|
1 |
THE "SEVEN CHAKRAS" OF AI GOVERNANCE (INDIA–AI IMPACT SUMMIT 2026)
These interconnected Chakras address AI's societal impacts, from skilling to ethics, with over 100 countries participating to promote inclusive, responsible AI in the Global South context. 1. Human Capital: Equitable skilling for AI workforce transitions. 2. Inclusion for Social Empowerment: Inclusive-by-design AI for diverse communities. 3. Safe and Trusted AI: Transparency, accountability, and safeguards. 4. Science: AI-accelerated research and collaboration. 5. Resilience, Innovation, and Efficiency: Sustainable, efficient AI systems. 6. Democratizing AI Resources: Equitable access to compute and data. 7. AI for Economic Growth and Social Good: Productivity and societal benefits.
· Safe and Trusted AI Chakra This pillar emphasizes building reliable AI through governance, risk management, and ethical safeguards to sustain public trust while fostering innovation.
|
|
2 |
Bharat-VISTAAR
Bharat-VISTAAR is a multilingual AI-powered digital platform launched by India's Ministry of Agriculture to deliver personalized, real-time agricultural advisories to farmers, enhancing productivity and decision-making.
Launch and Context Announced in Union Budget 2026-27 with ₹150 crore allocation, Phase-1 launched on February 18, 2026, in Jaipur during the AI Impact Summit.
Key Features It integrates AgriStack portals, ICAR's research-based practices, IMD weather data, market prices, and government schemes into a conversational AI system accessible via helpline 155261 or apps.
Significance Bharat-VISTAAR bridges research-to-farm gaps, reduces risks from climate/pests/markets, and boosts self-reliance for 140 million farmers via precision advisories.
|
|
3 |
THE NATIONAL AWARDS FOR E-GOVERNANCE (NAEG) 2026
The National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2026, administered by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), recognize excellence in digital governance implementation across India.
Nomination Process The portal opened September 23, 2025, with submissions from October 6 to December 29, 2025, receiving over 800 nominations across seven categories.
New Grassroots Category Category V targets "Grassroots Level Initiatives by Gram Panchayats or equivalent Traditional Local Bodies for Deepening/Widening of Service Delivery," receiving 1.66 lakh entries (highest volume). Categories Overview
Results expected soon via nceg.gov.in, with awards at the National Conference on e-Governance
|
|
4 |
LAUNCH OF SAHI AND BODH (HEALTH GOVERNANCE)
Context: Launched on Feb 17, 2026, by the Health Ministry. · SAHI (Strategy for AI in Healthcare for India): A governance framework and "policy compass" for ethical AI use. · BODH (Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI): A transparency initiative that provides open-source data for researchers to audit AI health tools.
SAHI Framework SAHI (Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare for India) serves as a national governance framework, policy compass, and roadmap for responsible AI deployment, emphasizing ethical, transparent, and people-centric use.
BODH Platform BODH (Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI), developed by IIT Kanpur with the National Health Authority (NHA), provides open-source, anonymized real-world health datasets for auditing and validating AI models before scale.
Why do we need AI in Health?
AI in healthcare helps doctors by analyzing data faster, predicting issues early, and assisting in decisions, but it supports humans rather than replacing them. It cannot perform surgeries like heart operations or conduct physical blood tests on its own.
Everyday AI Roles AI scans X-rays or MRIs to spot tumors or fractures quicker than humans alone, alerting doctors for confirmation.
Surgical Assistance AI-powered robots (e.g., da Vinci) help surgeons during heart operations by providing steady precision, 3D views, and tremor-free movements, but a trained surgeon always controls it.
Lab and Tests AI cannot draw blood or run physical tests, but it analyzes blood reports instantly to flag abnormalities, such as high sugar in diabetics.
Layman Example: Diabetes Management Imagine Ravi, a busy truck driver, forgets his diabetes pills. AI on his phone app tracks his glucose via a wearable, reminds him to eat right, and alerts his doctor if levels spike—preventing a coma. Without AI, he'd visit a clinic weekly; with it, daily monitoring saves time and lives affordably.
Why Needed? India has 1 doctor per 1,000 people; AI scales expertise to rural areas, cuts diagnosis time from days to minutes, and lowers costs—vital for 1.4 billion people
|
|
5 |
MISSION KARMAYOGI: SHIFT TO "ROLE-BASED" TRAINING
Context: As of Feb 11, 2026, the iGOT Karmayogi platform surpassed 1.49 crore onboarded users with 7.26 crore course completions.
New Tool: Launch of AI-Driven Capacity Building Plans (AI-CBP). This tool maps the specific competencies required for a particular desk (e.g., a Joint Secretary in Commerce) and identifies "capability gaps."
What is mission Karmayogi? Mission Karmayogi shifts civil service training from rigid, rule-based modules to personalized, role-based learning via the iGOT Karmayogi platform, which hit 1.49 crore users and 7.26 crore completions by February 11, 2026.
Platform Stats Over 1.4 crore officials from ministries, states, and UTs access 4,300+ courses on governance, AI, and skills, fostering continuous upskilling.
What is the new “AI-CBP Tool” Launched prominently at India AI Impact Summit 2026 (Feb 16-20), AI-Driven Capacity Building Plans (AI-CBP) analyzes job roles, official documents (e.g., DOPT notifications), and maps required competencies like policy analysis for a Joint Secretary in Commerce.
Role-Based Shift Traditional training was generic; now it's desk-specific, embedding learning into workflows via AI recommendations and multilingual subtitles.
|
|
6 |
MISSION DIGITAL SHRAMSETU" (NITI AAYOG)
Context: Proposed in February 2026 to bring Informal Workers (Gig workers, construction laborers) into the formal governance fold via an AI-enabled ecosystem.
Mission Digital ShramSetu is a proposed national initiative by NITI Aayog to integrate India's 490 million informal workers, including gig workers and construction laborers, into a formal, AI-driven ecosystem. Outlined in the October 2025 report "AI for Inclusive Societal Development," it aims to use technologies like AI, blockchain, and immersive learning to address challenges such as financial insecurity, limited market access, and low productivity.
Core Objectives The mission seeks to create verifiable digital identities, smart contracts for payments, voice-first AI interfaces, and adaptive skilling platforms tailored for low-literacy users. It targets empowering workers with digital wallets for credentials, real-time job matching, and social protection access, aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047 goals. Without intervention, informal workers' incomes risk stagnating far below national targets by 2047.
Tech-Driven Ecosystem AI enables context-aware interfaces in regional languages, knowledge graphs for sector-specific advice (e.g., weaving techniques for artisans), and AR for hands-on training. Blockchain ensures tamper-proof work records and milestone-based payments, while immersive tools boost productivity for trades like carpentry or electricians. This bridges systemic barriers like trust deficits and usability gaps for smartphone-limited users.
Stakeholder Roles NGOs and SHGs serve as primary facilitators for onboarding wary workers, building trust through grassroots outreach amid surveillance fears or device shortages. They partner with government schemes like e-Shram, NRLM, and NULM for last-mile registration, digital literacy, and scheme linkage, ensuring human-led adoption. A multi-stakeholder model includes government (apex body under PM), industry, academia, and civil society for state-driven implementation.
Onboarding Informal Workers For gig workers and construction laborers, facilitators like SHGs conduct community camps for e-Shram UAN registration, Aadhaar-linked credentials, and voice-based AI demos. They address low digital readiness by providing shared kiosks, dialect support, and verifying skills via portable credentials, easing entry into formal marketplaces. Though proposed earlier, discussions continued into 2026, emphasizing sector task forces for construction and gig sectors
|
|
7 |
RASHTRIYA KARMAYOGI "SEVA BHAV" PROGRAM
Context: Concluded on Feb 10, 2026. It trained over 10.5 lakh government servants in "Behavioural Competencies."
Core Concept: Moving from an "Authority-based" mindset to a "Service-based" (Seva Bhav) mindset, emphasizing empathy in citizen-facing departments.
The Rashtriya Karmayogi "Seva Bhav" Program, officially the Large-Scale Jan Seva Programme under Mission Karmayogi, concluded Phase-II on February 10, 2026, training over 10.5 lakh central government servants in behavioral competencies. Led by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC), it shifted officials from an authority-based to a service-oriented (Seva Bhav) mindset, fostering empathy especially in citizen-facing roles.
Core Concept Seva Bhav emphasizes spirit of service (Seva Bhav) and duty aligned with purpose (Svadharma), realigning inner motivation with public roles per the Karmayogi Competency Framework. It promotes citizen-centric governance through reflective practices, moving beyond rule enforcement to empathetic, responsive delivery. Outcomes include better collaboration, work satisfaction, and service quality nationwide.
Program Structure A 1-day interactive session with 4 modules covers Karmayogi qualities, inner purpose, integrating Seva Bhav into work, and national goals alignment—using discussions, not lectures. Followed by 30 app-based learning units (Pedgog) for ongoing group reflections. Targets ranks from Director to multi-tasking staff across ministries.
Implementation Phases Phase-I (Jan-Mar 2025) trained 17,400+ in Delhi NCR via 278 Master Trainers from 85 ministries using cascade model. Phase-II (Apr 2025-Feb 2026) scaled nationwide, creating 822 Lead Trainers and 16,500+ Master Trainers who reached 10.5 lakh across 500+ organizations in 65 ministries. Train-the-Trainer (T3) ensured contextual, scalable delivery.
Key Outcomes Built internal capacity with 17,000+ facilitators skilled in adult-learning methods, boosting peer learning and coordination. Participants reported mindset shifts linking duties to Viksit Bharat, enhancing efficiency and empathy. Closing session urged institutionalizing changes for resilient administration.
|
|
8 |
URBAN CHALLENGE FUND (UCF)
The Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) is a ₹1 lakh crore Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) approved by the Union Cabinet to drive market-led urban infrastructure in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities through challenge-based reforms. Announced in Budget 2025-26 and operational from FY 2025-26 to 2030-31, it provides 25% central assistance for projects where cities raise at least 50% from markets like bonds, loans, and PPPs, unlocking ₹4 lakh crore total investment.
Challenge-Based Reforms Projects compete on transformative impact, sustainability, and reforms, with funding tied to milestones via a digital portal under Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Verticals include Cities as Growth Hubs (transit planning, economic corridors), Creative Redevelopment (brownfield regeneration, TOD), and Water/Sanitation (grids, waste management). Reforms cover property tax hikes, user charges, open budgets, and PPP promotion.
City Economic Regions Model The model designates integrated urban clusters like Bengaluru, Pune, Surat, Varanasi, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar-Puri-Cuttack, and Coimbatore-Erode-Tiruppur as engines for Tier-2/3 growth. Focuses on spatial-economic-transit planning, decongesting metros, and boosting competitiveness in non-metro hubs. Implemented via PPPs in challenge mode with reform-linked financing.
₹5,000 Cr Support A ₹5,000 crore Credit Repayment Guarantee Scheme aids smaller cities (Tier-2/3, NE/hilly, <1 lakh pop) for first-time market borrowing, guaranteeing up to 70% (₹7 cr max) initially and 50% later. Enables projects from ₹20 cr, enhancing creditworthiness for infrastructure without grants. Covers all ULBs, prioritizing transition areas for resilient growth.
Coverage and Impact Targets cities >10 lakh pop, capitals, industrial hubs >1 lakh, plus special focus on Tier-2/3, NE/hilly regions—over 4,000 ULBs potentially. Aims for inclusive, climate-responsive cities driving Viksit Bharat by leveraging private finance and citizen reforms.
|
|
9 |
35TH NATIONAL GOOD GOVERNANCE WEBINAR (FEBRUARY 27, 2026)
The 35th National Good Governance Webinar, organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India, took place on 27 February 2026 as part of the ongoing National Good Governance Webinar Series 2025-26. This monthly series, initiated in April 2022 following directions from the Prime Minister, aims to disseminate and promote replication of best practices from award-winning initiatives under the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration.
The webinar focused on the theme ‘Holistic Development of Districts’. It featured detailed PowerPoint presentations on two initiatives that received the prestigious PM’s Award for 2023 in this category: · Eluru District Initiative, Andhra Pradesh — presented by Shri Prasanna Venkatesh V., Secretary, Andhra Pradesh Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society. As the former Collector of Eluru, Shri Venkatesh had led transformative, people-centric governance that integrated flagship schemes, drove innovations in service delivery, and achieved comprehensive district-level development. Eluru was recognised among a select group of districts for its exemplary performance in implementing priority programmes and fostering inclusive growth.
· Kulgam District Initiative, Jammu & Kashmir — presented by Shri Athar Aamir Khan, Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam. The initiative highlighted sincere, community-driven efforts towards holistic development, with strong emphasis on effective implementation of central and state schemes, improved public service delivery, and active participation of local officers and residents. Kulgam’s recognition underscored its commitment to transparent and impactful administration in a challenging region.
The session was chaired by Shri Puneet Yadav, Additional Secretary, DARPG, with senior officers from the department in attendance. It was accessed from more than 740 locations across India, drawing participation from nearly 1,000 officials. Attendees included senior officials from State/UT Administrative Reforms Departments, District Collectors, state and district-level officers, and representatives from Central and State Administrative Training Institutes.
A core objective of the webinar was not just to celebrate past successes but to provide insights into the current status of institutionalisation, sustainability, and replication/expansion of these initiatives. Presenters shared practical experiences, challenges overcome, and scalable models that could be adapted by other districts. This knowledge-sharing format strengthens peer learning, builds a national repository of governance innovations, and reinforces citizen-centric administration aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
By regularly spotlighting such award-winning models, DARPG’s webinar series plays a vital role in institutionalising excellence in public administration. It encourages District Collectors and officers nationwide to adopt proven strategies for integrated development—covering areas like education, welfare, infrastructure, and service delivery—while promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive growth at the grassroots level.
This 35th edition exemplified the Government of India’s commitment to good governance through structured dissemination of best practices, fostering a culture of continuous reform and replication across states and districts. Such platforms directly contribute to more responsive, efficient, and citizen-focused administration.
|
|
10 |
MY BHARAT BUDGET QUEST 2026 (LAUNCHED FEBRUARY 1-3, 2026)
MY Bharat Budget Quest 2026 was a flagship youth-centric initiative launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, to make the Union Budget 2026 more accessible, relatable, and citizen-centric.
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya formally launched the programme on 2 February 2026, with the main activities commencing from 3 February 2026 on the MY Bharat portal (mybharat.gov.in). It built on the success of the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue and aimed to bridge the gap between complex budgetary provisions and the everyday understanding of young Indians..
Key Objectives · Enhance youth awareness and understanding of the Union Budget 2026 · Make fiscal policies, allocations, and schemes easy to grasp and relevant to daily life · Encourage active youth participation in nation-building and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 · Promote citizen-centric governance by giving young voices a platform to engage with economic priorities
Multi-Stage Participatory Format The initiative was designed as a structured, engaging competition with clear progression:
· Stage 1: National Level Online Quiz (3 February – 22 February 2026) A 15-minute quiz with 30 questions testing basic awareness of key Budget provisions. Open to all registered youth on the MY Bharat platform. It witnessed massive participation — over 12 lakh youth from across India took part, reflecting strong enthusiasm. · Stage 2: Essay Challenge (23 February – 3 March 2026) Top performers from the quiz were shortlisted at the State/UT level. Participants chose one of 9 key themes from the Union Budget 2026 and submitted essays. This stage recorded a remarkable nearly 47,000 essay submissions, showcasing deep youth engagement. · Stage 3: Virtual Interaction Selected winners got the opportunity to interact directly with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, presenting their ideas and perspectives on the Budget.
Highlights
· Platform: Fully online via MY Bharat (mybharat.gov.in) — simple registration and participation · Eligibility: Primarily youth aged 15–29 years (as of 1 February 2026) for advancing to higher rounds · Languages: Available in multiple languages including English, Hindi, and regional languages for wider reach · Incentives: Recognition, exciting prizes, certificates, and the rare chance to engage with national leaders · Impact: Turned a usually technical document (the Union Budget) into an interactive learning experience, encouraging youth to connect Budget priorities with real-life issues like education, employment, infrastructure, and innovation.
This citizen-centric initiative exemplified good governance by demystifying public finance, fostering financial literacy among the youth, and creating a participatory channel for feedback and ideas. It reinforced the Government’s commitment to inclusive decision-making and empowering the “Amrit Peedhi” (youth generation) to contribute meaningfully to India’s development journey.
|
|
11 |
PAIMANA PORTAL OPERATIONALISATION (FEBRUARY 2026)
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) operationalised the PAIMANA Portal — Project Assessment, Infrastructure Monitoring and Analytics for Nation-Building — as a modern, web-based monitoring system for Central Sector Infrastructure Projects. Although the portal was formally launched on 25 September 2025 and began generating reports from July 2025, February 2026 marked its active consolidation phase, with regular public flash reports, wider stakeholder adoption, and data-driven oversight gaining momentum across ministries.
PAIMANA replaced the outdated OCMS-2006 system and serves as a centralised national repository for tracking all ongoing Central Sector infrastructure projects costing ₹150 crore and above. It embodies the principle of “One Data, One Entry”, significantly reducing manual data entry and duplication.
Key Features and Good Governance Aspects · Real-time Monitoring & Analytics: Provides customised dashboards, delay tracking, expenditure details, and web-generated analytical reports for better project appraisal and timely decision-making. · Seamless Integration: Connected via APIs with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)’s Integrated Project Monitoring Portal (IPMP), enabling automatic data fetching from line ministries and implementing agencies. · Transparency and Accountability: Public access to flash reports (available at https://ipm.mospi.gov.in/), allowing citizens, policymakers, and stakeholders to view project status, sectoral performance, and progress in a transparent manner. · Data-Driven Nation-Building: Supports evidence-based governance by highlighting bottlenecks, commissioning status, and newly added projects.
Scale of Impact (as reported in early 2026) As of January 2026 data (widely publicised in February), the portal monitored 1,702 ongoing projects across 17 Central Ministries/Departments, with a revised cost of approximately ₹39.25 lakh crore and substantial cumulative expenditure. Key sectors leading the pack included Roads & Highways, Railways, Power, Petroleum & Natural Gas, and Urban Public Transport. Transport and Energy sectors consistently showed the highest number of projects and investment.
In February 2026, MoSPI continued releasing monthly flash reports from the PAIMANA portal, reinforcing its role in efficient project execution and minimising cost and time overruns. This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s broader push for digital governance, Minimum Government – Maximum Governance, and accelerated infrastructure development under the Viksit Bharat vision.
By bringing greater transparency, speed, and analytics to large-scale infrastructure monitoring, the PAIMANA Portal represents a strong citizen-centric and good governance reform — ensuring public funds are utilised effectively for nation-building.
|
|
12 |
AI RESPONSIBILITY CAMPAIGN (FEBRUARY 16-17, 2026)
The AI Responsibility Campaign, officially known as the AI Responsibility Pledge, was a nationwide digital citizen-engagement initiative launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the IndiaAI Mission, in collaboration with Intel India. It took place on 16-17 February 2026 as a key highlight ahead of and during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 (held 16-20 February at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi). The 24-hour campaign, which began at 8:00 AM IST on 16 February, aimed to promote ethical, inclusive, and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence across India. It sought to build public awareness and create a mass movement for “people-first” AI that aligns with the newly released India AI Governance Guidelines.
Core Objectives · Foster citizen commitment to safe, accountable, and bias-free AI practices · Raise awareness about risks such as misinformation, privacy breaches, and misuse of AI-generated content (e.g., deepfakes) · Strengthen trust in AI technologies while encouraging innovation with responsibility · Position India as a global leader in human-centric and ethical AI governance
The Pledge Participants took a simple yet powerful digital pledge on the dedicated platform aipledge.indiaai.gov.in. Key commitments included: · Using AI and digital technologies in a safe, responsible, and people-first way · Avoiding misuse and the spread of false or misleading information · Respecting privacy, data protection, and mitigating bias · Promoting inclusivity, continuous learning, and positive societal impact · Being aware, responsible, and accountable in AI usage for the good of society
The interactive process included scenario-based questions to encourage reflection before formal commitment. It took only 5-7 minutes and was accessible on any device. Upon completion, participants received a digital badge (often called “AI Sashakt badge”) and a certificate for sharing on social media.
Massive Participation & Guinness World Record The campaign achieved extraordinary success: · Over 250,946 valid pledges were recorded within 24 hours · This comfortably surpassed the initial target of 5,000 and earned India the Guinness World Records title for the “Most pledges received for an AI responsibility campaign in 24 hours” · The record was officially announced on 18 February 2026 by Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw at the India AI Impact Summit in the presence of a Guinness World Records Adjudicator Participation came from students, professionals, educators, innovators, institutions, and common citizens across the country, with strong involvement from youth via platforms like MY Bharat.
Good Governance & Citizen-Centric Impact This initiative exemplified transparency, public participation, and ethical tech governance. It transformed abstract AI principles into a mass movement, complementing the India AI Governance Guidelines (released mid-February) and the IT (Intermediary Guidelines) Amendment Rules. By making citizens active stakeholders rather than passive users, the campaign reinforced the Government’s vision of “AI for All” — inclusive, trustworthy, and aligned with Viksit Bharat.
The AI Responsibility Campaign stands out as one of the most innovative and successful citizen-centric digital initiatives of February 2026, blending awareness, technology, and global recognition to shape India’s responsible AI future.
|
|
13 |
TRIPURA: INDIA'S FIRST STATE INNOVATION MISSION (SIM) (FEBRUARY 26, 2026)
On 26 February 2026, Tripura made history by launching India’s first State Innovation Mission (SIM) at the International Exhibition Centre in Hapania, Agartala. The initiative was launched under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) 2.0 of NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Government of Tripura. It was inaugurated by Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha in the presence of Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Shri Suman Bery, and other dignitaries.
Key Highlights of the Launch · T-NEST (Tripura: Nurturing Entrepreneurship and Startups): A flagship component inaugurated as the operational arm of the SIM. It serves as a dedicated incubation and innovation hub, acting as a single-window interface connecting entrepreneurs, mentors, investors, academia, and government departments. T-NEST promotes “Make from Tripura” solutions and has been designated as an AIM Atal Incubation Centre (AIC). · Institutional Framework: The SIM is institutionalised under the Tripura Institution for Transformation (TIFT). It aims to embed innovation and entrepreneurship into the state’s long-term development strategy. · District-Level Focus: Plans include setting up Innovation Centres in all 8 districts, with special emphasis on nurturing talent among women and tribal communities. A District Innovator Fellowship was also announced to scale grassroots innovations.
Objectives and Citizen-Centric Approach The mission focuses on: · Building a robust, inclusive innovation ecosystem tailored to Tripura’s strengths · Nurturing youth talent in science, technology, startups, and digital innovation · Promoting adoption of cutting-edge technologies and translating ideas into scalable projects · Supporting patenting, commercialization, mentorship, and funding for early-stage ventures A major announcement during the event was Tripura’s plan to introduce India’s first state-level AI Policy, with AI-driven solutions for smart city management in Agartala (traffic, parking, waste management, flood control, etc.).
Good Governance & Transparency Angle This pioneering step by Tripura exemplifies decentralised, state-led innovation governance. It strengthens collaboration between Centre and State (through NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission), promotes bottom-up innovation, and creates transparent institutional mechanisms for entrepreneurship. By focusing on district-level and community-specific interventions, it directly empowers citizens — especially youth, women, and tribal populations — aligning with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh described Tripura as a potential “engine of New India” and hoped the model would inspire other states. The launch positions Tripura as a frontrunner in fostering an innovation-driven economy in the Northeast. This citizen-centric initiative in February 2026 highlighted how smaller states can lead in good governance through targeted, inclusive reforms in innovation and startups.
|
|
14 |
MEGHALAYA: VB-G RAM G AWARENESS DRIVES (FEBRUARY 13-18, 2026)
In February 2026, the Government of Meghalaya launched intensive awareness drives across several districts to sensitise officials, stakeholders, and rural communities about the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), popularly known as VB-G RAM G (or VB-GRAM G). This centrally sponsored scheme, enacted through the VB-G RAM G Act 2025, replaced the earlier Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with an enhanced framework aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
The awareness campaign, running prominently from 13 to 18 February 2026, adopted the Jan San Samvaad (Public Outreach) model under the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) programme. It focused on disseminating the key provisions of the new Act to ensure smooth implementation at the grassroots level.
Key Activities and Highlights · Sensitisation Programmes: On 13 February 2026, the State Rural Employment Society – District Implementing Division (SRES-DID) in East Jaintia Hills District organised a major stakeholder meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall in Khliehriat. The session targeted district officials, block-level functionaries, and local representatives.
· Comparative Explanation: Resource persons clearly explained the differences between the old MGNREGA and the new VB-G RAM G framework. Emphasis was placed on upgraded features such as: o Guarantee of 125 days of wage employment per rural household annually (up from 100 days). o Stronger focus on water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related assets, and circular economy initiatives. o Predictable resource allocation, timely wage payments, and greater role for Village Employment Councils and Panchayats in planning and execution. o Integration of employment with broader livelihood and skill development goals.
· Community-Centric Approach: The drives promoted bottom-up planning, linking Village → Block → District → State levels for more coordinated and transparent rural development.
Good Governance & Citizen-Centric Impact These awareness drives exemplified transparent and participatory governance by: · Bridging the information gap between policy and people · Building ownership among local institutions · Addressing potential concerns through open dialogue (amid some political debates on the transition from MGNREGA) · Empowering rural households, especially in a hilly state like Meghalaya, with assured income security and infrastructure creation
Principal Secretary of Community & Rural Development, Dr. Sampath Kumar, IAS, and other senior officers actively highlighted how VB-G RAM G would bring assured annual resources to villages while strengthening decentralised planning and accountability.
The February 2026 campaign in Meghalaya formed part of a larger national rollout of IEC activities under the new Act. By prioritising public outreach in districts, the state demonstrated a proactive, citizen-first approach to rural employment and livelihood security — a significant step towards inclusive development in the Northeast.
This initiative reinforced Meghalaya’s commitment to effective implementation of central schemes through localised awareness and stakeholder engagement.
|
