VB-GRAMG Scheme: Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)-A Snapshot

The Government of India has introduced the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAMG) under the VB-GRAMG Act, 2025, with effect from 1 July 2026.

The scheme seeks to strengthen rural livelihoods through guaranteed wage employment, creation of durable assets, enhanced use of technology, and improved governance.

It is designed as a modernized rural employment programme aligned with the vision of a developed and self-reliant rural India.

Objectives

The scheme aims to provide livelihood security to rural households through guaranteed wage employment while creating productive community assets that support sustainable economic growth.

 It focuses on poverty reduction, employment generation, rural infrastructure development, water conservation, climate resilience, and financial inclusion.

Employment Guarantee

VB-GRAMG guarantees up to 125 days of wage employment per financial year to eligible rural households, increasing the employment entitlement by 25 days compared to the earlier rural employment framework. Employment is to be provided on demand within prescribed timelines, with provisions for unemployment allowance where applicable.

Eligible Beneficiaries

The scheme is intended for rural households willing to undertake unskilled manual work. Eligible households are required to register with the local Gram Panchayat and obtain the prescribed employment identification credentials for participation in the programme.

Key Areas of Work

The scheme prioritizes creation of durable and productive assets that contribute to long-term rural development. Major categories of permissible works include:

• Water conservation and rainwater harvesting

• Irrigation and watershed development

• Farm ponds and minor irrigation structures

• Rural roads and connectivity projects

• Afforestation and environmental protection

• Climate-resilient infrastructure

• Community assets and livelihood-supporting infrastructure

• Village development projects aligned with local needs

Technology-Driven Implementation

A major distinguishing feature of VB-GRAMG is the extensive use of digital technology for improving transparency and accountability. Key initiatives include:

• Biometric attendance at worksites

• GPS-enabled monitoring of projects

• Mobile-based worksite reporting

• Digital record maintenance

• Online fund tracking

• Artificial Intelligence-assisted monitoring and analytics

• Real-time progress reporting and public disclosure

Wage Payments

Wages are credited directly to beneficiaries through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism into bank or post office accounts. The scheme emphasizes timely wage payments and provides safeguards against payment delays through technology-enabled monitoring systems.

Planning and Governance

Implementation of the scheme is decentralized and community-driven. Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas play a central role in identifying, prioritizing, and monitoring works. Village development plans are integrated with broader district, state, and national development priorities to ensure effective utilization of public resources.

Transparency and Social Accountability

The scheme incorporates multiple accountability mechanisms, including:

• Social audits

• Public disclosure of works and expenditure

• Citizen participation in monitoring

• Grievance redressal systems

• Digital transparency platforms

• Independent inspections and audits

These measures are intended to reduce leakages and improve the quality of asset creation.

Funding Pattern

The expenditure under the scheme is shared between the Central and State Governments.

How VB-GRAMG Differs from MGNREGA

VB-GRAMG represents a shift from a predominantly employment-focused programme to a more integrated rural development model.

Impact on Rural Banking and Financial Inclusion

VB-GRAMG is expected to have a positive impact on the banking sector, particularly in rural areas. Direct transfer of wages into bank accounts will strengthen financial inclusion, increase banking transactions, promote savings habits, and enhance the use of formal financial services. The scheme may also improve repayment capacity of rural households and support growth in agricultural and rural credit.

Cooperative Banks, District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs), Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), and Commercial Banks are expected to play an important role in facilitating fund transfers and expanding financial access.

Significance

VB-GRAMG reflects the Government's emphasis on combining employment generation with sustainable rural development. By integrating wage employment, infrastructure creation, technology-enabled governance, climate resilience, and financial inclusion, the scheme seeks to improve the quality of life in rural India while creating durable assets for future generations.

Quick Facts

Scheme: Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAMG)

Implemented From: 1 July 2026

Governing Law: VB-GRAMG Act, 2025

Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development

Employment Guarantee: 125 Days per Financial Year

Beneficiaries: Eligible Rural Households

Payment Mode: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

Major Focus Areas: Employment, Asset Creation, Water Conservation, Rural Infrastructure, Climate Resilience, Financial Inclusion

Funding Pattern: 60:40 (General States); 90:10 (North-Eastern and Specified Himalayan States)