Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasised that the newly enacted Viksit Bharat – G Ram G Act will form the cornerstone for creating self-reliant and prosperous villages. Speaking recently at an interaction with farmers, workers, and labourers in Erode, Tamil Nadu, the Minister described the law as a significant reform aimed at boosting employment, basic services, and village-level self-sufficiency. He highlighted that real village development would only be achieved with strong public participation and transparent implementation.
Addressing shortcomings in the earlier employment guarantee system under MGNREGA, Chouhan pointed out that in many areas, work was not available on time and wage payments were frequently delayed. To tackle these issues and reduce corruption, the new law increases the employment guarantee from 100 days to 125 days. It also introduces an unemployment allowance if work is not provided within the stipulated timeframe, and interest on delayed wage payments beyond 15 days. Furthermore, the administrative expenditure ceiling has been raised from 6% to 9% to ensure timely salary disbursement to field-level staff and improve overall programme efficacy.
Under the new framework, Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) have been empowered to decide development priorities locally ensuring that decisions are made at the grassroots level rather than in distant administrative centres.
During his visit to the renowned turmeric market in Erode — often called Turmeric City — the Minister announced that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has been directed to establish a turmeric testing laboratory there. This facility will support farmers with quality testing, certification, and improved market access. Chouhan also assured that a regional Turmeric Board office will be set up in Erode to provide further policy support and export opportunities. He underscored the need for cold storage infrastructure in the region and encouraged utilisation of central scheme funds like RKVY for such facilities.
