Press Information Bureau (PIB) Srinagar, in collaboration with the District Administration Budgam, organised a Media Workshop ‘Vartalap’ at Budgam today to sensitise the media fraternity about the provisions, objectives and implementation framework of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.
The programme was inaugurated by the District Development Commissioner Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion. About 45 journalists from District Budgam participated in the day-long workshop.
Addressing the participants, the District Development Commissioner Budgam said that the role of media is critical in translating complex policy reforms into understandable information for the common people. He stated that well-informed reporting significantly contributes to transparency, accountability and effective implementation of government programmes at the grassroots level. He emphasised that the Viksit Bharat–GRAMG Act, 2025 represents a transformative shift in rural employment policy and requires active engagement of the media to ensure that its objectives and benefits reach rural households in a timely and accurate manner. He also stressed the need for fact-based, development-oriented journalism, particularly in the context of welfare legislations impacting livelihoods and rural infrastructure.
In his welcome address, Director, Press Information Bureau Srinagar, Shri Qazi Salman highlighted the transformational shift and positive reforms introduced under the Viksit Bharat–GRAMG framework. He underlined the crucial role of the media in creating awareness about the Act and ensuring accurate dissemination of information to the public.
The workshop featured two technical sessions covering the operational aspects of the VB–GRAMG. Ms. Syed Jaasirah Syedain, Block Development Officer spoke about the various generic aspects and features of the scheme, while Shri Tafheem Shah, Block Development Officer, discussed its various pillars and how the scheme is incorporating technological intervention. Each session was followed by an interactive question-and-answer segment, enabling meaningful engagement between journalists and resource persons.
Chief Planning Officer, District Budgam, Shri Javaid Ahmad Najar said that the media needs to disseminate news that holistically benefits society at large. The media has to be considerate and help make the execution process more convenient, he added.
During the workshop, emphasis was laid on enhanced employment guarantees, durable asset creation, decentralized planning and strengthened accountability mechanisms. It was highlighted that the new Act aligns rural employment generation with the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, while ensuring transparency, timely wage payments and integration of employment with core rural infrastructure.
The workshop also served as a platform for constructive interaction between the district administration and the media, aimed at strengthening coordination, improving information dissemination and promoting informed public discourse on development initiatives.
The sessions were moderated by Majid Pandit, Media & Communication Officer, PIB Srinagar. The Vartalap Media Workshop has been envisioned as a platform to build stronger connections between the media and the government, ensuring timely, transparent, and effective communication.
