New Delhi, May 11: In a significant move towards strengthening rural livelihoods, the Central Government has issued a notification for the implementation of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural), commonly known as the VB-G RAM G Act. The legislation, set to take effect nationwide on July 1, 2026, aims to provide enhanced income security and foster sustainable development initiatives in villages.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the notification for the Viksit Bharat G-RAM G Act has been officially released. This new Act will increase the guaranteed days of work for rural labourers from the previous 100 days to 125 days annually. During the interim period before July 1, 2026, all provisions of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) will remain operational, with pending works to be completed under its framework.
The government has been engaged in extensive consultations with states to formulate the rules for the new Act, ensuring a smooth transition and uninterrupted employment for labourers. Comprehensive arrangements are in place to guarantee that no worker is left without employment during this period. While the rule formulation process is ongoing, the Minister expressed confidence in the timely implementation of the new scheme.
Under the Viksit Bharat G-RAM G initiative, states have been given a maximum of six months to complete necessary preparations for its rollout. Should any state fail to meet the July 1 deadline for preparations, the funding pattern for works initiated after that date will be governed by the new Viksit Bharat G-RAM G scheme. This phased approach aims to ensure readiness and efficient execution across all regions.
The Central Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has allocated a substantial budget of over Rs 95,000 crore for generating employment through this scheme. State governments have also contributed to the implementation budget, bringing the combined allocation from both the Centre and the states to over Rs 1,51,000 crore. This significant financial commitment underscores the government’s dedication to rural employment and development.
Payments to labourers will be disbursed directly into their bank or post office accounts via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The objective is to process payments within three days, with a maximum timeframe of 15 days for funds to reach beneficiaries’ accounts. In cases of delayed disbursement beyond 15 days, labourers will be entitled to delayed payment compensation, with additional amounts payable for such delays. This measure aims to ensure timely remuneration for all workers.
Furthermore, the Act mandates the payment of an unemployment allowance if employment is not provided upon request, reinforcing the guarantee of work. The scheme encompasses a broad spectrum of rural development activities, including water conservation, construction of rural infrastructure such as roads, bridges, culverts, schools, and Anganwadi buildings. The focus extends to livelihood-generating activities, such as the construction of working sheds for women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
To enhance resilience against natural disasters, the scheme will also facilitate works like the construction of retaining walls in riverside or waterlogged areas. The administrative expenditure allocation for wage payments has been increased from 6 percent to 9 percent, ensuring adequate resources for timely and efficient remuneration of workers. The Union Minister expressed optimism that this initiative represents a new dawn for rural labourers and a crucial step towards building a ‘Developed India’ founded on ‘developed villages’.
The Chenab Times News Desk