that improved rural development could reduce migration to cities. The professor also underscored that the success of all SDGs hinges on effective rural development, positioning it as a cornerstone of India's national agenda. The workshop detailed the key features of VBGRAMG, a reformed rural employment scheme replacing MGNREGA. The scheme guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household, slightly higher than the 120 days under MGNREGA. It introduces a 60:40 central-state funding split, with North-Eastern and Himalayan states receiving 90% central funding. Prof.#pib_kohima #vb_gramg #nagaland_university #viksit_bharat #mgnrega
