RUKUM: The Chief Minister Rural Development Programme has kicked off at all three rural municipalities of Rukum (east).

Province-5 has brought the programme into operation after endorsing the 'Chief Minister Rural Development Programme Operation Work Procedure-2075'.

In a bid to reduce poverty and improve the life standard of socially and economically weak households, the province government has started implementing the programme.

It is shared that the programme would contribute to improve the lifestyle of people through quality education, health, employment, income generation opportunities and social protection programme.

Programme facilitator Leelamani Gautam informed that the programme has been operational in Sisne Rural Municipality, Bhume Rural Municipality and Uttarganga Rural Municipality of Rukum (east) – which are behind on economic and social indicators.

The province government has allocated Rs 4.69 million each for the rural municipalities to implement the programme this year.