At DISHA meeting, Kollam MP Premachandran calls for streamlining attendance for VB-GRAM G workers

N.K. Premachandran, MP, has called for an end to the operational hurdles faced by Viksit Bharat — Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-GRAM G) workers due to geofencing and geotagging systems.

Speaking at the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) review meeting for Central schemes, he urged authorities to reduce the designated area boundaries for marking attendance through the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) app, ensuring smooth and hassle-free operation for labourers. Following the discussion, the DISHA panel unanimously passed a resolution directing both the Central and State governments to implement these changes immediately.

The review meeting also highlighted key financial updates regarding rural employment and sanitation initiatives in the district. Arrears amounting to ₹18.6 crore under the material component and ₹56 crore in wage dues for VB-GRAM G workers have been fully released. Additionally, the district has received its pending central funds allocated for the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Significant progress in healthcare infrastructure was formally reported during the session. Under the National Health Mission (NHM), approval has been granted to establish Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across multiple locations, including Kottara, Nedumonkavu, Parangode, Ittiva Main Centre, Kunnathur, Vettikkavala, Vilakkupara, Mankode Main Centre, and Kummil. Furthermore, ₹55.5 lakh each has been sanctioned under the 15th Finance Commission recommendations to construct new buildings for 18 sub-centers across the district. A total of 28 healthcare facilities — comprising two district hospitals, two taluk hospitals, 16 primary health centres, one community health centre, two public health centres, and four urban family health centres — were awarded the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification.

In urban housing, the committee decided to petition the Union Government for an extension of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) deadline, as 469 housing units remain to be completed in the district. The meeting was attended by Kollam Mayor A.K. Hafeez alongside MLAs M.M. Naseer and Vishnu Mohan.