Dibrugarh, Jan 21 (NationPress) Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal stated on Wednesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047 is spearheading a remarkable village-first and village-led development revolution, positioning rural India at the forefront of the nation’s growth trajectory.

While addressing the media, Sonowal emphasized that Viksit Bharat 2047 is more than just a slogan; it is a national mission focused on turning villages into hubs of economic activity.

“When villages thrive, the country flourishes. This vision guarantees last-mile delivery, empowers farmers, laborers, and youth, and lays the groundwork for a self-sufficient India,” he articulated.

Discussing the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) or VB-G RAM G, Sonowal mentioned that this new initiative ensures dignified livelihoods for impoverished and marginalized families by offering a legal guarantee of 125 days of employment for each rural household, as well as weekly wage payments to enhance income stability.

“The rural economy of 2005 compared to 2025 is profoundly different. Governance must adapt to evolving aspirations. VB–G RAM G connects employment with water security, infrastructure development, connectivity, and long-term productivity,” the minister added.

Sonowal observed that rural poverty has sharply decreased in the last decade, dropping from 25.7 percent in 2011–12 to 8.36 percent in 2023-24, supported by enhanced connectivity, direct benefit transfers, and tech-driven governance.

He referred to MNREGA, stating that the scheme has undergone a comprehensive overhaul under the Modi administration.

“During the Congress regime, MNREGA was synonymous with corruption. Today, it has transformed into a transparent, technology-driven system. Of the total Rs 11.74 lakh crore allocated under MNREGA so far, Rs 8.53 lakh crore has been spent by the Modi government - the highest amount ever by any administration,” Sonowal explained.

He further noted that real-time monitoring, digital attendance, and direct benefit transfers have removed middlemen and leakages, reinstating public trust and ensuring benefits reach the rightful recipients.

In a pointed political critique, Sonowal remarked that the Congress’s resistance to Viksit Bharat signifies outdated politics.

“Their political strategy is entrenched in dynasty, not development. Conversely, the BJP has introduced a new political culture centered on performance, transparency, and Garib Kalyan, where governance emphasizes empowering the most marginalized individuals,” he stated.