Kollam MP N.K. Premachandran is pushing to remove a daily frustration for thousands of rural workers—the rigid geofencing rules that complicate their attendance logging. At Thursday’s DISHA review meeting, he urged state and central authorities to shrink geofencing boundaries in the National Mobile Monitoring System app, arguing that smoother digital check-ins shouldn’t come at the cost of workers’ time and morale.

Key facts

  • MP Premachandran called for adjusted geofencing boundaries for VB-GRAM G workers
  • DISHA passed a resolution for immediate implementation
  • ₹74.6 crore in wage and material arrears fully released
  • 28 healthcare facilities received NQAS certification

Why It Matters

For VB-GRAM G workers—part of the Viksit Bharat employment and livelihood mission—geotagging isn’t just a technical detail. It’s a gatekeeper to their wages. Premachandran’s appeal highlights how well-intentioned systems can create unintended barriers. The DISHA panel agreed unanimously, passing a resolution directing both governments to act swiftly.

Financial and Healthcare Progress

Beyond attendance hurdles, the meeting brought good news on delayed payments. Arrears totaling ₹74.6 crore—₹56 crore in wages and ₹18.6 crore for materials—have now been released in full. Central funds for the Swachh Bharat Mission have also reached the district.

Healthcare saw significant strides, too. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs got the green light in nine locations, and 18 sub-centers are slated for new buildings with ₹55.5 lakh allocated to each. In a standout achievement, 28 facilities—including district hospitals and primary health centres—earned National Quality Assurance Standards certification.

What’s Next

Urban housing remains a work in progress. The committee resolved to request a deadline extension for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, with 469 units still unfinished. The meeting, attended by Mayor A.K. Hafeez and MLAs M.M. Naseer and Vishnu Mohan, wrapped with a clear focus on easing practical burdens for those on the ground.