New Delhi, 30 June (H.S.): The Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G Ram-G) Act will come into force across rural India from Wednesday, marking a major step towards strengthening rural employment, livelihood security, and sustainable village development. Under the new legislation, the statutory employment guarantee for eligible rural households has been increased from 100 days to 125 days annually.

Ahead of the nationwide rollout, Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan said in a statement on Tuesday that ensuring no eligible rural worker is deprived of employment even for a single day remains the government's highest priority. He said the Centre, in coordination with states and Union Territories, has completed all administrative, financial, and technical preparations for the smooth implementation of the Act.

The minister said extending the employment guarantee to 125 days will strengthen rural livelihoods, facilitate the creation of durable community assets, and accelerate the country's vision of a developed India.

He added that the Central Government has already allocated an interim amount of Rs 95,692.31 crore to states and Union Territories to support the implementation of the Act. The allocation will help ensure employment is available from the first day of implementation, enable timely payment of wages, and allow development works to continue without interruption.

The government has also ensured a seamless transition to the new framework. All ongoing works under the existing system will continue uninterrupted. Workers who have completed their e-KYC formalities will be allowed to use their existing job cards until the new Rural Employment Guarantee Cards are issued, ensuring there is no disruption in employment opportunities or wage payments.

The Act further strengthens the role of Gram Panchayats in rural development. It places special emphasis on the creation of durable community assets, conservation of natural resources, water conservation, promotion of agriculture and allied activities, development of rural infrastructure, empowerment of women through Self-Help Groups, better convergence of government welfare schemes, and the adoption of technology-driven transparent governance mechanisms.

The implementation of the VB-G Ram-G Act is being viewed as a significant milestone in India's rural development strategy. It is expected to expand livelihood opportunities in villages, promote sustainable asset creation, and accelerate the vision of building a self-reliant, prosperous, and empowered rural India.

The national launch programme of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Guarantee Act, 2025, will be held on July 2 at Mukkavaripalli village in Obulavaripalle Mandal of Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will formally launch the mission.

The event will be attended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Konidala Pawan Kalyan, Union Ministers of State Dr Chandrasekhar Pemmasani and Kamlesh Paswan, along with other dignitaries. During the programme, beneficiaries will receive Rural Employment Guarantee Cards, the VB-G Ram-G Mission will be officially launched, an awareness film will be screened, and a compilation of op-ed articles on the mission will also be released.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar