New Rural Job Scheme Prioritises Water Security to Combat El Niño Effects

The new rural employment scheme VB-G RAM G, rolled out from July 1, has placed a strong emphasis on water security. Out of 318 permissible works, 107 are dedicated to addressing water conservation and management, according to an interim list released by the Ministry of Rural Development. This focus comes in response to challenges posed by climate change and a potential El Niño-triggered rain deficiency.

The scheme also allows gram panchayats to undertake projects related to disaster mitigation. In areas affected by droughts or floods, additional works can be added to the list of permitted activities.

These details were presented during a two-day national conference titled 'Gramodaya Se Rashtrodaya', organised by the ministry on June 28 and 29. The conference discussed the implementation and progress of major rural development schemes, including the launch of VB-G RAM G.

Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, expressed concern over the possibility of below-normal rainfall. He urged states likely to be impacted to remain vigilant and prepare in advance. Chouhan directed those states to strengthen water conservation structures to store water for irrigation and drinking, and to make adequate preparations to generate additional employment opportunities in rural areas if required.

Referring to the El Niño-triggered rain deficiency, the minister said, “This time monsoon is late and its impact is expected to be felt in 315 districts, and of these 111 districts are more vulnerable,” citing the India Meteorological Department and experts. He listed the vulnerable states: Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Bihar, Jharkhand, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal and Odisha.

Besides water security, the framework includes three other thematic focus areas: core rural infrastructure, rural livelihoods, and disaster mitigation. The list of 318 permissible works includes 88, 86, and 37 works in these categories, respectively.

Officials noted that two of the four thematic domains have been included for the first time under the scheme. Under 'livelihood related infrastructure', permissible works now include facilities for cold storage, skilling centres, and agricultural produce processing units. Special works to mitigate extreme weather events and disaster preparedness include embankments, retaining walls, flood diversion channels, multipurpose disaster relief centres, and forest fire management works.