India, Oct. 24 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
A New Framework for Rural Employment and Development
Aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) marks a significant reform in rural development. The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 came into force on 1 July 2026 and has been rolled out successfully across all rural areas of the country. The transition from Mahatma Gandhi NREGA to VB-G RAM G has been seamless and disruption-free. Digital systems supporting implementation were operational from the commencement of the new framework.
The Act provides a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment every financial year. The guarantee covers every rural household whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work. It promotes empowerment, growth, convergence and saturation for a prosperous and resilient rural Bharat. It focuses on four thematic areas: water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure and mitigation of extreme weather events.
The Act institutionalises a Whole-of-Government approach through convergence-driven and saturation-oriented planning. At its core is the preparation of Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs). These provide an integrated framework for addressing the diverse developmental needs of Gram Panchayats.
Bottom-up Planning Envisaged through VGPPs
Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs) are a key institutional reform under VB-G RAM G. They enable participatory, evidence-based, saturation-oriented, and convergence-driven planning at the grassroots level.
VGPPs put local needs at the centre of rural development planning. They are prepared with the active participation of the Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat. The Gram Sabha provides due recommendation and approval of the plans. VGPPs enable villages to identify their actual development needs, existing assets and development gaps and prioritise works accordingly.
How the VGPP Process Works
The VGPP process is intended to support integrated village development through employment-linked asset creation, improved infrastructure and convergence of public interventions.
VB G-RAM G: Progress on the Ground
As of 24 September 2026, VB-G RAM G has recorded significant progress since its implementation on 1 July 2026.
Financial Progress
Technology Enabled Transparency and Governance
Technology is central to VB-G RAM G implementation. Digital systems support worker verification, monitoring, payments, and transparency. They also link employment with sustainable asset creation and rural development.
Building Rural Development from the Ground Up
VB-G RAM G brings employment, participatory planning and rural development together. Through VGPPs, Gram Panchayats identify local needs, map existing assets and prioritise development works. Technology, convergence and digital systems strengthen implementation, transparency and accountability. The framework links employment with sustainable asset creation, supporting resilient livelihoods and integrated rural development.
References
Ministry of Rural Development
https://vbgramg.dord.gov.in/vbgramg/home.aspx
https://vbgramg.dord.gov.in/vbgramg/WriteReaddata/data/Draft_Framework_for_Viksit_Gram_Panchayat_Plan_(VGPP)_RGVS-2026_26.06.2026.pdf
https://vbgramgrep.dord.gov.in/VBGRAMG/vbgramg_ataglance/At_a_glance.aspx
PIB Backgrounders
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID2259691®48&lang2
Click here to see pdf
PIB Research
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
