VB-G RAMG Act is the Key to Transform Rural Development: HIRD Director Dr. Chauhan

Jhajjar, August 7, 2026: Panchayat representatives should ensure the effective implementation of development schemes through active public participation so that every village emerges as a model of development and good governance, said Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan, Director of the Haryana Institute of Rural Development (HIRD), while addressing a district-level Panch Conference organised at Nehru College, Jhajjar under the Viksit Bharat VB-G RAMG Act-2025. The conference witnessed enthusiastic participation from sarpanches, panches, panchayat committee members and district council representatives from across the district.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Chauhan said the vision of a developed India can only be achieved when villages become self-reliant, empowered and integrated into the mainstream of development. He described the VB-G RAMG Act-2025 as a significant initiative that will provide a new direction to rural development by promoting employment generation, transparency and sustainable development works. He urged Panchayat representatives to ensure the effective implementation of government schemes with active community participation.

He further stated that the path to a developed India passes through its villages and that self-reliant villages can only be built when Panchayats become stronger, transparent and accountable. Dr. Chauhan informed the participants that the employment guarantee under MGNREGA has been increased from 100 days to 125 days. He also highlighted the provision for payment of wages on a weekly basis or within a maximum of 15 days.

Retired IPS officer Dr. Rajshree Singh, while addressing the conference, said empowered Panchayats form the strongest foundation of democracy. Jhajjar Zila Parishad Chairperson Captain Birdhana said Panchayat representatives serve as a vital link in ensuring that government welfare schemes reach the last person. Active participation of Panchayats, he added, would ensure the effective implementation of rural development programmes and facilitate holistic village development.

Programme Coordinator Kamaldeep Sangwan said the objective of the conference was to familiarise Panchayat representatives with the provisions of the Viksit Bharat–VB-G RAMG Act-2025, their responsibilities under the Act, and the practical aspects of implementing rural development programmes.

Jhajjar Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Manish Phogat and Deputy CEO Nisha Tanwar said Panchayat representatives are being equipped with knowledge of new laws and development schemes to enhance their effectiveness. Among those present were Sumit Beniwal (BDPO, Badli), the BDPOs of Jhajjar and Salhawas, the Chairperson of the Salhawas Block Committee, Dr. Neelam Chhikara, Planning and Management Development Expert (SPRC), officials from various departments, and a large number of Panchayat representatives.