VB-GRAM G Scheme for Rural Employment

VB-GRAM G Scheme for Rural Employment

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Why in News

  • The Union Rural Development Minister announced an interim allocation of ₹95,692 crore for the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-GRAM G).
  • This special interim funding ensures a smooth and uninterrupted transition from the older employment framework.

Key Features of VB-GRAM G Scheme

  • The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin is a modern rural livelihood scheme.
  • It officially replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
  • The new rural employment scheme comes into force starting from 1st July 2026.
  • The scheme guarantees 125 days of guaranteed wage employment every financial year to rural households.
  • This employment is meant for adult members who volunteer for unskilled manual labor.
  • The guidelines make sure that timely wage payments within 15 days of completing the work are delivered.

Funding and Distribution Formula

  • The financial structure follows a 60:40 Centre-State ratio for normal states.
  • The ratio changes to 90:10 for Northeastern and Himalayan states.
  • Union Territories without legislatures receive full (100%) funding directly from the central government.
  • The official distribution formula is scheduled to be notified on 1st July 2026.
  • Draft rules suggest using the 16th Finance Commission’s horizontal devolution formula to calculate central allocations for states.

Agricultural Pause and Local Planning

  • State governments can notify a 60-day no-work period combined during peak agricultural seasons.
  • This special agricultural pause prevents farm labor shortages during sowing and harvesting times.
  • Workers still complete their full quota of employment days during the rest of the year.
  • The act requires creating local plans through spatial technologies like the Yuktdhara portal.
  • Local planning integrates smoothly with national infrastructure platforms like PM Gati Shakti.

Significance of the Scheme

  • The VB-GRAM G program secures rural employment and steady livelihood support.
  • It focuses heavily on durable rural asset creation and continuous work opportunities.
  • This represents a major shift from the older MGNREGS framework to an advanced rural employment model.