Agartala, July 3: The Centre has sanctioned Rs 1,040 crore to Tripura under the newly launched Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM G) for the current financial year, Tripura Social Welfare Minister Tinku Roy announced on July 2.
Roy attended the virtual launch of the scheme from Rabindra Bhavan in Agartala, while Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan formally inaugurated the programme from Andhra Pradesh.
Describing the initiative as a significant step towards strengthening the rural economy, Roy said the new programme broadens the scope of rural employment by incorporating several development activities that were either limited or not included under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
According to the minister, the scheme places greater emphasis on works such as land levelling, construction of earthen drains, water conservation projects and flood protection measures to support the overall development of rural areas.
Rejecting allegations made by the opposition that the BJP-led Central government intended to discontinue MGNREGA, Roy asserted that the new programme would provide enhanced benefits to rural workers.
He said Tripura had received around Rs 1,100 crore under MGNREGA during the previous financial year, while the Centre has now approved Rs 1,040 crore under VB-GRAM G for the remaining nine months of the current financial year.
Roy described the allocation as substantial for a state like Tripura and also highlighted the revision in daily wage rates under the new scheme. He said the wage has been increased from Rs 240 to Rs 300, a move that would directly benefit rural workers across the state.
The minister added that the enhanced wage structure and expanded range of permissible works under VB-GRAM G would strengthen livelihood opportunities and support rural development in Tripura.
