The Ministry of Rural Development has rolled out the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G-RAM-G, a new framework for rural employment and development that came into force on 1 July 2026. The scheme replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and introduces a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment annually for every rural household whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work.
Key facts
- Act came into force: 1 July 2026
- Employment guarantee: 125 days per financial year
- Active workers as of 24 September 2026: 10.88 crore
- Women’s participation: 61.65 percent
- Person-days generated: Over 31.69 crore
- Assets created: 2.83 lakh
- Works under execution: 97.17 lakh
- Approved works available for future: 73.24 lakh
- Gram Panchayats executing works: Nearly 2.31 lakh
- Total Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards issued: 15.17 crore
- Financial allocation for 2026-27: Rs. 93,841 crore
- First instalment issued: Rs. 25,880 crore
- Average wage rate: Rs. 283.24 per day
- Permissible works: 318 types across four thematic areas
What changes from the old scheme
VB-G-RAM-G represents a significant shift in how rural employment and development are planned and executed. While the previous Mahatma Gandhi NREGA focused primarily on providing employment through public works, the new framework integrates employment with sustainable asset creation and comprehensive rural development planning.
The transition has been completed across all rural areas of the country without disruption. Digital systems supporting implementation were ready from the start date, ensuring seamless operation from day one.
How Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans work
At the heart of VB-G-RAM-G are Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs), which require villages to conduct their own development planning from the ground up. Gram Panchayats, with input from the Gram Sabha, now identify and prioritise works based on actual local needs rather than centrally determined priorities.
The VGPP process begins with asset mapping: villages conduct a comprehensive inventory of existing infrastructure, assets and service delivery gaps. Using tools like GIS mapping, Yuktdhara, and PM Gati Shakti, Gram Panchayats create spatial and non-spatial information to support evidence-based planning. This prevents duplication and helps identify real infrastructure deficits.
VGPPs promote what the government calls a “Whole-of-Government approach” by bringing together resources and interventions from different schemes and departments for integrated village development. These plans are then consolidated upward at Block, District, State and National levels, contributing to the Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack.
Four focus areas and 318 permissible works
VB-G-RAM-G concentrates employment-linked asset creation in four thematic areas: water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure, and mitigation of extreme weather events. Within these areas, 318 types of permissible works have been identified that Gram Panchayats can undertake.
This focused approach aims to create assets that address specific rural development needs while providing employment, rather than creating works for the sake of employment generation alone.
Digital systems and transparency
Technology underpins implementation of VB-G-RAM-G. Worker verification uses e-KYC and biometric authentication through Face Authentication. Work monitoring employs geo-tagging, digital measurement books, and mobile-based systems. Payments are made through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), with 3.76 crore transactions recorded as of 24 September 2026.
Real-time dashboards and AI-enabled analytics support monitoring and reporting, while spatial technology-enabled planning supports oversight by government officials and citizens. This digital infrastructure aims to enhance transparency and accountability throughout the scheme.
What this means for you
If you are a rural worker, you now have a statutory guarantee of 125 days of employment annually at a minimum average wage of Rs. 283.24 per day. Your Gram Panchayat must offer you work on demand within 15 days of application under the scheme.
If you are a Gram Panchayat leader or village council member, you will need to prepare detailed VGPPs that identify your village’s actual development needs and existing assets before planning new works. This requires active participation from villagers through the Gram Sabha.
If you are studying for competitive examinations about rural policy, understand that VB-G-RAM-G represents a shift from employment-first to integrated development planning that uses employment as a tool for asset creation.
Financial allocation
For the financial year 2026-27, States and Union Territories have been allocated an interim total of Rs. 93,841 crore. The first instalment of Rs. 25,880 crore has already been issued, enabling implementation to proceed across the country.