Centre Releases ₹25863 Crore to States as VB-G-RAM-G Rolls Out Nationwide
Shivraj Singh Chouhan says new rural employment scheme launched seamlessly across India in a single day; minimum wage raised to ₹300 per day
Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan addresses a video conference with Rural Development Ministers of States and Union Territories while reviewing the implementation of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G-RAM-G) and announcing the release of the first instalment of ₹25,863 crore for the scheme.
New Delhi: The Centre has released the first instalment of ₹25,863 crore to States and Union Territories for implementing the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G-RAM-G], marking the nationwide rollout of the revamped rural employment programme.
Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the release while reviewing the implementation of the scheme through a video conference with Rural Development Ministers of States and Union Territories.
The first instalment, referred to as the Mother Sanction, is intended to ensure that States have adequate funds to make timely wage payments to rural workers under the programme.
Rolled Out Across India in a Single Day
Describing the launch as a significant administrative achievement, Chouhan said VB-G-RAM-G had been successfully implemented across the country from July 1, 2026, with a smooth transition from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) framework.
“While MGNREGA took nearly three years to be implemented nationwide, VB-G-RAM-G has been rolled out across the country in a single day under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.
According to the Minister, no technical or operational issues have been reported during the rollout, reflecting effective coordination between the Centre and the States.
Minimum Wage Raised to ₹300
One of the major changes under the new programme is the enhancement of rural wage rates.
Chouhan said wages under VB-G-RAM-G have been increased by around 10 per cent on average, ensuring that no State will now have a wage rate below ₹300 per day.
He said the revised wage structure reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening rural incomes and providing greater social security to workers.
Focus on Timely Wage Payments
The Minister said the Centre has released the first instalment based on demand received from States to ensure that workers receive wages within 15 days of completing work.
He urged State Governments to release their matching financial contribution promptly so that wage payments are not delayed.
“Serving poor workers is like serving God,” Chouhan said, adding that the government’s objective is to provide dignified employment while creating durable rural assets.
States Asked to Expedite Implementation
Reviewing the first week’s progress, Chouhan said work has already commenced in a large number of Gram Panchayats, providing employment to lakhs of rural workers.
He appreciated Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Rajasthan for generating substantial employment opportunities on the very first day of implementation.
At the same time, he urged Odisha and West Bengal to begin work in the remaining Gram Panchayats and asked Jharkhand to notify the scheme and complete necessary budgetary provisions. States with pending RBI account formalities were also directed to complete the process on priority.
Technology-Driven Transparency
Highlighting the government’s emphasis on transparency, the Minister directed States to fully implement technology-enabled monitoring measures, including:
- Face Authentication
- Geo-tagging
- Digital monitoring systems
He said these measures would help eliminate irregularities and ensure greater accountability while facilitating the creation of durable and high-quality community assets.
Dedicated Support for States
To facilitate smooth implementation, the Ministry has deployed Area Officers, led by officers of the rank of Joint Secretary, to work closely with State Governments and resolve implementation-related issues in real time.
Chouhan reiterated that there would be no shortage of funds for effective implementation of the programme and emphasised that Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats should identify development works based on local priorities to promote participatory rural development.
Towards Inclusive Rural Development
The launch of VB-G-RAM-G marks the beginning of a new phase in India’s rural employment strategy, combining enhanced wage support with greater use of technology, improved transparency and stronger focus on creating durable community assets.
With increased wage rates, digital monitoring mechanisms and assured funding support, the government aims to strengthen rural livelihoods while accelerating infrastructure creation and inclusive development across villages.
