Empowering Rural India: Major Initiative Launched for Job Creation
In a historic move aimed at transforming India’s rural economy, Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, led a national video conference today to discuss the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) Act, 2025. The meeting attracted over 35 million participants from more than 255,000 villages, covering nearly 5,000 blocks across 622 districts. The focus was on educating Self Help Group (SHG) members about the Act’s provisions and gathering community feedback.
A Transformative Legislation
During the virtual gathering, Minister Chouhan described the VB–G RAM G Act as a revolutionary piece of legislation designed to generate sustainable employment and create resilient rural communities. He highlighted that one-third of all beneficiaries under the Act would be women, with special Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards issued to single women to ensure they are prioritized for job allocation.
Enhancing Employment and Livelihoods
The Act is structured to offer flexibility during peak agricultural seasons, ensuring that labor is available when needed most. It also prioritizes initiatives that improve water security, bolster livelihoods, and promote sustainable rural development. Minister Chouhan emphasized that enhanced livelihood prospects paired with upgraded rural infrastructure can transform villages into growth centers, effectively reducing the trend of rural outmigration.
Interactive Engagement with SHGs
Shivraj Singh Chouhan also held an interactive session with SHG women, addressing their queries about the Act. The Minister reassured them of the Government of India’s commitment to their welfare from various perspectives, emphasizing the importance of women in rural development.
Key Contributions from State Officials
In the meeting, Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Rural Development and Communications, pointed out that SHGs are vital to ensuring strong local engagement and ownership of the VB–G RAM G Act. He noted that these groups would be instrumental in creating and managing community centers and rural infrastructure, thus empowering villages and boosting local economies.
Additionally, Shri Kamlesh Paswan, Minister of State for Rural Development, shared important updates about the Act’s provisions. He revealed the statutory employment guarantee has been increased from 100 to 125 days, thereby enhancing income security for rural families. The works initiated under the Act will focus on essential sectors like water security and livestock-based livelihoods, fortifying the foundation of rural incomes and promoting sustainable development.
Collective Ownership is Key
Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, welcomed participants and stressed that the success of the VB–G RAM G Act relies heavily on strong community ownership. He highlighted the essential roles played by Self Help Groups, their federations, and Panchayati Raj Institutions in achieving the set goals.
The session concluded with a detailed presentation on the VB–G RAM G Act, outlining its core features and objectives. It underscored its commitment to inclusive growth, particularly prioritizing women-headed households by creating individual assets and ensuring their dignified participation in the workforce through supportive measures like crèche facilities and efficient grievance redressal mechanisms
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