Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar B. Khandre instructed officials to fully implement the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) scheme in Ballari district. The goal is to generate local jobs for eligible workers and reduce distress migration. During a review meeting at the zilla panchayat auditorium on Sunday, he noted that poor rainfall had hurt farm work and raised the risk of out-migration. He stressed that every eligible rural worker must receive employment under the scheme. The district has so far met only 46 percent of its person-day target through June and must generate 51.3 lakh person-days this year, requiring five to six lakh person-days monthly. Officials reported 1.84 lakh active job cards covering 4.6 lakh workers, with e-KYC completed for 1.3 lakh cards. The minister called for quick completion of the remaining verifications. He expressed concern over Ballari taluk, where only 11,000 of 48,000 active job-card holders receive daily work, and rejected excuses for delays. He warned that executive officers and panchayat development officers would be held accountable if migration occurs due to lack of jobs. More than 1,000 crore rupees have already been released, with additional central and state funds provided. Officials must ensure transparency, follow rules, inspect sites personally, and credit wages on time. He also directed prompt restoration of roads damaged during Jal Jeevan Mission works and door-to-door delivery of e-Swathu and khata records.
BCN
