Minister Bangarappa Pushes for Rural Employment Under VB-G RAM G Scheme

Madhu Bangarappa, Minister in charge of Shivamogga district, has instructed officials to intensify efforts to provide rural employment under the VB-G RAM G scheme. Chairing a meeting in Shivamogga on Saturday, the Minister emphasized the need to address hardships caused by insufficient early monsoon rainfall. He urged officers to ensure the scheme is effectively utilized to support rural livelihoods.

Awareness Campaigns to Boost Scheme Reach

To maximize the scheme's impact, Bangarappa directed officials to raise public awareness through gram sabhas and pamphlet distribution. Shivamogga Zilla Panchayat CEO N. Hemanth highlighted that the scheme has been active in the district since July 1, with mandatory implementation of at least one major work in every panchayat. Additionally, 82 projects aimed at preventing landslips during heavy rains have already been initiated.

Reservoir Levels and Agricultural Concerns

During the meeting, officials reported that the Tunga reservoir in Gajanur is at full capacity, while the Bhadra reservoir in Lakkavalli remains only 50% full. They noted that increased inflow to the Bhadra reservoir could support agricultural activities, but farmers have been advised against planting crops in anticipation of water availability.

Compensation for Rain-Affected Families

Shivamogga MLA S.N. Channabasappa raised concerns about families displaced by heavy rains who have yet to receive compensation. He called on the government to increase the relief amount to ₹5 lakh for families whose homes were completely destroyed. Other officials, including Shivamogga Rural MLA Sharada Puryanaik and Deputy Commissioner Prabhulinga Kavalikatti, were also present at the meeting.

The Minister’s directives come as part of efforts to mitigate the dual challenges of drought and monsoon-related damages in the district.

Source: The Hindu