Union Government has launched the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G, introducing a 125-day statutory wage employment guarantee for eligible rural households. The new scheme came into force on July 1, 2026, replacing the 100-day employment guarantee under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
According to the Ministry of Rural Development, the scheme aims to provide additional wage employment while creating durable rural assets and strengthening village livelihoods.
What Is VB-G RAM G?
VB-G RAM G is the Centre's new rural employment programme. It guarantees 125 days of wage employment every financial year to eligible rural households whose adult members volunteer to undertake unskilled manual work. Unlike the previous programme, the guarantee is provided under the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, making it a statutory entitlement for eligible beneficiaries.
How Is It Different from MGNREGS?
The biggest change is the increase in guaranteed employment.
MGNREGS
- 100 days of guaranteed work
- Focus on wage employment
- Rural asset creation
VB-G RAM G
- 125 days of guaranteed work
- Wage employment with stronger livelihood support
- Greater emphasis on durable assets and climate resilience
The Act also allows State Governments to provide additional employment days using their own resources.
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Who Can Benefit?
The scheme is meant for rural households whose adult members are willing to undertake unskilled manual work. Eligible families can seek employment under the provisions of the Act.
What Kind of Work Is Allowed?
The government has included a wide range of rural development works under the scheme. These include Water conservation projects, Irrigation and water-related works, Rural roads and core infrastructure, Livelihood-related infrastructure, Projects to reduce the impact of extreme weather events.
According to the government, these works aim to generate employment while creating durable community assets.
Why Was the Scheme Introduced?
The Centre says the scheme has several objectives. It aims to Increase rural employment opportunities, improve livelihood security, create durable public assets, strengthen climate resilience, Support sustainable rural development.
Will Self Help Groups Continue to Receive Support?
Yes. The government has clarified that the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) will continue alongside VB-G RAM G.
Eligible Self Help Groups (SHGs) can continue receiving Revolving Fund support, Community Investment Fund, Interest subsidy on bank loans, Livelihood and entrepreneurship assistance.
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What Does This Mean for Rural Families?
The increase from 100 days to 125 days could provide additional wage income, particularly during periods when agricultural work is limited. The scheme also aims to improve village infrastructure through projects related to water conservation, rural connectivity and climate resilience.
For millions of rural families, employment guarantee schemes provide an important source of income during lean agricultural seasons.
The additional 25 days of guaranteed employment could help improve household earnings while supporting the construction of long-term community assets such as water conservation structures, rural roads and livelihood infrastructure. The scheme also gives State Governments the flexibility to provide more than 125 days of employment using their own funds.
Quick Facts about VB-G RAM G
| Scheme Name | Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) |
| Short Name | VB-G RAM G |
| Implemented From | July 1, 2026 |
| Employment Guarantee | 125 days per financial year |
| Earlier Guarantee | 100 days under MGNREGS |
| Eligible Beneficiaries | Rural households willing to undertake unskilled manual work |
| Main Objective | Employment generation and creation of durable rural assets |