Chandigarh, September 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister S. Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Sunday said the state government’s concerted efforts were giving a major boost to rural development, with more than 1.88 lakh man-days generated under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) since July 1, 2026.
Sond said the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government was undertaking rural development works on a large scale across villages while focusing on employment generation, strengthening rural infrastructure and promoting sustainable development.
He said new beneficiaries would also be enrolled under the scheme to ensure maximum employment opportunities for needy rural households.
The minister said that despite the additional financial burden placed on states by the new scheme introduced by the Central Government, Punjab was implementing VB-G RAM G effectively to ensure that development works continued without interruption and benefits reached people at the grassroots level.
He added that timely payment of wages to beneficiaries was being ensured, with the department closely monitoring the payment process to maintain transparency and efficiency.
A range of works are being undertaken under the scheme, including renovation and rejuvenation of ponds, development of parks, plantation drives, water conservation, development of water resources, construction and improvement of streets and drains, road-related works and creation of other community assets.
Sond said these projects were strengthening rural infrastructure while providing employment to villagers within their own communities, reducing the need to migrate elsewhere in search of work.
He said departmental officials had been directed to ensure transparent and effective implementation of the scheme at the grassroots level. Regular monitoring was also being carried out to ensure quality and timely completion of development works.
Sond said the Punjab Government was committed to making villages stronger, greener and more prosperous by combining employment opportunities with improved infrastructure and civic amenities.
He added that effective implementation and utilisation of VB-G RAM G would provide further impetus to the rural economy and contribute to making Punjab’s villages more developed, self-reliant and sustainable.
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