New Delhi: Marking a major shift in India’s rural development strategy, the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) has emerged as a cornerstone of the government’s vision for Viksit Bharat @2047. Introduced under the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, which came into force on July 1, 2026, the programme has replaced MGNREGA with a broader and more integrated framework that combines employment generation, infrastructure creation and grassroots development. Officials say the transition has been smooth, with digital systems fully operational from day one, ensuring uninterrupted delivery of services and benefits across rural India.
The legislation guarantees 125 days of wage employment annually to every rural household whose adult members are willing to undertake unskilled manual work. However, unlike traditional employment programmes, VB-G RAM G seeks to transform villages through a convergence-driven model that links livelihoods with sustainable asset creation.
The scheme’s priorities include water security, rural infrastructure development, livelihood-enhancing assets and measures to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events, making it both an employment and development mission.
At the heart of the reform lies the concept of Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs), a new planning mechanism designed to place local communities at the centre of decision-making. Prepared with active participation from Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats, VGPPs aim to identify village-specific needs, map existing assets and address developmental gaps through evidence-based planning.
By encouraging local participation, the framework seeks to ensure that development projects are aligned with the actual requirements of rural communities rather than being driven solely by top-down administrative priorities.
Technology forms a critical pillar of this planning process. Using geospatial tools such as GIS, Yuktdhara and PM Gati Shakti, Gram Panchayats are able to conduct scientific asset mapping, identify infrastructure deficits and prioritize investments. The plans also foster a Whole-of-Government approach, bringing together resources from multiple departments and welfare schemes to create a comprehensive village development roadmap.
Once prepared, these plans are consolidated at the block, district, state and national levels, contributing to the creation of a Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack. Notably, the framework identifies 318 categories of permissible works, providing villages with a wide range of options for infrastructure creation and livelihood enhancement.
Less than three months after its launch, the programme has already reported substantial progress. As of September 24, 2026, more than 10.88 crore workers had participated under the scheme, generating over 31.69 crore person-days of employment. Women’s participation has remained particularly strong at 61.65 per cent, underlining the programme’s role in promoting inclusive growth and economic empowerment. Employment has been provided to over 2.81 crore workers belonging to around 2.23 crore rural households, while more than 2.83 lakh rural assets have already been created.
The scale of implementation is equally significant. Nearly 97.17 lakh works are currently under execution, supported by around 20.16 lakh active worksites spread across approximately 2.31 lakh Gram Panchayats nationwide. In addition, more than 73 lakh approved projects remain in the pipeline, ensuring that future employment demands can be met without delay. The government has issued 15.17 crore Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards, while wage payments ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 450 per day are being transferred directly to beneficiaries through digital channels.
Financially, the Centre has demonstrated a strong commitment to the initiative. For FY 2026-27, an interim allocation of Rs 93,841 crore has been made available to States and Union Territories. Of this amount, the first instalment of Rs 25,880 crore has already been released, providing the initial momentum required for implementation across the country.
A defining feature of VB-G RAM G is its technology-enabled governance architecture. Worker verification through e-KYC, biometric systems and face authentication has strengthened transparency and reduced scope for irregularities. Geo-tagging of assets, electronic measurement books, mobile-based monitoring, real-time dashboards and AI-driven analytics have further enhanced accountability and oversight. Direct Benefit Transfer mechanisms ensure timely wage payments while creating a transparent and auditable payment ecosystem.
By integrating employment generation with participatory planning, digital governance and durable asset creation, VB-G RAM G represents a significant evolution in India’s rural development policy. The programme aims not merely to provide short-term wage support but to build resilient villages, strengthen rural infrastructure and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. As India advances toward its 2047 development goals, the mission is increasingly being viewed as a transformative framework capable of turning rural communities into active partners in the country’s growth story.
