VB-G RAM G Scheme
VB-G RAM G Scheme VB–G RAM G Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) VB–G RAM G is a statutory rural employment scheme implemented by the Central Government to ensure employment security and stable livelihoods for rural families. The full form of the scheme is 'Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)'. The scheme came into effect in the country's rural areas on July 1, 2026.
◆ Employment Guarantee The key feature of the scheme is that it guarantees 125 days of wage employment in each financial year to adult members of rural households who are willing to perform unskilled manual work. To ensure the availability of workers during peak agricultural seasons, work schedules may be adjusted for a period of up to 60 days, as prescribed by the State Government. Workers will still receive the guaranteed 125 days of employment.
◆ Key Objectives
• Ensure income and employment security for rural households.
• Provide timely employment to eligible individuals who seek work.
• Create productive and durable rural assets.
• Promote water conservation, soil conservation, agricultural development, and greening initiatives.
• Ensure participatory development planning under the leadership of Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats.
• Link employment schemes with rural livelihood development.
• Ensure transparent and accountable project implementation.
◆ Planning with Public Participation
Project activities are planned from the grassroots level, taking local needs into consideration. The Gram Panchayat identifies necessary works and determines priorities in consultation with the Gram Sabhas. These activities are incorporated into the annual plan known as the 'Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan.' Subsequently, the projects are coordinated at the block, district, and state levels.
◆ Key Areas of Activity
• Water Conservation: Renovation of ponds, check dams, water reservoirs, and streams.
• Soil Conservation: Soil bunds, contour bunds, and protection of sloping areas.
• Rural Infrastructure: Footpaths, connectivity roads, and public amenities.
• Green Development: Tree planting, maintenance, and social forestry.
• Natural Resource Management: Conservation and rejuvenation of land, water, and soil.
• Livelihood Support: Development of income-generating productive assets.
◆ Workers' Rights • Right to demand work.
• Right to receive 125 days of legally guaranteed employment.
• Right to receive employment within a specified timeframe.
• Right to receive timely payment of wages for work performed.
• Right to receive wages directly into a bank account.
• Right to a safe working environment.
• Right to inspect information regarding employment, attendance, and wages.
• Right to submit complaints and seek redressal.
• Right to participate in social audits.
◆ Transparency and Digital Monitoring
.Worker attendance, work progress, asset locations, wage disbursement, and expenses will be recorded and monitored.
• Biometric/digital attendance systems.
• Geo-tagging of works and assets.
• Mobile-based reporting.
• Real-time dashboards.
• Digital records of created assets.
• Public information boards at work sites.
• Public display of details such as the nature of work, 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 data will be made available for public scrutiny. Workers can lodge complaints regarding issues such as denial of employment, delayed wages, errors in attendance records, the quality of work, and registration.
◆ Responsibilities of the Grama Panchayat
• Register eligible rural households.
• Receive and record applications from those seeking employment.
• Identify works and determine priorities through the Grama Sabha.
• Prepare the Grama Panchayat development plan.
• Initiate and complete approved works within the stipulated time.
• Maintain records such as muster rolls, attendance registers, measurement books, bills, and vouchers.
• Coordinate the distribution of wages to workers.
• Ensure the technical quality and measurements of the works.
• Carry out geo-tagging of works and assets.
• Make records available to the Grama Sabha for social audit.
• Receive complaints and ensure their resolution.
◆ Scheme Administrative Structure
The VB–G RAM G scheme is implemented across Central, State, District, Block, and Gram Panchayat levels. The key implementing entities are the Central Government/Central Council at the central level, the State Government/State Council at the state level, the District Programme Coordinator at the district level, the Programme Officer at the block level, and the Gram Panchayat at the village level.
The Grama Sabha is a key platform for public participation and social audit. The Grama Panchayat handles planning, project implementation, record maintenance, transparency, and the coordination of wage distribution.
◆ Objective
The primary objective of the VB-GRAM G scheme is to provide a statutory employment guarantee to rural households seeking 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 robust and accountable rural development system through public participation, digital monitoring, social audits, and transparency.
