Centre Releases ₹25,863 Crore Under VB-GRAM G Scheme; Uttar Pradesh Gets Highest Share

₹25,863 Crore Released to Boost Rural Development

The Centre has released the first instalment of ₹25,863 crore for the VB-GRAM G scheme for rural development projects across the country. The fund is expected to help states to improve basic infrastructure, strengthen village-level services and accelerate development activities in rural areas.

The money has been released to various States as per scheme guidelines. The money will go toward projects to improve the quality of life in villages and for long-term rural growth, officials said.

Uttar Pradesh gets highest share

Uttar Pradesh received the highest allocation of ₹3,210.76 crore among all states. It was followed by Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu which got sizeable amounts for carrying out development works.

However, Kerala received Rs 925.33 crore, much lower than the top beneficiaries. The way the money was divvied up has led to questions from some leaders and experts about whether all states were treated fairly and how the money was divvied up.

Scheme Raises Questions

Many have welcomed the release of funds but some concerns have also been expressed. Experts feel the planning process under the scheme is becoming too centralised, leaving states with little flexibility in deciding their own development priorities.

Another problem is the overuse of technology in the implementation process. Some state governments and local bodies have said that smaller districts and villages may face problems because of poor digital infrastructure and lack of trained staff. They worry this could stall projects or make it more difficult to get hold of the available funds.

Focus on Improving Rural Development

But the government says the scheme is designed to increase transparency, accountability and speed up project implementation. The first tranche is coming to the States, and now the focus will shift to the way the money is spent and whether it delivers tangible benefits to the rural parts of the country.