Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that the Centre released an interim allocation of Rs 95,692 crore to states and Union Territories for promoting rural growth. This was in addition to the Rs 30,000 crore already allocated under MGNREGA, taking the total outlay past the Rs 1.25 lakh crore mark.
Chairing a meeting of Rural Development Ministers of states regarding the implementation of ‘Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)’, Union Minister Chouhan added that this amount will reach nearly 2.8 lakh gram panchayats across the country, ensuring that each panchayat receives funds worth several lakhs of rupees.
Chouhan said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre has announced a comprehensive financial and policy initiative to provide fresh momentum to rural employment, workers’ security and the overall development of villages.
Chouhan added that the historic new arrangement coming into effect from July 1, should ensure a completely smooth, worker-centric transition without any disruption.
He stressed that the funds should be utilised for development works identified under the provisions of the VB-GRAM-G Act so that employment generation and the creation of rural assets are both ensured.
Union Minister Chouhan said that the Central Government is not only providing funds but also wants to ensure timely wage payments, protection of workers’ rights and uninterrupted development works.
He urged states to accord advance approvals to an adequate number of works so that implementation can begin at a fast pace from July 1 itself.
