Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a massive employment -cum- rural public works Campaign named ‘Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan’ to empower and provide livelihood opportunities in areas/ villages witnessing large numbers of returnee migrant workers affected by the unprecedented outbreak of COVID-19.
The Abhiyaan was flagged off from village Telihar, Block Beldaur, district Khagaria, Bihar through Video-Conference attended by the Chief Ministers and Representatives of the six participating states, various Union Ministers and others.
An amount of Rs 50,000 Crores was announced to be spent for building durable rural infrastructure under the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan. 25 work areas have been identified for employment in villages and development of various works. These 25 works or projects are expected to meet the various needs of the villages.
Previously the Atma Nirbhar Bharat Campaign was also launched with a 1.75 Lakh Crore package under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana for the welfare of the migrant workers. The Central and State Government also ran special Shramik Express Trains for the migrant labour who wished to return homes.
The Prime Minister said that Abhiyaan shall also provide modern facilities in rural areas. He said it is of great necessity that high speed and cheap internet be provided in every rural household to help the youth and children. The Prime Minister said it is the first time that the rural areas are using more internet than the urban areas. Hence the laying of fibre cable and provision of internet are also made a part of the Abhiyaan.
This Abhiyaan of 125 days, will work in mission mode, will involve focused implementation of 25 categories of works/ activities in 116 districts, each with a large concentration of returnee migrant workers in 6 states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha. Public works to be undertaken during this campaign will have a resource envelope of Rs. 50,000 crores.
The Abhiyaan will be a convergent effort between 12 different Ministries/Departments, namely; Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Road Transport & Highways, Mines, Drinking Water & Sanitation, Environment, Railways, Petroleum & Natural Gas, New & Renewable Energy, Border Roads, Telecom and Agriculture, to expedite implementation of 25 public infrastructure works and works relating to augmentation of livelihood opportunities. The major objectives of the initiative include:
The wide variety of work under the mission will ensure that each migrant worker is able to get an opportunity of employment according to his skill, in the coming 125 days. The program will also prepare for expansion and development of livelihoods over a longer term.
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The Ministry of Rural Development is the nodal Ministry for this campaign and the campaign will be implemented in close coordination with the State Governments. Central Nodal Officers of the rank of Joint Secretary and above will be appointed to oversee the effective and timely implementation of various schemes in the identified districts.
