Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today planted saplings with sarpanches and departmental officials at the Pusa campus in New Delhi on the occasion of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s birthday and extended his birthday greetings to the Prime Minister. Thereafter, the Union Minister addressed the National Workshop organised on Viksit Bharat–G RAM G. The workshop was attended by elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions, Commissioners and senior officials of States and Union Territories, and other participants.

­­­­

On the occasion, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed officials to conduct random inspections of works being undertaken under the scheme. Where works are being carried out in accordance with the prescribed standards and procedures, the concerned persons should be appreciated. However, wherever any irregularity is found, strict action should be taken at the very outset so that no one dares to violate the rules in future.

There Will Be No Leniency in Case of Fraud

Union Minister for Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan issued a strong message to the States and Union Territories regarding any kind of fraud and irregularity under the Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Scheme. He said that fraud in the scheme would not be tolerated at any cost.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “Remember, we will not allow any fraud in this scheme at any cost. I am clearly saying as the Minister that if there is any fraud, no one will be spared. Action will be taken against anyone who indulges in irregularities.” He said that if a pond in a village is already full and workers are still being engaged there, it is a matter that needs to be investigated. He directed officials to keep a close watch on such cases.

Conduct Random Inspections of Works; Take Action at the Very Outset if Irregularities Are Found

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan told officials of States and Union Territories that only two months have passed since the scheme was launched and the third month is underway. Therefore, it is essential to keep the monitoring and inspection mechanism strong right from the beginning. He directed that random inspections of selected works be conducted. Where works are being carried out properly, the concerned persons should be appreciated, while any irregularity found should invite immediate action so that irregularities are curbed at the initial stage and such situations do not recur in future.

Technology Will Help Curb Fraud

The Union Minister said that technology has been used in the scheme to ensure better monitoring of works and to leave no scope for fraud. He said that attendance of workers has now been made mandatory through Face Authentication. Therefore, it should also be ensured through the technological system that there are no gaps in this mechanism.

He said that when a complaint comes to light, it is natural to be concerned. He urged all concerned officials to ensure that no breach occurs at any level in the implementation of the scheme. He said, “All the officials are sitting here, and I want to tell them and the Commissioners to ensure that no one is able to breach the system at any cost.”

Ensure Work for Workers; They Should Not Remain Without Work Even for an Hour

Union Minister for Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the most important objective of the scheme is to provide employment to workers. He said that workers should get work and should not remain without work even for an hour. He also emphasised that timely payment of wages must be ensured. He said that works permitted under the rules should be undertaken after following the prescribed procedures.

He also emphasised adherence to the wage-material ratio under the scheme. He said that at the district level, 60 per cent of the funds are to be spent on wages and 40 per cent on material. Officials were directed to follow the rules and prescribed procedures and prioritise works that create durable and useful assets in villages.

Work Does Not Mean Merely Digging Soil and Dumping It Elsewhere

The Union Minister said that work does not mean merely digging soil at one place and dumping it at another. Keeping in view the objective of “ViksitGaon for a Viksit Bharat”, works under the Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Scheme should be considered in a manner that creates a strong foundation for development in villages and strengthens the rural economy.

He told officials that there is now a need to consider how the Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Scheme can contribute to building ViksitGaon. Along with providing employment, the scheme should facilitate the creation of assets that remain useful to rural communities over the long term and help make villages self-reliant and developed.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the success of the scheme can be ensured only when workers receive adequate employment, transparency is maintained in the execution of works, fraud is completely curbed, and the scheme also contributes to building developed villages alongside a developed India.

National Service Is the Core Mantra of PM Modi’s Life

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that today is a highly relevant and special day. There is an atmosphere of joy and celebration across the country. Today is the birthday of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. On this occasion, he extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the Prime Minister on behalf of rural India.

He said, “My only prayer to God is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji may be blessed with a long and healthy life and may he continue to serve the country and its people in the same manner.” He said that national service has remained the core mantra of the Prime Minister’s life.

He said that his journey of public service as the head of government for 25 consecutive years is significant in itself. He served as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and is now leading the nation as the Prime Minister. This long and continuous journey of service is a noteworthy chapter in the history of Indian democracy.

He said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the vision of a new India is taking shape—an India that is prosperous, glorious, strong, self-reliant and developed.

***
 

PU