Naidu, Pawan, Chouhan launch VB-G Ram G scheme in Tirupati district

The little-known Mukkavaripalli in Obulavaripalli mandal of Tirupati district shot to fame with the nationwide launch of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar Ajeevika Mission Grameen (VB-G Ram G) scheme, which came into force on Thursday (July 2, 2026).

Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Union Minister for Agriculture Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the scheme by laying the foundation stone for a farm pond, to signal that the renewed version of the rural employment guarantee scheme gives top priority to farmers’ welfare, besides rural development.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Chouhan said Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed to build 74,212 houses in Andhra Pradesh under the PMAY, and had sanctioned funds for linking villages through 146 rural roads.

“With ₹422 crore earmarked for Andhra Pradesh, the Indian government is keen to develop roads and pucca houses in the State,” he said.

The Minister also offered to procure 2.16 lakh metric tonnes of Totapuri mangoes through the market intervention scheme. “This is the Centre’s support to help Mr. Chandrababu Naidu raise his dream of making Rayalaseema a horticultural hub,” he said.

The delegates later planted saplings of ten varieties, such as teak, neem and eucalyptus, at the venue.

Mr. Pawan Kalyan, who holds the Panchayat Raj portfolio, designed the project to plant tree varieties that yield wood, to earn revenue for the panchayats in future. He also explained the idea of a Wood Bank to Mr. Chouhan.

A model magic drain built with three layers, which ensures clean disposal of water, was shown to the Union Minister. The first layer, of 100 mm gravel, is 30 cm thick, followed by 40 mm gravel and then 20 mm gravel.

At a photo exhibition at the venue, Mr. Chouhan viewed pictures of success stories from Andhra Pradesh, model panchayats, zero liquid discharge panchayats and geo-tagging for greater transparency.

Union Minister of State for Agriculture Kamlesh Paswan, Union Minister of State for Rural Development Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, state ministers Satya Kumar Yadav, Anagani Satya Prasad, Railway Kodur MLA Arava Sridhar, Union Rural Development Secretary Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary (Panchayat Raj) Kantilal Dande, Commissioner Krishna Teja also participated.