VB-G RAM G for up to 125 days of guaranteed rural employment to roll out today

The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, (VB-G RAM G), 2025 is set to come into effect on Wednesday, with the Centre announcing on Tuesday that all necessary arrangements have been completed for its implementation.

The Ministry of Rural Development said the Act guarantees up to 125 days of wage employment for eligible rural households, providing a statutory entitlement that increases the existing limit of 100 days under the current rural employment framework.

It said that an interim allocation of Rs 95,692.31 crore has been made to states and Union Territories (UTs) to facilitate a smooth transition, ensure timely wage payments, and support the uninterrupted execution of works under the new framework.

Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Centre aims to ensure that "no eligible rural worker remains without work even for a single day." He added that the central and state governments worked together to complete administrative, financial and technical preparations for the rollout of the Act.

REVISED WAGES NOTIFIED

The Centre said existing e-KYC-verified job cards will remain valid until the issuance of the new Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards.

GRAM PANCHAYATS TO PLAY KEY ROLE: CENTRE

Gram panchayats will continue to play a crucial role in implementing the scheme, with a focus on natural resource management, water conservation, agriculture and allied activities, rural infrastructure, and women's empowerment, according to the rural development ministry.

Budgetary provisions have been made for the Act have been made by 29 states and UTs, per the ministry. It added that 24 states have already notified their respective VB-G RAM G schemes.

The rollout comes amid criticism from opposition parties and rural employment activists, who have expressed concerns over changes in the existing rural employment guarantee framework. They have questioned whether the new system could impact its demand-driven nature, alter the role of states and panchayats, and ensure adequate financial resources for implementation.

The government has repeatedly asserted that the new framework will strengthen rural livelihood security, enhance asset creation, and offer a more comprehensive approach to employment generation.

The national launch of the VB-G RAM G Act will be held on July 2 in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district, according to the ministry. Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards will be distributed and awareness materials related to the mission will be released at the event.

The formal launch will be presided over by Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

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(With inputs from PTI)