Union Rural Development Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the national launch of Viksit Bharat – Rozgar aur Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) will commence from Andhra Pradesh on July 1, 2026, with Rural Development Ministers from all states and Union Territories participating via video conferencing from various field locations. During the programme, participants will be informed about the Gram Panchayat Development Plan and will learn about model panchayats and zero-waste gram panchayats developed by Andhra Pradesh, with the state presenting its best models and innovations in rural administration, sustainable development, and community participation for other states to emulate.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Shri Pawan Kalyan reported that all works under rural development schemes have been geo-tagged to ensure transparency and eliminate corruption, with face recognition-based beneficiary verification systems nearly completed. Construction of rural roads and houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin is progressing rapidly, and drinking water facilities for livestock have been provided in every panchayat, benefiting rural livestock rearers. The state received a record interim allocation of over ₹7,700 crore under VB-G RAM G from the Central Government.
The Ministry of Rural Development has included coffee plantation activities under VB-G RAM G in Andhra Pradesh to create new livelihood opportunities and diversify income sources in rural areas. The Ministry will support the development of model panchayats in coastal areas and has approved the purchase of vehicles for women Self-Help Groups (Lakhpati Didis) under the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) to promote rural livelihoods and women empowerment. Shri Chouhan invited Shri Kalyan to participate in the National Rural Development Conference in New Delhi on June 28-29 to discuss VB-G RAM G implementation and share state experiences and innovations.