Himachal to Evaluate Centre’s VB-GRAMG Scheme Before Taking Final Call on Implementation

Shimla, June 23: The Himachal Pradesh Government is carefully examining the financial and administrative implications of implementing the Centre’s VB-GRAMG scheme, particularly concerns related to funding mechanisms and timely salary disbursement for employees associated with the programme.

Officials have noted that financial assistance under the scheme will be limited and routed directly through the SNA-SPARSH mechanism instead of the state treasury system. The state government believes this arrangement could pose challenges in ensuring the timely release of salaries and smooth financial management.

To safeguard the interests of employees and ensure uninterrupted salary payments, the state government plans to take up the matter with the Central Government and seek advance fund releases wherever necessary. Employees working under the scheme will be governed by service conditions prescribed under the new framework.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the constitution of a high-level committee to undertake a comprehensive assessment of all aspects of the scheme and recommend an implementation strategy suited to Himachal Pradesh’s requirements.

The committee, headed by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, includes Panchayati Raj Secretary C. Palrasu and Director Raghav Sharma as members. It has been tasked with examining the operational, financial and administrative dimensions of the scheme and submitting its recommendations to the Chief Minister by June 29.

Based on the committee’s findings, the state government will take a final decision on the manner in which the VB-GRAMG scheme will be implemented in Himachal Pradesh.