Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM-G)

Why in the News?

The Assam Government informed the Legislative Assembly that the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM-G) has replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) from 1 July 2026, providing 125 days of guaranteed wage employment to eligible rural households.

More About the News

The Union Government has introduced VB-GRAM-G as a new framework for rural employment and infrastructure development in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The scheme aims to combine livelihood security with durable asset creation and technology-driven governance.

Key Highlights

• VB-GRAM-G has replaced MGNREGA across the country from 1 July 2026.
• The programme is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, in partnership with State Governments.
• It guarantees 125 days of unskilled wage employment to every eligible rural household in a financial year, an increase from the earlier 100-day guarantee under MGNREGA.
• Existing e-KYC verified MGNREGA Job Cards will remain valid until new Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards are issued.

Objectives of the Scheme

• Provide livelihood security through guaranteed wage employment.
• Create durable community assets that improve rural productivity.
• Strengthen water security, climate resilience, and rural infrastructure.
• Support the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 through sustainable rural development.

Major Features

• Village Development Plans will be prepared through Gram Sabhas using Geographical Information System (GIS) and geospatial technology, integrated with the PM Gati Shakti platform.
• Biometric attendance, GPS-based worksite monitoring, Artificial Intelligence-enabled dashboards, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) will improve transparency and accountability.
• Wages must be paid within 15 days; delayed payments will attract compensation.
• If employment is not provided within 15 days of demand, eligible households will receive an unemployment allowance as provided under the Act.
• States may notify a 60-day pause during peak sowing and harvesting seasons to ensure the availability of agricultural labour.
• The scheme prioritizes four broad categories of work:
  • Water security
  • Rural infrastructure
  • Livelihood-related assets
  • Extreme weather mitigation
• A total of 318 categories of works have been approved under the scheme.

Significance

• Promotes employment generation, durable asset creation, climate-resilient infrastructure, and technology-enabled rural governance.
• Supports flagship initiatives such as PM Gati Shakti, Digital India, and the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
• Uses biometric attendance, GPS-based worksite monitoring, AI-enabled dashboards, and real-time MIS for greater transparency and efficient implementation.

Prelims Practice Question

Q. With reference to the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), consider the following statements:

1. It guarantees 125 days of wage employment to eligible rural households every year.
2. It replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act from 1 July 2026.
3. The scheme uses Geographical Information System (GIS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for implementation.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

• (a) 1 and 2 only
• (b) 2 and 3 only
• (c) 1, 2 and 3 ✅
• (d) 1 and 3 only

One-line Wrap

VB-GRAM-G represents the next generation of India’s rural employment programme by combining guaranteed livelihoods, technology-driven governance, and sustainable rural infrastructure to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.