VB–G RAM G

Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)

VB–G RAM G is a statutory rural employment scheme implemented by the Central Government to ensure employment security and sustainable livelihoods for rural households. The full form of the scheme is Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin). The scheme came into effect in rural areas across the country from 1 July 2026.

◆ Employment Guarantee

The main feature of the scheme is to guarantee 125 days of wage employment in every financial year to adult members of rural households who are willing to undertake unskilled manual work.

To ensure the availability of agricultural labourers during peak agricultural seasons, work may be scheduled during a period of up to 60 days, as prescribed by the State Government. Eligible workers will continue to be entitled to the guaranteed 125 days of employment.

◆ Major Objectives

• To ensure income security and employment security for rural households.
• To provide employment within the prescribed time limit to eligible persons who demand work.
• To create productive and sustainable rural assets.
• To promote water conservation, soil conservation, agricultural development, and greening.
• To ensure participatory development planning under the leadership of Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats.
• To link employment programmes with rural livelihood development.
• To ensure transparent and accountable implementation of the scheme.

◆ Participatory Planning

The works under the scheme are planned from the grassroots level, taking local needs into consideration. In consultation with the Gram Sabha, the Gram Panchayat identifies the necessary works and determines their priorities.

These works will be included as part of the annual Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan. The plans will subsequently be coordinated at the block, district, and state levels.

◆ Major Categories of Works

• Water Conservation: Renovation and development of ponds, check dams, water storage structures, and streams.
• Soil Conservation: Construction of earthen bunds and contour bunds, and protection of sloping areas.
• Rural Infrastructure: Footpaths, connectivity roads, and public facilities.
• Green Development: Planting and maintenance of saplings, and social forestry.
• Natural Resource Management: Conservation and restoration of land, water, and soil resources.
• Livelihood Support: Development of productive assets that generate income.

◆ Rights of Workers

• The right to demand employment.
• The right to receive the legally guaranteed 125 days of employment.
• The right to receive employment within the prescribed time limit.
• The right to receive wages for work performed within the stipulated period.
• The right to receive wages directly into their bank accounts.
• The right to safe working conditions.
• The right to inspect information relating to employment, attendance, and wages.
• The right to submit complaints and seek redressal.
• The right to participate in social audits.

◆ Transparency and Digital Monitoring

Workers' attendance, work progress, the location of assets, wage disbursement, and expenditure will be recorded and monitored.

• Biometric and digital attendance systems.
• Geo-tagging of works and assets.
• Mobile-based reporting.
• Real-time dashboards.
• Digital records of completed assets.
• Janata Boards at work sites.
• Public display of information relating to works, expenditure, wages, attendance, and other relevant details.

◆ Social Audit and Grievance Redressal

Social audits will be conducted with the participation of Gram Sabhas and the public. Documents such as muster rolls, bills, vouchers, measurement books, administrative sanctions, expenditure records, and geo-tagged information will be made available for public scrutiny.

Workers may submit complaints regarding issues such as non-provision of employment, delayed wage payments, errors in attendance records, the quality of work, and registration-related matters.

◆ Responsibilities of the Gram Panchayat

• Register eligible rural households.
• Receive and record applications from persons seeking employment.
• Identify works through the Gram Sabha and determine their priorities.
• Prepare the Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan.
• Ensure that approved works are commenced and completed within the prescribed time.
• Maintain records such as muster rolls, attendance registers, measurement books, bills, and vouchers.
• Coordinate the procedures for disbursement of wages to workers.
• Ensure the technical standards and measurements of works.
• Carry out geo-tagging of works and assets.
• Make records available to the Gram Sabha for social audits.
• Receive complaints and ensure their redressal.

◆ Administrative Structure of the Scheme

The VB–G RAM G scheme is implemented at the Central, State, District, Block, and Gram Panchayat levels. The principal implementing authorities are the Central Government/Central Council at the national level, the State Government/State Council at the state level, the District Programme Coordinator at the district level, the Programme Officer at the block level, and the Gram Panchayat at the village level.

The Gram Sabha serves as the principal forum for public participation and social audits. The Gram Panchayat is responsible for planning, execution of works, maintenance of records, transparency, and coordination of wage disbursement.

◆ Objective

The primary objective of the VB–G RAM G scheme is to provide a statutory employment guarantee to rural households demanding work, transform employment opportunities into sustainable livelihoods, and create rural assets that conserve water, soil, agriculture, and the environment.

The scheme also aims to establish a strong and accountable rural development system through public participation, digital monitoring, social audits, and transparency.