New Act Guarantees Wage Employment and Rural Development
The Government of India has announced the implementation of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), known as the VB-GRAM G Act 2025. This landmark legislation aims to modernize rural development in alignment with the country’s vision for a developed India by 2047. One of the key provisions of the Act is the guarantee of 125 days of wage employment in each financial year for rural households willing to undertake unskilled manual work, enhancing livelihood security for rural families.
This initiative is designed to empower rural communities through focused public works. These works will support the creation of essential infrastructure, enhance water security, and provide resilience against extreme weather conditions. The government aims to create a comprehensive National Rural Infrastructure Stack, emphasizing water-related works, core infrastructure, and livelihoods-based projects.
Ensuring Workforce Availability
The Act addresses the need for adequate labor during peak agricultural seasons. By guaranteeing wage employment, it aims to ensure that rural workers are available when their services are most needed. Furthermore, the legislation institutionalizes a framework that integrates planning across various government levels, known as the Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans. These plans leverage geospatial systems and digital infrastructure to cater to the diverse needs of local communities.
Innovative Governance and Accountability
To enhance governance and public interaction, the Act proposes the establishment of a comprehensive digital ecosystem. This includes biometric authentication, mobile-based worksite monitoring, and real-time management information systems. The government aims to utilize advanced technology, including Artificial Intelligence, for effective planning, auditing, and risk mitigation.
Participatory Planning for Rural Needs
Under the VB-GRAM G Act, identified projects will align with four thematic domains: water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure, and disaster preparedness focusing on extreme weather events. With a commitment to community engagement, works will be prioritized through participatory planning processes at various administrative levels.
Funding and Implementation
The scheme will operate as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, providing financial resources with a shared funding model. The Central Government will allocate funds based on objective parameters, ensuring that states receive support tailored to their specific needs. For instance, the funding ratio will be 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states, while a 60:40 ratio will apply to other states and Union Territories.
Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan confirmed these details in a written reply to the Lok Sabha, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhance the quality of life in rural areas and to address the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.
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