Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan Charts Rural Development Roadmap

The Ministry of Rural Development convened a historic two-day 'Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan' at Pusa Campus, New Delhi, chaired by Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. This marked the first gathering of Rural Development Ministers from 29 states and Union Territories, including Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya and Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, to develop a shared strategy for 'Developed Villages – Developed India' under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision.

New Employment Scheme and Financial Allocation

Shri Chouhan announced the implementation of the 'Viksit Bharat – VB-GRAM-G' scheme across the country from July 1, 2026, which will replace the existing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). An interim approval of ₹95,682 crore has been granted for the new program, with states urged to complete all procedural formalities promptly to ensure smooth rollout and uninterrupted benefits to rural households.

Women Empowerment Initiatives

The conference witnessed the launch of two significant digital platforms: the 'Lakhpati Didi Dashboard' and 'SHE LEAPS' (Self Help Entrepreneur - Livelihoods and Enterprise Application for Prosperity and Sustainability) for women in Self-Help Groups. The government has expanded the Lakhpati Didi target from 3 crore to 6 crore women, with a roadmap prepared for bank linkage worth ₹10 lakh crore over the next five years to promote financial inclusion and entrepreneurship among rural women.

Implementation Priorities and Reforms

Shri Chouhan outlined critical implementation priorities including timely release of state financial shares, filling vacant rural development posts, minimizing frequent transfers of officials (recommending 2-3 year tenures), strengthening social audits, and leveraging artificial intelligence for improved transparency and service delivery. States were directed to resolve pending rural housing cases expeditiously and ensure land provision for landless beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin.

Scheme Review and Best Practices

The conference reviewed progress of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, and Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana. Successful initiatives from Jharkhand, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh involving multi-channel marketing models, community-based enterprises, and household livelihood credit schemes will be documented and shared across states for replication.

Monsoon Preparedness and Water Management

Expressing concern over potential below-normal rainfall, the Minister urged 14 states to remain vigilant and strengthen water conservation structures. States were directed to prepare for generating additional employment opportunities in rural areas if required, with proactive planning to safeguard livelihoods and agricultural activity during potential water scarcity.

Collaborative Development Approach

Shri Chouhan emphasized partnership over politics, outlining a collaborative model where the Centre focuses on policy formulation, states ensure implementation, Panchayats provide grassroots leadership, and citizens become active participants in the development process. The conference concluded with recognition of youth talent through awards for logo design, quiz, and digital content competitions under the VB-GRAM-G initiative.