The Ministry of Rural Development announced the national launch of the Viksit Bharat - Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Rural) (VB-G RAM-G) from Andhra Pradesh on July 1, 2026. Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made this announcement during a meeting with Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan in New Delhi. All state and union territory rural development ministers will participate in the launch event via video conferencing from various field locations.
The program will include information about Gram Panchayat Development Plans and showcase Andhra Pradesh's model panchayats and zero-waste gram panchayats. The state will present its best models in rural administration, sustainable development, and community participation. Chouhan praised Andhra Pradesh as one of India's most progressive states, known for quick development decisions, and encouraged further innovation in rural development to inspire other states.
Pawan Kalyan reported that all rural development works in the state have been geo-tagged to ensure transparency and eliminate corruption possibilities. A face recognition-based system for beneficiary verification is nearly complete. Rural road construction and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) housing projects are progressing rapidly. Each panchayat in the state has cattle drinking water facilities benefiting rural livestock owners.
The central government has provided Andhra Pradesh with a record interim allocation of over ₹7,700 crore under the VB-G RAM-G initiative. The state has included coffee plantation activities under VB-G RAM-G, which will create new livelihood opportunities and diversify income sources in rural areas. The state government is making special efforts to develop model panchayats in coastal areas.
Chouhan invited Kalyan to the National Rural Development Conference in New Delhi on June 28-29, which will discuss effective implementation of VB-G RAM-G, exchange of state experiences, and rural development innovations. Rural Development Secretary Rohit Kansal committed ministry support for developing model panchayats in coastal areas and for vehicle purchases for women self-help groups (popularly called Lakhpati Didis) to promote rural livelihood and women's empowerment. Necessary approvals have been provided under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) for this initiative.