New Act Ensures 125 Days of Wage Employment for Rural Households
The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), known as the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, has been launched to provide significant support to rural households. Under this new initiative, every rural household whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work is guaranteed no less than 125 days of wage employment in a financial year. This is a notable increase from the previous 100 days provided by the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
As part of this initiative, workers are entitled to a mandatory unemployment allowance if they do not receive employment within the specified time frame. This ensures that both employment and livelihood security are reinforced as legal rights for rural workers, marking a major step forward in rural employment initiatives.
Comprehensive Framework for Rural Development
More than just an employment program, the VB-G RAM G Act is a holistic framework focused on enhancing rural development. It targets four key areas: water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related activities, and measures to address the impact of extreme weather events. Notably, this new Act aims to empower farmers by ensuring the availability of labor during critical agricultural periods, addressing the common issue of labor shortages experienced during sowing and harvesting seasons.
Strengthening Agriculture and Livelihoods
To facilitate smooth agricultural operations, states are authorized to designate a total of 60 days in a year during peak agricultural seasons when the program’s works may be temporarily halted. This provision provides crucial support to farmers when they need it most.
The Act also prioritizes water security, which is essential for agriculture, with a focus on developing infrastructure such as ponds, check dams, and micro-irrigation systems. These efforts aim to expand irrigation coverage, enhance crop resilience, and reduce dependency on unpredictable rainfall.
Addressing Post-Harvest Challenges
Recognizing that farmers face challenges beyond production, the Act includes provisions for creating essential post-harvest infrastructure like storage facilities, rural markets, and cold storage units. These resources will help farmers manage their produce effectively, avoid distress sales and secure better market prices, ultimately improving their incomes.
Climate Resilience and Diverse Livelihoods
In response to the threats posed by climate variability, the Act incorporates measures for flood control, disaster shelters, and reconstruction efforts. This proactive approach not only strengthens village and farmland resilience but also provides job opportunities during crises.
Furthermore, the Act encourages diversified livelihoods tied to agriculture, such as livestock rearing, fisheries, and horticulture. By enabling farmers to generate income from multiple streams, the initiative aims to reduce distress migration and foster the development of prosperous rural economies.
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