Friday, January 23, 2026
14.7 C
Bengaluru

    India

    Raipur introduces Police commissionerate system; Sanjeev Shukla appointed first commissioner

    New Delhi, Jan 22 (IANS) The Chhattisgarh government has introduced the police commissionerate system in Raipur, the state capital, marking a significant step to improve urban policing and law enforcement in the rapidly growing city.

    This reform brings Raipur in line with modern metropolitan policing approaches adopted in various other Indian cities.

    Senior IPS officer Sanjeev Shukla has been appointed as the first Police Commissioner of Raipur.

    Before this new role, he served as Inspector General of Police for the Bilaspur Range.

    With his wide experience in managing law and order situations, crime investigations, and supervisory duties across the state, Shukla's leadership is expected to guide the commissionerate effectively.

    The government order issued on Thursday also brought several transfers to reorganize the police structure in support of the new system.

    Ramgopal Garg, who was previously Inspector General of Police for the Durg Range, now takes charge as Inspector General of Police for the Bilaspur Range.

    Abhishek Shandilya moves from the Rajnandgaon Range to become Inspector General of Police for the Durg Range.

    Balaji Rao Somawar shifts from his position as Inspector General of Police for Law and Order at Police Headquarters in Raipur to take up the role of Inspector General of Police for the Rajnandgaon Range.

    Amit Tukaram Kamble, formerly Deputy Inspector General of Police in Kanker, has been posted as Additional Commissioner of Police for Raipur City.

    Lal Umed Singh transfers from Senior Superintendent of Police in Raipur to Senior Superintendent of Police in Jashpur.

    Shashi Mohan Singh moves from Senior Superintendent of Police in Jashpur to the same position in Raigarh.

    Divyang Patel goes from Superintendent of Police in Raigarh to Superintendent of Police for Railways in Raipur.

    Umesh Prasad Gupta, who was Commandant of the Fourteenth Battalion in Balod, now serves as Deputy Commissioner of Police for the Central zone in Raipur City.

    Sandeep Patel shifts from Commandant of the Sixteenth Battalion in Narayanpur to Deputy Commissioner of Police for the West zone in Raipur City. Mayank Gurjar moves from Commandant of the Fifteenth Battalion in Dantewada to Deputy Commissioner of Police for the North zone in Raipur City.

    Vikas Kumar, previously Superintendent of Police for the State Intelligence and Investigation Bureau at Police Headquarters in Raipur, takes on the role of Deputy Commissioner of Police for Traffic and Protocol in Raipur City.

    Rajnala Smriti transfers from Superintendent of Police for the Special Task Force in Bastar to Deputy Commissioner of Police for Crime and Cyber in Raipur City.

    Shweta Srivastava Sinha moves from Superintendent of Police for Railways in Raipur to Superintendent of Police for Raipur Rural.

    Ishu Agrawal, who held the position of City Superintendent of Police at Azad Chowk in Raipur, now becomes Assistant Commissioner of Police for Azad Chowk in Raipur City.

    This commissionerate system grants the Police Commissioner enhanced autonomy and direct responsibility for maintaining law and order, preventing crime, and managing traffic within the capital's urban areas, which have seen substantial population growth and urbanisation.

    The reform aims to speed up decision-making, improve responses to city-specific crimes, and strengthen coordination among police units.

    It follows extensive discussions and cabinet approvals, focusing on adapting commissionerate-style policing -- once mainly for bigger metros -- to meet the needs of state capitals like Raipur.

    The changes form part of the Vishnu Deo Sai-led BJP government's on-going initiatives to modernise policing, enhance public safety, and support efficient governance in expanding urban regions.

    Many from civic organizations and local residents have welcomed the development, seeing it as progress toward more responsive and approachable policing that can better handle major events and everyday urban challenges.

    --IANS

    sktr/pgh

    Rule of law restored, inclusive development ensured under BJP govt in Tripura: CM Saha

    Agartala, Jan 22 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Thursday that the rule of law has been firmly re-established in the state and insurgency has been effectively tackled under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, with the welfare of all people remaining its top priority.

    Addressing an award distribution ceremony honouring academic excellence among students from minority communities at Pragya Bhavan here, CM Saha said that while the present BJP-led state government is undertaking wide-ranging developmental initiatives, it has also been forced to address numerous problems left behind by the previous CPI-M government.

    "Several challenges created by the earlier government were handed over to us, and we are still dealing with their consequences. While they created problems, our (BJP) government is focused on resolving them," the Chief Minister said.

    He emphasised that minorities should not be viewed as a single community, noting that Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains are all included under the minority category.

    Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governance philosophy, CM Saha said India's growing global stature is a result of the principles of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas'.

    "Our sole objective is the welfare of all Indians. People have faith in the Prime Minister because his actions reflect his commitment," he added.

    Highlighting key reforms, the Chief Minister said the abolition of triple talaq was a historic step that previous governments failed to address due to political hesitation.

    "Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a bold decision, which ensured social justice and rights for women from minority communities," he added.

    Chief Minister Saha also said that transparency has been brought to Waqf Board-related matters, including the inclusion of women, following reforms initiated by the Narendra Modi-led Union government.

    "After the BJP came to power in Tripura in 2018, people felt a sense of security, and the rule of law was restored," he added.

    Detailing initiatives of the State Minority Welfare Department, the Chief Minister said scholarships are being provided to students, hostels are being constructed, madrasas are being developed, and infrastructure in minority-dominated areas is being strengthened.

    Skill development programmes for unemployed youth are also being implemented to promote self-reliance, he added.

    Chief Minister Saha also said that cases left unresolved by the previous CPI-M government continue to pose financial and administrative challenges.

    "The earlier regime encouraged instability, while we have brought those involved in violence back into the mainstream. The era of immoral governance is over," he added.

    State Minority Welfare Minister Shukla Charan Noatia, MLA Tafazzal Hossain, Tripura Waqf Board Chairman Moboshar Ali, Tripura Minorities Cooperative Development Corporation Limited Chairman Mohammad Jasim Uddin, Tripura State Haj Committee Chairman Shah Alam, Minority Welfare Department Secretary Tapas Roy, Director Nirmal Adhikari and other dignitaries were present at the event.

    --IANS

    sc/khz

    Odisha: Chief Secy urges collectors to make every district an engine of growth

    Bhubaneswar, Jan 22 (IANS) Chief Secretary of Odisha Anu Garg on Thursday advised district collectors to develop each district as an economic hub and a growth engine for underdeveloped areas.

    According to an official statement, during a high-level virtual meeting, Garg urged the district collectors to ensure the smooth conduct of routine administrative work in their respective districts.

    She emphasised close monitoring of the progress of major developmental projects being implemented in their districts.

    The Chief Secretary directed the collectors to focus on transforming their districts into economic growth zones and engines of development, keeping the vision of “Odisha Vision” in mind.

    She further instructed them to monitor the effective implementation of various schemes and programmes and to identify the top 25 projects in each district for regular review.

    Garg also stressed the need for strict monitoring of major drinking water projects and advised departmental secretaries to prioritise these projects during district visits. Field-level officers were directed to extend all necessary facilitation and support for industrial development initiatives in their districts.

    The district collectors were also advised to conduct monthly reviews of health department programmes, implement measures to reduce infant and maternal mortality, and regularly assess healthcare services in district hospitals.

    Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, who also attended the meeting, informed that monthly meetings with district collectors will be held on the 16th of every month; if the 16th falls on a Monday or holiday, the meeting will take place on the following day, the 17th. The Development Commissioner also discussed the management of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds.

    In the presence of Additional Chief Secretary Chitra Arumugam, discussions were held on the progress of District Science Centres and Planetarium projects, as well as welfare measures for construction workers.

    The meeting also deliberated on the implementation of various development and social welfare projects across the state.

    --IANS

    gyan/dan

    Odisha targets 90 pc irrigation coverage by 2036: CM Majhi

    Bhubaneswar, Jan 22 (IANS) Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday said that the state government is committed to providing irrigation facilities to more than 90 per cent of the state’s cultivable land as part of its vision to make Odisha a prosperous state by 2036.

    Addressing a state-level programme on the Pani Panchayat system here, Chief Minister Majhi said that proper and effective management of water resources is crucial for achieving agricultural development, economic growth, and the overall progress of the state.

    He further announced that over the next five years, an additional 1.5 million hectares of land will be brought under irrigation through major, medium, and minor irrigation projects, lift irrigation systems, mega lift projects, and the construction of check dams.

    According to official sources, at present, 40,380 Pani Panchayats are actively functioning in the state, managing irrigation for 2.412 million hectares of land.

    Through the Odisha Pani Panchayat Act, 2002 and its subsequent amendments, equal rights and opportunities have been ensured for women, fishermen, and water users.

    In his address, the Chief Minister noted that traditional irrigation methods led to wastage of water, whereas the Pani Panchayat system has enabled equitable and efficient distribution of water resources.

    He further informed that works on several irrigation and water resource projects are progressing rapidly across the state, including the Khairibandhan Barrage in Mayurbhanj, the Upper Lanth Irrigation Project in Balangir, the Sandul underground pipeline project in Kalahandi, and the Brutanga Irrigation Project in Nayagarh, along with several reservoir and canal projects.

    “With the vision of making Odisha a prosperous state by 2036, the government is committed to providing irrigation facilities to more than 90 per cent of cultivable land,” said Majhi.

    Calling upon farmers to enhance their incomes through crop diversification, vegetable cultivation, and horticulture, the Chief Minister said that a Samruddha Odisha cannot be achieved without prosperous farmers.

    He added that the government has introduced several schemes and programmes to make farmers self-reliant.

    Majhi further emphasised that the state government is prioritising climate-resilient agriculture through the Odisha Integrated Irrigation Project by promoting climate-resilient farming practices, technological interventions in agriculture, crop diversification, and the use of resilient seed varieties.

    CM Majhi further stated that, to adopt advanced technology in the irrigation sector, the Institute of Water Management has been engaged to implement IoT-enabled digital water measurement and soil moisture sensing systems.

    He added that an MoU has also been signed to enhance the capacity and skills of Pani Panchayats.

    The Chief Minister also informed that a pilot project has been undertaken in the Chandapala area of Nuapada district, covering 2,567 hectares, to promote modern water-use efficiency and community-managed irrigation systems.

    --IANS

    gyan/dan

    No question of leadership change within Congress in Punjab: KC Venugopal

    New Delhi, Jan 22 (IANS) The Congress high command said on Thursday that there was no question of change of party's leadership in Punjab.

    The high command also issued strict instructions against airing any views in the public, which should be raised only with it.

    A meeting of senior party leaders was held at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, which was chaired by the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and attended by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, party's General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal, party's Punjab General Secretary In-charge Bhupesh Baghel, senior party leader Ambika Soni and others.

    From Punjab, the meeting was attended by the Pradesh Congress Committee President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha, Partap Singh Bajwa, former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, party's General Secretary Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Rana KP Singh, Vijay Inder Singla, and Amar Singh.

    Briefing reporters after the meeting, Venugopal said that the meeting lasted for three hours and each and every leader from Punjab gave his views.

    He said it was a fruitful meeting as the Congress leaders expressed their opinions about strengthening the party.

    Replying to a query on the leadership issues within the state party unit, Venugopal added there is no question of leadership change in Punjab.

    He said that Congress leaders have been asked to observe complete discipline and not to issue statements in media or on social media platforms on the issues, which must only be discussed on the party platforms.

    He added that the Congress has given clear directions to party leaders to refrain from such statements.

    Replying to another query about 30 Congress leaders from Punjab having sought an appointment with the party's high command, Venugopal said the party leaders are welcome to meet anyone in the high command in their individual capacity.

    However, he made it clear that no groupism will be tolerated at any cost.

    To another query on representation to Dalits within the Congress, Venugopal said the party is committed to giving due representation to the marginalised sections of the society including the SCs, STs and also economically weaker sections from the general castes all across the country.

    Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that the discussions lasted for about three hours.

    He added that there was a public sentiment across Punjab that people there want the Congress to form the government.

    He also said that it was made strictly clear that no groupism or indiscipline of any sort will be tolerated.

    --IANS

    vg/khz

    SC order on Bhojshala prayers: BJP legislator appeals to Muslims to allow worship

    Dhar (Madhya Pradesh), Jan 22 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Rameshwar Sharma said on Thursday that people from the Muslim community should act wisely, maintain harmony with Hindus, and allow worship at the Bhojshala temple in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh.

    Sharma made the statement while responding to the Supreme Court’s order allowing members of both communities -- Hindu and Muslim -- to offer prayers at the disputed Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula mosque in Dhar on Friday.

    “Muslims themselves believe that if God is present in a temple, their prayers are not accepted there. So, they should understand this and act wisely, maintain harmony with Hindus, and allow worship at Bhojshala,” Sharma said late on Thursday.

    Sharma, who is the MLA from Bhopal’s Huzur Assembly constituency and projects himself as a hardcore Hindutva leader in the BJP in Madhya Pradesh, further stated that ‘Sanatanis’ (Hindus) will keep knocking on the Supreme Court’s door for the worship of Goddess Saraswati at the disputed site.

    Notably, the Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula mosque complex is a disputed site as both Hindus and Muslims claim their religious faith is associated with it.

    The dispute centres on the fact that Hindus consider Bhojshala -- an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected 11th-century monument -- to be a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim community calls it the Kamal Maula mosque.

    The fresh row emerged as the Basant Panchami festival of Hindus falls on Friday (January 23), when Muslims will also gather at the site for namaz on the same day.

    Under an arrangement made by the ASI on April 7, 2003, Hindus perform puja on the Bhojshala premises on Tuesdays and Muslims offer namaz in the complex on Fridays.

    The Supreme Court, hearing the matter on Thursday, allowed Hindu prayers from sunrise to sunset on Basant Panchami (Friday) and permitted Muslims to offer namaz from 1 pm to 3 pm the same day at the disputed site.

    Complying with the direction of the Supreme Court, the Dhar district administration has strengthened security, deploying over 8,000 police personnel and Rapid Action Force (RAF) units in and around the disputed site.

    “We are fully prepared for the Basant Panchami festival, which is falling on Friday. Our primary objective is to ensure better law and order,” Dhar district Collector Priyank Mishra said while briefing the media on Thursday.

    Garg also appealed to media organisations to refrain from any kind of interpretation of the Supreme Court’s verdict regarding permission for Hindus and Muslims to offer religious prayers at the site.

    He also issued a stern warning that any content inciting religious hatred, whether through newspapers, electronic media, or social media platforms like WhatsApp or Facebook, will invite strict action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the IT Act.

    --IANS

    pd/pgh

    PM Modi expresses anguish over Doda road accident

    Jammu, Jan 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep anguish over the tragic road accident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, in which 10 Indian Army soldiers lost their lives, and 11 others sustained injuries.

    The mishap has sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting messages of grief and solidarity from top leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

    In a message posted on X, PM Modi said, “Deeply anguished by the mishap in Doda, in which we have lost our brave army personnel. Their service to the nation will be remembered forever. May the injured recover at the earliest. All possible support is being provided to those affected.”

    The accident occurred at Khanni Top on the Bhaderwah-Chamba road when a bulletproof army vehicle carrying 17 personnel skidded off the road and plunged nearly 200 feet into a gorge.

    The soldiers were en route to a high-altitude post when the vehicle lost control. A joint rescue operation was swiftly launched by the Army and police.

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed sorrow, stating, “Deeply saddened by the tragic road accident in Doda in which we lost 10 brave soldiers of the Indian Army. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The injured soldiers are receiving medical care, and all necessary directions have been given to ensure the best possible treatment. The nation stands with our Armed Forces and their families in this difficult hour.”

    Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha issued a condolence message through the J&K Lok Bhawan, saying, “Deeply saddened at the loss of lives of 10 of our brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate road accident in Doda. We will always remember the outstanding service and supreme sacrifice of our brave soldiers. My deepest condolences to the grieving families. In this moment of profound sorrow, the entire nation stands united with the bereaved families in solidarity and support.”

    Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed grief, stating, “The Chief Minister has expressed deep grief over the tragic accident involving an Army vehicle at Khannitop on the Bhaderwah–Chamba road. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those injured, lauding the swift rescue and evacuation efforts.”

    The Indian Army continues to operate under extreme conditions in the region, including deployment at the world’s highest battlefield in Siachen Glacier and along the 740-km Line of Control (LoC) spanning Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Poonch, Rajouri, and parts of Jammu district.

    Army personnel are tasked with preventing infiltration, cross-border smuggling, and drone-based delivery of arms, ammunition, cash, and narcotics from across the LoC.

    These drone payloads are often retrieved by overground workers (OGWs) of terror outfits to sustain militant activities in J&K.

    --IANS

    sq/dan

    Gujarat: Sakhi Craft Bazaar at Rann Utsav records over Rs 5 crore in sales

    Gandhinagar, Jan 22 (IANS) The Sakhi Craft Bazaar, organised at the Rann Utsav in Kutch, has emerged as a major platform for women-led entrepreneurship, registering sales of over Rs 5 crore within a month of its launch.

    The bazaar, which has attracted a footfall of more than 4.5 lakh visitors, is being hailed as one of the key highlights of this year’s Rann Utsav.

    Held from December 4, 2025, to January 15, 2026, the Sakhi Craft Bazaar has been organised under the leadership and vision of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, as part of the state government’s broader push to strengthen the economic independence of women across Gujarat.

    The initiative aligns with the government’s focus on creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for women through self-help groups (SHGs).

    The bazaar has been set up inside a large, specially designed dome and features 100 stalls, showcasing products made by women from 330 self-help groups in different phases.

    Participants include SHG members not only from Gujarat but also from several other states, giving the market a national character. For many women artisans, the platform has provided direct access to a large and diverse consumer base.

    Visitors to the Sakhi Craft Bazaar are offered a wide range of products, including handicrafts, handloom textiles, pottery, jewellery, home décor items, and packaged food products.

    The offerings reflect a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, appealing to both domestic and international tourists.

    The vibrant ambience of the bazaar is further enhanced by live music performances and a cafeteria, making it a popular destination within the Rann Utsav grounds.

    Tourism officials said that visiting the Sakhi Craft Bazaar has become a memorable experience for tourists, many of whom spend considerable time interacting with artisans and learning about the stories behind the products.

    The strong sales figures, they noted, underline the growing market acceptance of products made by women-led self-help groups. The initiative is supported by the Rural Development Department, Government of Gujarat, through the Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Limited.

    Under this framework, the state organises two national-level fairs and 10 to 12 regional-level fairs every year to promote the marketing of products made by Sakhi Mandal members.

    In a significant expansion this year, the programme has gone beyond traditional fairs to include shopping festivals, Sakhi markets in major malls, flea markets, Swadeshi Melas, and special arrangements for the sale and branding of Sakhi Mandal products during tourism events.

    Officials said these efforts are aimed at ensuring consistent market access, better branding, and higher income for women entrepreneurs.

    With strong footfall, robust sales and growing visibility, the Sakhi Craft Bazaar at the Rann Utsav is being seen as a successful model of how tourism-linked initiatives can be leveraged to promote women’s livelihoods and inclusive economic growth in Gujarat.

    --IANS

    ajk/dan

    43 Gujarat personnel to receive R-Day medals for distinguished service

    Gandhinagar, Jan 22 (IANS) On the occasion of the 77th Republic Day on January 26, the Gujarat government will honour 43 personnel from the Home Guards, Border Wing, Civil Defence and Gram Rakshak Dal (GRD) for their distinguished and long-term service.

    The Director General of Civil Defence and Home Guards has announced the conferment of the Governor’s Medal and the Chief Minister’s Medal, which will be presented during the state-level Republic Day.

    This year, Vazir Umarbhai Bloch, a Gram Rakshak Dal jawan from Gir Somnath district, is the sole recipient of the Governor’s Medal across Gujarat. He has been selected for the state’s highest honour in recognition of his dedication, sincerity and exemplary performance in service.

    The Chief Minister’s Medal will be awarded to a large number of personnel, with the Home Guards accounting for the highest share. Among the awardees are Senior Platoon Commander Hareshbhai Punjabhai Khachar of Amreli and District Commandant Sanjaykumar Veerjalal Kayastha of Bharuch.

    Other Home Guards personnel to be honoured include Rajendrasinh Bhikhubha Jethwa, Jaideepsinh Dilubha Jadeja and Nikhil Jayendrakumar Lukka from Porbandar; Mahendrabhai Parmar, Prakash Kumar Chavda, Vishnubhai Prajapati, Rajusinh Jhala, Bipin Chandra Solanki, Geetaben Rathod, Rameshbhai Thakor, Alpesh Kumar Rathod, Vikramsinh Jhala and Pinakin Prajapati from Gandhinagar; Jitendra Boricha, Bhikhubhai Sabhad and Rajeshbhai Chauhan from Amreli; and Sanjaybhai Baraiya (Rajkot Rural), Danny Kumar Pathak (Ahmedabad Rural), Kapoorji Thakor (Patan), Sajid Sheikh and Ranjitbhai Bhoya (Navsari), and Sandeep Daudia and Kailash Jethwa (Jamnagar).

    In the Border Wing Home Guards (Bhuj–Kutch No. 2 Battalion), Kalji Devalji Sodha, Satidan Vodha and Karsan Nameri Garwa have been selected for the Chief Minister’s Medal in recognition of their contribution to border security.

    From the Civil Defence department, Jethanand Lalwani, Ketan Bhatt, Sureshbhai Patel and Vishalsinh Sindhav from the Ahmedabad head office, along with Devyani Jagar Acharya of Surat, will be honoured for their service. The Gram Rakshak Dal, which plays a crucial role in rural security, will see nine jawans felicitated.

    These include Ramnikbhai Chauhan and Savishibhai Badaliya of Botad; Chandubhai Sodha and Natwarsinh Sodha of Kheda-Nadiad; Lakhabhai Rathod of East Kutch; Premjibhai Chhansia of Surendranagar; Babubhai Wankar and Mansingbhai Taviad of Mahisagar; and Devabhai Vaghela of Gir Somnath.

    All the medals will be presented by state dignitaries during the state-level Republic Day celebrations at Vav-Tharad in Banaskantha district, marking a moment of pride for Gujarat’s frontline service personnel and their families.

    --IANS

    janvi/dan

    Gujarat BJP workshop at Kamalam to focus on VB-G RAM G bill, rural employment reforms

    Gandhinagar, Jan 22 (IANS) The BJP will hold an important workshop at its state headquarters, Kamalam, on January 23 to brief party leaders and workers on the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, a major legislative overhaul of India’s rural employment framework.

    The workshop will be chaired by Gujarat BJP state president Jagdish Vishwakarma and will be attended by district presidents, general secretaries, MLAs and MPs from across the state.

    Party sources said the programme is aimed at ensuring clarity and uniform understanding of the bill among party functionaries ahead of wider public outreach.

    The VB-G RAM G Bill, introduced by the Union Agriculture Minister in December 2025, seeks to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, and align rural development policies with the Centre’s long-term vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”

    The bill is being positioned as a shift from a purely employment-centric framework to a more integrated approach linking livelihoods, agriculture and rural infrastructure. During the workshop, detailed presentations will be made on the key provisions of the bill.

    One of the major changes proposed is the increase in guaranteed wage employment from 100 days under MGNREGA to 125 days per rural household per financial year. Party leaders said this enhancement is intended to provide greater income security to rural families.

    The bill also introduces targeted agricultural support measures, allowing states to notify periods of up to 60 days during peak agricultural seasons when work under the scheme will not be undertaken.

    This provision is aimed at ensuring adequate availability of farm labour during sowing and harvesting periods, without disrupting agricultural productivity.

    Another central feature to be discussed at the workshop is the introduction of Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs). Under this bottom-up planning mechanism, works will be identified at the village level through convergence-based planning, linked with PM Gati Shakti and geospatial systems, to ensure better coordination, transparency and asset creation.

    Apart from explaining the legislative framework, the workshop will focus on strategy and communication. Party workers will be guided on how to take the provisions of the bill to the grassroots, counter misinformation, and build awareness about its intended benefits for rural employment and livelihoods.

    Appealing to party workers to participate actively, Jagdish Vishwakarma said the workshop would play a crucial role in preparing the organisation for the promotion and effective implementation of the VB-G RAM G Bill in Gujarat, calling it a key step towards strengthening rural development under the Viksit Bharat vision.

    --IANS

    janvi/dan