India, Jan. 5 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said in Erode, Tamil Nadu on Monday that the Vikasit Bharat - Ji Ram Ji Act is an important step towards building self-reliant villages. While interacting with workers and laborers in Erode, the Union Minister explained the various provisions of this ambitious scheme. He said that this Act is a concrete initiative towards creating employment, expanding infrastructure, and strengthening self-reliance in villages. Shri Chouhan expressed confidence that the goal of developed and prosperous villages will be realized through public participation.
The Union Minister said that until now, MNREGA guaranteed 100 days of employment, but in many places, neither employment was available on time nor wages were paid on time. Describing this as a serious situation, he said that to address such shortcomings and corruption, the government has amended the scheme and implemented the "Developed India - Ram Ji" law.
He explained that under the new law, employment is now guaranteed for 125 days instead of 100. If work is not found within the stipulated period, workers will receive unemployment allowance. Interest will also be paid if wages are delayed by more than 15 days. Mr. Chauhan said that administrative expenses have been increased from 6 percent to 9 percent to ensure timely payment of salaries to field staff and to make the system more effective.
The Union Minister stated that the new law empowers Gram Sabhas. Gram Sabhas will now be able to decide for themselves what development work should be undertaken in their villages. He clarified that development decisions will now be made at the village level, not in Chennai or Delhi.
Mr. Chauhan said that some people are deliberately spreading misinformation about this scheme. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made changes to the scheme so that the money of laborers and workers reaches their accounts directly and there is no room for corruption.
Announcement of opening of testing lab for Turmeric City in Erode
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited the famous Turmeric Market in Erode and interacted with turmeric farmers and traders. He announced the establishment of a testing lab in the Turmeric City of Erode and directed ICAR to establish a testing lab. He stated that this would assist farmers in quality testing, certification, and improved marketing of turmeric.
The Union Minister also assured the establishment of a regional office of the Turmeric Board in Erode. He stated that this issue is under the purview of the Ministry of Commerce, but as Agriculture Minister, he would personally take the initiative. He stated that this would provide turmeric farmers with policy support, better market access, and new export opportunities.
Mr. Chauhan stated that the need for cold storage facilities in the Erode region is crucial. He explained that cold storage facilities could be established under various central government schemes, and urged the Tamil Nadu government to utilize RKVY funds. He also assured a crackdown on turmeric smuggling and said a meeting in Delhi would address these issues to find concrete solutions. He also emphasized the importance of seed quality as the foundation of agriculture, emphasizing the need for seed development through the ICAR.
Dialogue with women farmers
The Union Minister also observed innovations taking place in the agricultural sector. During this period, he inspected more than 100 agricultural product stalls and discussed with farmers and entrepreneurs about their products, quality, and potential. Mr. Chouhan interacted with more than 1,000 women farmers and met with various farmer organizations and progressive farmers. He also participated in cultural programs.
Disclaimer: The original story of this translated version is available on Press Information Bureau.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
