New Delhi, 02 November (H.S.): The Union Ministry of Rural Development has notified the VB–G RAM G Grievance Redressal Rules, 2026, under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) Act, 2025. The rules establish a structured, multi-tiered and time-bound mechanism for addressing complaints relating to the implementation of the scheme. Under the new framework, grievances must be enquired into within seven working days and resolved within 15 days.

The rules seek to make the grievance redressal process more accessible, transparent and accountable, ensuring that citizens' concerns receive timely attention and appropriate action.

Under the provisions, State Governments will establish a time-bound, multi-tiered grievance redressal mechanism at the Gram Panchayat, Block and District levels. Designated Grievance Redressal Officers at the respective levels will be responsible for receiving, registering, enquiring into and disposing of complaints.

The District Programme Coordinator will supervise the grievance redressal mechanism at the district level and ensure that complaints are addressed through the prescribed system and the Digital Public Infrastructure developed for grievance redressal.

**Multiple channels for filing complaints**

To simplify the process, any person will be entitled to lodge a complaint concerning any matter arising out of or connected with the implementation of the scheme. The rules provide several channels for submitting grievances:

- Filing a complaint in person before the designated Grievance Redressal Officer.

- Sending a complaint through Speed Post, accompanied by proof of delivery.

- Registering a complaint through the Digital Public Infrastructure for grievance redressal designated by the Central Government.

- Submitting a complaint by telephone, through designated helplines or by any other mode prescribed by the State Government.

Complaints received in physical form at the Gram Panchayat, Block or District level must be entered and registered on the designated Digital Public Infrastructure on the day of receipt. If registration on the same day is not feasible, it must be completed by the next working day.

Once a complaint is registered, the complainant will receive an acknowledgement containing the registration number, date of receipt and designation of the authority that received it. Acknowledgements for complaints submitted digitally will be issued electronically, while those received in physical form will be acknowledged through a physical document.

Importantly, no complaint can be refused registration on the grounds of its format, language, method of submission or any procedural deficiency. This provision is intended to ensure that citizens are not denied access to the grievance redressal mechanism because of procedural formalities.

**Time limits prescribed for enquiry and grievance redressal**

The rules prescribe clear timelines to ensure the prompt examination and resolution of complaints. The designated Grievance Redressal Officer will be responsible for examining every registered complaint and undertaking the necessary enquiry.

For this purpose, the officer may seek relevant records, registers, documents, reports, electronic data or any other necessary information from the concerned authorities or officials.

Where required, the complainant must also be given a reasonable opportunity to present their case, either in person or through electronic means, before the complaint is disposed of.

The enquiry into each complaint must be completed within seven working days from the date of its receipt. Upon completion of the enquiry, the Grievance Redressal Officer will record the findings and take, or ensure that appropriate corrective or remedial action is taken, in accordance with the Act and the rules.

Every complaint must be resolved within 15 days from the date of its receipt. Details of the enquiry findings and action taken will be recorded on the designated Digital Public Infrastructure and communicated to the complainant. In cases involving complaints received physically, information regarding the outcome and action taken will also be provided to the complainant in physical form.

Complaints that remain unresolved within the prescribed 15-day period will be escalated to the next higher level under the grievance redressal mechanism established by the State Government. The authority receiving the escalated complaint will examine the matter and take appropriate action to ensure its resolution.

Such complaints will continue to be monitored electronically until they are finally resolved.

**Provision for appeals**

The rules also provide for an appellate mechanism against orders passed under the grievance redressal system. Appeals will be filed and disposed of in accordance with Schedule I of the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025.

Through these provisions, the government aims to institutionalise a citizen-centric, accessible and time-bound grievance redressal mechanism under the VB–G RAM G framework.

The multi-tiered institutional arrangement, multiple channels for filing complaints, mandatory registration, clearly defined timelines, digital tracking and escalation of unresolved cases are expected to strengthen administrative accountability and improve the effectiveness of the scheme's implementation.

The notification marks an important step towards ensuring that complaints relating to the implementation of VB–G RAM G are addressed systematically, transparently and within the prescribed time limits. It is also expected to strengthen the protection of the rights and entitlements of rural households under the scheme.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar