Press Information Bureau (PIB), Chennai organised Varta, a media workshop, at Tiruvallur today as part of its outreach programme aimed at engaging journalists from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

 

The first session focused on the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB GRAM G) and its role in strengthening rural development. Shri M. Baalasubramanian, Associate Scientist, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, explained that this scheme aims at the holistic development of villages through improved infrastructure, livelihood opportunities and access to basic services, with an emphasis on convergence of various government schemes for inclusive growth.

It was highlighted that VB GRAM G promotes livelihood enhancement through skill development, agriculture and allied activities, local entrepreneurship and improved connectivity, healthcare, education and digital access. The programme also seeks to reduce rural-to-urban migration by creating sustainable employment opportunities at the village level.

 

The speaker further explained the difference between VB GRAM G and MGNREGA, stating that while MGNREGA primarily focuses on providing wage employment through manual work, VB GRAM G adopts a comprehensive and long-term development approach by integrating infrastructure creation, livelihood diversification and capacity building.

 

The second session was addressed by Ms. Krithika T.P., Assistant General Manager, NABARD, who briefed journalists on the roles and functions of NABARD and its contribution to rural development. She stated that NABARD supports rural infrastructure, farm and MSME credit, handloom sector development and livelihood-based cluster development.

She also informed that NABARD extends support to rural and cooperative banks for core banking, provides training to Self Help Groups (SHGs), facilitates credit linkage with banks and supervises cooperative and regional rural banks. She cited NABARD-supported clusters such as Chennimalai, Gudiyatham, banana and Arani silk clusters in Tiruvannamalai district, which have contributed to improving rural livelihoods.

 

Mr. Arun Kumar P., Director, PIB Chennai Ms. Vijayalakshmi, Deputy Director PIB Chennai were also present on the occasion.

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