- Centre releases first instalment for the newly launched Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin), promising faster wages and stronger livelihoods
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan says the nationwide transition from MGNREGA to VB-G-RAM-G was completed seamlessly in a single day, signalling a new era of rural governance
- Minimum daily wage under the flagship programme rises to ₹300 across all States as Centre stresses transparency, technology and durable community assets
- States urged to ensure timely matching contributions so every eligible worker receives wages within 15 days while Gram Sabhas drive locally relevant development
NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, JULY 5
In a major policy shift aimed at transforming rural employment from a welfare mechanism into a catalyst for sustainable village development, the Centre on Saturday released the first instalment of ₹25,863 crore to States for implementing the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G-RAM-G], the country’s new flagship rural employment programme.
Reviewing the nationwide rollout through a video conference with Rural Development Ministers from States and Union Territories, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Rural Development, said the new programme had been launched across India without disruption from July 1, marking what he described as an unprecedented administrative achievement.
“VB-G-RAM-G has been successfully and seamlessly rolled out across the country on a single day under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
Calling the smooth transition from MGNREGA to VB-G-RAM-G a landmark in public administration, Chouhan noted that, unlike MGNREGA, which took nearly three years to achieve nationwide implementation, the new programme became operational across the country on its very first day.
“The transition from MGNREGA to VB-G-RAM-G has been smooth and seamless. So far, no technical or operational issues have been reported.”
A New Social Contract for Rural India
Describing rural workers as the backbone of the nation’s development, Chouhan emphasised that employment generation is not merely an economic exercise but a moral commitment.
“Serving poor workers is like serving God. The Government’s objective is to ensure dignified employment, timely wage payments and the creation of durable rural assets for rural workers.”
Reviewing the first week’s progress, he said employment had already been generated for lakhs of rural workers, with work commencing across a large number of Gram Panchayats.
He specially appreciated Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Rajasthan for creating substantial employment opportunities on the very first day of implementation.
At the same time, he urged Odisha and West Bengal to operationalise the programme in the remaining Gram Panchayats at the earliest, while calling upon Jharkhand to complete notification of the scheme and make the required budgetary provisions. States yet to complete RBI account formalities and other procedural requirements were asked to do so on priority.
₹300 a Day: A New Wage Floor
One of the programme’s most significant features is the enhancement of wage rates.
Chouhan announced that daily wages under VB-G-RAM-G have increased by around 10 per cent on average, ensuring that no State in India now has a notified wage rate below ₹300 per day.
“No state in the country will now have a wage rate below ₹300 per day.”
He said the move reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening the income security and social protection of rural workers.
The Minister explained that the release of the ₹25,863-crore first instalment is intended to ensure States possess adequate financial resources to pay workers within the mandated 15-day period.
“The first installment of ₹25,863 crore released today is aimed at ensuring that States have adequate funds so that wages can be paid within 15 days.”
He urged State Governments to release their matching financial contributions promptly to prevent delays in wage payments.
Technology, Transparency and Quality Assets
Reiterating that there would be no shortage of funds for effective implementation, Chouhan said future releases would continue to be demand-driven based on States’ requirements.
He stressed that Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats should determine development priorities based on local needs so that projects generate durable community assets while strengthening participatory governance.
Making transparency a central pillar of the programme, the Minister directed States to fully implement Face Authentication, Geo-tagging and other technology-enabled monitoring systems.
“There is no place for any irregularity or fraud in the scheme and the Government is committed to ensuring transparency, credibility and the creation of quality assets.”
To facilitate smooth implementation, the Ministry has also deployed Area Officers, led by Joint Secretary-level officials, to maintain regular coordination with States and provide rapid solutions to operational challenges.
Success Will Be Measured Beyond Spending
Chouhan underlined that the timely payment of wages remains a shared responsibility of both the Centre and the States.
“While the Government of India has fulfilled its responsibility by releasing the first installment on time, the States are expected to release their share promptly so that every eligible worker receives wages within the prescribed time limit.”
As India embarks on this new chapter in rural employment, the true measure of VB-G-RAM-G’s success will extend beyond budget allocations and employment statistics. Its long-term legacy will depend on whether it can simultaneously create sustainable livelihoods, strengthen village infrastructure, improve transparency and empower Gram Panchayats to become genuine engines of grassroots development.
