Supplyco’s Go Express marts will function for longer hours: Keralam Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob
Responding to “widespread non-availability” of food kits to people under the extremely poor category, the Minister said the government would examine if food essentials could be supplied to them through kits or other alternative ways
As Keralam prepares to implement the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G) from July 1, 2026, the state has made a significant achievement, according to Local Self-Government Minister K.M. Shaji. So far, VB-G RAM G has provided work to 9.32 lakh families that sought it, he stated in the Assembly on Monday.
The new scheme, replacing the MGNREGA, has faced criticism due to delayed wage payments and stricter digital tracking, which has led to a loss of rural workdays. However, Shaji assured that all families seeking work under VB-G RAM G have been accommodated, with grama panchayats deciding on local circumstances regarding mandatory 60-day no-work periods during peak seasons.
The State's budget allocation for the scheme is ₹2,544.42 crore, with the Centre's proportional allocation being ₹342.72 crore. Attendance is being tracked through a digital and biometric monitoring framework, though Keralam has requested relaxation in this provision for areas with low internet connectivity. The Minister also mentioned that the government is exploring changes in the State-level Employment Guarantee Workers’ Welfare Fund Board enrollment and payouts due to the substantial changes in the operational and financial framework for rural workers under the new scheme.
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