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IndiAgri Bureau
New Delhi: The Government has released the first installment of ₹25,863 crore to states and Union Territories for implementing the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G-RAM-G], marking the beginning of the country's new rural employment programme.
The announcement was made on Saturday by Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan during a video conference with Rural Development Ministers from all states and Union Territories to review the progress of the scheme, which officially came into effect on July 1, 2026.
According to the Ministry of Rural Development, the nationwide rollout has been completed smoothly without any major technical or operational issues, making it one of the fastest national implementations of a rural employment programme.
Speaking during the review meeting, Chouhan said the transition from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to VB-G-RAM-G has been smooth across the country.
He noted that while MGNREGA took nearly three years to be implemented nationwide after its launch, VB-G-RAM-G has been rolled out across the country in a single day. He attributed the achievement to coordinated efforts between the Union Government, state governments and the administrative machinery.
The Ministry said work has already started in a large number of Gram Panchayats during the first week of implementation, generating employment for lakhs of rural workers.
Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Rajasthan were appreciated for launching a large number of works on the very first day. Odisha and West Bengal have been requested to begin projects in the remaining Gram Panchayats at the earliest, while Jharkhand has been asked to complete the required notification and budgetary formalities to implement the scheme.
A key feature of VB-G-RAM-G is the increase in wage rates.
Daily wages under the programme have been increased by an average of around 10 percent, ensuring that no state will have a wage rate below ₹300 per day. The move is aimed at improving income security and strengthening the livelihoods of rural workers.
The ₹25,863 crore released in the first installment is intended to ensure that states have adequate funds to make wage payments within the prescribed 15-day period.
The Union Government has urged state governments to release their matching share on time to avoid payment delays. Chouhan also assured that there would be no shortage of funds for the effective implementation of the programme, with future allocations being made based on the demand received from states.
The Ministry has stressed the use of technology to improve transparency and accountability under the scheme.
Measures such as Face Authentication, Geo-tagging and other digital monitoring systems will be implemented to prevent irregularities, ensure genuine beneficiaries receive wages and support the creation of quality rural assets.
The Ministry also said Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats should identify development works based on local needs, promoting participatory and inclusive rural development.
To support states during implementation, the Ministry of Rural Development has deployed Area Officers, led by officers of the rank of Joint Secretary. They will maintain regular coordination with state governments and help resolve implementation-related issues to ensure smooth execution of the programme.
With funds now reaching states and employment works already underway in many villages, VB-G-RAM-G marks a significant step in strengthening rural livelihoods. The programme focuses on creating durable community assets, ensuring timely wage payments and improving transparency through technology-driven implementation.
