VB-G RAM G Mission: The Union Government has proposed an interim budget allocation of ₹95,692 crore to states and Union Territories for the implementation of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G), a new rural employment and livelihood initiative scheduled to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) from July 1.
New Delhi: The announcement was made by Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan following a virtual meeting with rural development ministers and officials from states and Union Territories.
VB-G RAM G Mission to Replace MNREGA from July 1
The Minister said the Centre has instructed all states and UTs to complete the necessary preparations before the launch of the new programme. He stated that the transition from MNREGA to the VB-G RAM G Mission will be carried out without disrupting employment opportunities for rural workers.
According to Mr Chouhan, 26 states have already made budgetary provisions for implementing the scheme. Jharkhand, Karnataka, Telangana, and Mizoram have also assured the Centre that they will initiate the required budgetary and administrative processes soon.
Addressing concerns about funding, the Minister said no state’s allocation has been reduced under the new programme. He added that the allocation for the VB-G RAM G Mission is around 40 percent higher than the previous year’s budget, reflecting the Centre’s emphasis on rural employment and development.
₹95,692 Crore Allocated for Implementation
The government said the mission aims to support rural employment, infrastructure creation, livelihood enhancement, and local economic development. States have been asked to ensure administrative readiness through workforce planning, project identification, and financial management systems ahead of the July rollout.
Officials said the programme is expected to help generate employment while creating community assets and improving rural infrastructure. The Centre has also emphasized transparency, accountability, and timely utilization of funds, with states encouraged to adopt technology-based monitoring systems for project tracking.
VB-G RAM G Mission and MNREGA: Key Difference
While MNREGA primarily focused on providing guaranteed wage employment to rural households through public works, the VB-G RAM G Mission is being presented as a broader rural development and livelihood initiative. According to the government, the new programme will continue to support employment generation while placing additional emphasis on infrastructure development, livelihood opportunities, and long-term asset creation in rural areas.
The government has stated that the new mission seeks to integrate employment generation with broader developmental goals. However, the impact of the transition and the effectiveness of the new framework will be assessed as implementation progresses.
Focus on Rural Infrastructure and Livelihood Development
Officials said the VB-G RAM G Mission will not only focus on employment generation but also on strengthening rural infrastructure and improving livelihood opportunities. Under the programme, states are expected to undertake projects related to water conservation, rural connectivity, land development, community assets, and other public infrastructure works.
These projects are intended to create durable assets that can support economic activity and improve living conditions in villages. The Centre has indicated that greater emphasis will be placed on project planning and monitoring to ensure that development works deliver long-term benefits.
Local bodies, including Panchayati Raj institutions, are expected to play an important role in identifying priority projects and overseeing implementation at the grassroots level.
Technology and Monitoring Under VB-G RAM G Mission
The Centre has emphasized the use of technology-driven systems to improve transparency and accountability under the VB-G RAM G Mission. State governments have been encouraged to adopt digital monitoring tools for tracking project progress, fund utilization, and employment generation in real time.
Officials believe that technology can help reduce delays, improve reporting mechanisms, and ensure that benefits reach eligible workers efficiently. In addition, regular reviews are expected to be conducted by both the Centre and state governments to assess project implementation and address operational challenges.
These measures are intended to strengthen governance, improve project outcomes, and support sustainable rural development across the country.
States Prepare for Rollout
As the July 1 launch date approaches, state governments and administrative departments are working to complete preparatory activities and ensure a smooth transition to the new framework. Rural employment programmes continue to play an important role in supporting households, particularly in regions where agriculture remains seasonal and alternative job opportunities are limited.
The rollout of the VB-G RAM G Mission represents a significant change in India’s rural employment policy. The effectiveness of the programme and its impact on employment, livelihoods, and rural development will become clearer as implementation begins across states and Union Territories in the coming months.
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