Bhagalpur: Taking strong note of laxity in the verification of Electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) of active job cardholders, Bhagalpur deputy development commissioner (DDC) Pradeep Kumar Singh has ordered a reduction of the basic honorarium of 27 panchayat rozgar sevaks by 15% to 25% for six months.The punitive action was taken during a review meeting assessing the progress of e-KYC verification under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), implemented through the Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Act, 2025, which replaced MGNREGA with a new statutory framework aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 mission.During the review with district officials, it was found that several panchayat rozgar sevaks failed to show the required seriousness and responsibility, resulting in extremely poor e-KYC achievement in the district.When contacted on Saturday, the DDC said, “Administrative action was taken against lax and irresponsible panchayat rozgar sevaks for failing to achieve the requisite targets for verifying the e-KYC of active job cardholders.”He added that the personnel had been warned that “more severe action, including termination of contract, will be taken if negligence, indifference or laxity is found in the discharge of duties”.An official said the Viksit Bharat – G RAM G aims to guarantee up to 125 days of employment per rural household annually, strengthening income security beyond the earlier 100-day limit.Separately, the DDC reviewed e-KYC and farmer registration under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme on Friday and directed officials to ensure no eligible farmer is deprived of benefits.
