The Centre has released Rs 25,863 crore as the first instalment under the VB-G-RAM-G scheme to ensure timely wage payments, strengthen rural employment, improve livelihoods, and support seamless nationwide implementation with enhanced transparency, accountability, and durable rural asset creation.
The Central Government has released the first instalment of Rs 25,863 crore to states and Union Territories for implementing the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G-RAM-G) scheme, marking a significant step toward strengthening rural employment, ensuring timely wage payments, and accelerating the creation of durable community assets across the country.
The first instalment, which forms part of the scheme’s “mother sanction”, was released by Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan during a video conference with Rural Development Ministers from all states and Union Territories. The meeting was convened to review the nationwide implementation of the newly launched rural employment programme and assess its initial progress.
Addressing the meeting, Chouhan said the Centre has ensured that states receive adequate financial support to facilitate wage payments to rural workers within 15 days. He urged all state governments to release their respective matching contributions without delay so that workers receive their wages on time and the implementation process remains uninterrupted.
The minister reaffirmed that the government is committed to implementing the VB-G-RAM-G scheme across the country without disruption from July 1 onwards. He expressed satisfaction over the smooth transition from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to the newly introduced VB-G-RAM-G programme, noting that no major technical or operational issues have been reported during the rollout.
According to Chouhan, work has already commenced in a large number of Gram Panchayats during the first week of implementation, providing employment opportunities to lakhs of rural workers. He particularly appreciated Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Rajasthan for generating a substantial number of employment opportunities on the very first day of the scheme’s implementation.
At the same time, the minister called upon Odisha and West Bengal to expedite the commencement of work in the remaining Gram Panchayats. He also requested Jharkhand to notify the scheme at the earliest and complete the necessary budgetary provisions to facilitate implementation. States where Reserve Bank of India (RBI) accounts and other procedural formalities remain pending were directed to complete the required processes within a stipulated timeframe.
Highlighting the objectives of the scheme, Chouhan stated that the government’s priority is to ensure dignified employment, prompt wage payments, enhanced livelihood opportunities, and the creation of durable rural infrastructure that directly benefits village communities. He said the programme has been designed to promote inclusive and participatory rural development by allowing Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats to identify and prioritise development works according to local needs.
The minister also described the nationwide rollout of the VB-G-RAM-G scheme as a major administrative achievement. He pointed out that while MGNREGA required nearly three years to achieve nationwide implementation, the new scheme has been launched across the country in a single day. According to him, this reflects the Centre’s administrative preparedness, the cooperation extended by state governments, and the leadership provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In another major announcement, Chouhan said wage rates under the VB-G-RAM-G scheme have been increased by around 10 per cent on average, ensuring that no state in the country now has a wage rate below Rs 300 per day. He noted that the increase demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening the income security and social welfare of rural workers while improving their overall standard of living.
Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to the programme, the minister assured states that there would be no shortage of funds for the effective implementation of the scheme. He explained that the first instalment had been released based on the financial requirements submitted by individual states and that additional support would continue to be provided whenever necessary.
Chouhan also laid strong emphasis on transparency, accountability, and the use of technology in implementing the programme. He directed all states to fully adopt face authentication, geo-tagging, and other digital monitoring mechanisms to ensure that every stage of implementation remains transparent and free from irregularities. He stressed that there is no room for fraud or misuse of public funds and that the government is determined to maintain the credibility of the programme while creating high-quality public assets.
To strengthen monitoring and provide implementation support, the Ministry has deployed Area Officers, led by officials of the rank of Joint Secretary. These officers will maintain continuous coordination with state governments, assist in resolving implementation-related issues, and ensure that the scheme progresses efficiently across all regions.
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With the release of the first instalment of Rs 25,863 crore, the Centre has reinforced its commitment to enhancing rural employment opportunities, ensuring timely wage payments, strengthening social security for rural workers, and promoting sustainable development through the nationwide implementation of the VB-G-RAM-G scheme. The government expects the programme to play a key role in generating employment, improving rural infrastructure, and supporting inclusive economic growth across India’s villages.
