VB-G RAM G
VB–G RAM G
Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Gramin)
The 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 July 1, 2026.
◆ Employment Guarantee
The main feature of the scheme is to guarantee 125 days of wage employment in each financial year to adult members of rural households who are willing to undertake unskilled manual work.
To ensure the availability of workers during peak agricultural seasons, work may be scheduled around a period of up to 60 days, as specified by the State Government. Eligible workers will continue to receive the guaranteed 125 days of employment.
◆ Key Objectives
Ensure income security and employment security for rural households.
Provide employment within the stipulated time to eligible persons who demand work.
Create productive and sustainable rural assets.
Promote water conservation, soil conservation, agricultural development, and afforestation.
Ensure participatory development planning under the leadership of Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats.
Link employment programmes with rural livelihood development.
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 Sabhas, the Gram Panchayat identifies the required works and determines their priorities.
These works will be included in 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: Construction and development of footpaths, connectivity roads, and public amenities.
Green Development: Planting and maintenance of saplings and promotion of social forestry.
Natural Resource Management: Conservation and restoration of land, water, and soil resources.
Livelihood Support: Development of productive assets that generate income and support sustainable livelihoods.
◆ Rights of Workers
Right to demand employment.
Right to receive the legally guaranteed 125 days of employment.
Right to receive employment within the prescribed time limit.
Right to receive wages for work performed within the stipulated time.
Right to receive wages directly into their bank accounts.
Right to safe working conditions.
Right to access information relating to employment, attendance, and wage payments.
Right to submit complaints and seek redressal.
Right to participate in social audits.
◆ Transparency and Digital Monitoring
Workers’ attendance, work progress, asset locations, wage disbursements, and expenditure will be recorded and monitored.
Key mechanisms include:
Biometric and digital attendance systems.
Geo-tagging of works and assets.
Mobile-based reporting.
Real-time dashboards.
Digital records of completed assets.
Display of Janata Boards at worksites.
Public display of information relating to works, expenditure, wages, and attendance.
◆ 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, quality of work, and registration.
◆ Responsibilities of the Gram Panchayat
Register eligible rural households.
Receive and record applications from persons demanding 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 required for wage disbursement 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 resolution.
◆ Administrative Structure of the Scheme
The VB–G RAM G scheme is implemented at the central, state, district, block, and Gram Panchayat levels.
The major implementing authorities are:
Central Level: Central Government / Central Council.
State Level: State Government / State Council.
District Level: District Programme Coordinator.
Block Level: Programme Officer.
Village Level: Gram Panchayat.
The Gram Sabha serves as the principal forum for public participation and social audits. The Gram Panchayat is responsible for planning, implementation of works, maintenance of records, ensuring transparency, and coordinating wage disbursement.
◆ Goal
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.
