No rural worker should remain without work: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
New Delhi, June 30
The Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Act, 2025 will come into force across rural India on July 1, 2026, and Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday said that no eligible rural worker should remain without work even for a single day.
He said the government in close coordination with the States and Union Territories, has completed all administrative, financial and technical preparations to ensure a seamless transition to the new framework, an official statement said.
The Act enhances the statutory wage employment guarantee from 100 days to 125 days for every eligible rural household and seeks to create durable rural assets while accelerating the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
To facilitate the nationwide rollout, the government has allocated an interim allocation of Rs 95,692.31 crore to states and Union Territories to ensure uninterrupted implementation, timely wage payments and a seamless transition from first day of implementation, the statement said.
"Adequate financial resources have been made available, implementation systems are fully in place and ongoing works will continue without interruption. The enhanced guarantee of 125 days of wage employment will strengthen rural livelihoods, create durable community assets and accelerate the vision of Viksit Bharat," Chouhan said.
Ongoing works will continue without interruption, while existing e-KYC verified job cards will remain valid until the issuance of the new Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards, ensuring uninterrupted access to employment and timely payment of wages.
The Act places Gram Panchayats at the centre of rural transformation, with greater emphasis on durable asset creation, natural resource management, water conservation, agriculture and allied activities, rural infrastructure, women's empowerment through Self Help Groups, convergence with flagship rural development programs, and technology-enabled transparent governance.
The new framework aims to strengthen village economies, generate sustainable livelihoods and improve the quality of life in rural India through participatory planning and effective implementation.
The national launch of the Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G Act) will be held on July 2, 2026, at Mukkavaripalli Village in Obulavaripalle Mandal of Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh.
During the programme, Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards will be distributed to beneficiary households, the VB-G RAM G Mission will be formally launched, an awareness film on the Mission will be screened, and a Compendium of Op-Ed Articles on the Mission will also be released.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is a much-needed reform! Making Gram Panchayats central to implementation is smart - local bodies understand ground realities best. The focus on women empowerment through SHGs is also commendable. As someone working in rural development, I've seen how 100 days often isn't enough. With 125 days, asset creation and livelihood security both get a boost. Viksit Bharat @2047 needs such concrete steps. 👏
Typical election gimmick! They keep announcing such schemes but when will the rural poor actually see benefits? The allocation of Rs 95,692 crore sounds huge but how much will actually reach workers after bureaucratic leakages? Also, why wait until July 2026 to implement? People need work NOW, not promises for years later. I'll believe it when I see timely wages in my bank account.
I appreciate the inclusive approach - making e-KYC verified job cards valid until new cards are issued ensures no one falls through the cracks. The emphasis on natural resource management and water conservation is crucial for our drought-prone areas. However, I wish they had also addressed the issue of minimum wage rates. Higher days only help if wages are fair and paid on time. Implementation in remote villages will be the real challenge.
Viksit Bharat Rozgar Mission sounds promising! 125 days of guaranteed work will definitely help reduce distress migration from villages. The link with durable asset creation is smart - instead of just doles, we're building rural infrastructure. But we need to ensure Gram Panchayats have the capacity to manage these funds transparently. Also, will this cover landless labourers effectively? That's the real test of inclusiveness.
J We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.