VB-G-RAM-G successfully and seamlessly rolled out across the country on a single day under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan today reviewed the implementation of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G-RAM-G] through a video conference with Rural Development Ministers of all States and Union Territories. During the meeting, he released the first installment (Mother Sanction) of ₹25,863 crore to the States for implementation of the scheme.
Addressing the meeting, Shri Chouhan said that the Government had resolved to implement VB-G-RAM-G across the country without any disruption from July 1, 2026. He expressed satisfaction that authorities have successfully rolled out the scheme across the country and have ensured a smooth, seamless transition from MGNREGA to VB-G-RAM-G, with no technical or operational issues reported so far
Shivraj Chouhan rolled out VB-G-RAM-G nationwide in a single day.
He said that serving poor workers is like serving God. The Government’s objective is to ensure dignified employment, timely wage payments and the creation of durable rural assets for rural workers.
Chouhan said that while the government took nearly three years to implement MGNREGA across the country, it rolled out VB-G-RAM-G nationwide in a single day.. He described this as a major achievement made possible by the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the cooperation of the States and the country’s administrative capacity. He said this reflects the Prime Minister’s commitment, good governance and effective coordination.
Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Rajasthan for generating a large number of employment opportunities
Reviewing the initial progress, the Minister said that work has started in a large number of Gram Panchayats during the first week and employment has been provided to lakhs of rural workers. He specially appreciated Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Rajasthan for generating a large number of employment opportunities on the very first day.Minister urged Odisha and West Bengal to start works in the remaining Gram Panchayats at the earliest and requested Jharkhand to notify the scheme and make the necessary budgetary provisions.The authorities asked states where RBI accounts or other formalities are still pending to complete them within a fixed timeline.
He said that wage rates under VB-G-RAM-G have been increased by around 10 per cent on average. No state in the country will now have a wage rate below ₹300 per day. He said this reflects the Government’s commitment, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to strengthening the income and social security of rural workers.
Chouhan said that the government released the first installment of ₹25,863 crore today to ensure that States have adequate funds to pay wages within 15 days.. He urged all State Governments to release their matching share on time so that there is no delay in wage payments.
He made it clear that there will be no shortage of funds for the effective implementation of VB-G-RAM-G. The first installment has been released based on the demand received from the States. He said Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats should select development works according to local needs to ensure inclusive and participatory rural development.
Government is committed to ensuring transparency
The Minister emphasised transparency and accountability and directed officials to fully implement Face Authentication, Geo-tagging, and other technological measures. He asserted that the scheme will tolerate no irregularity or fraud and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining transparency, ensuring credibility, and creating quality assets.
He further informed that the Ministry has deployed Area Officers, led by officers of the rank of Joint Secretary, to provide continuous support to the States. These officers will maintain regular coordination with the States and ensure quick resolution of implementation-related issues.
In his address, Shri Chouhan said that the Central Government and the State Governments share the responsibility of ensuring timely wage payments. He stated that the Government of India has already fulfilled its responsibility by releasing the first installment on time, and he urged the States to promptly release their share so that every eligible worker receives wages within the prescribed time limit.
Minister of State for Rural Development Dr. Chandrasekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State Shri Kamlesh Paswan, Rural Development Ministers from various States and Union Territories, Secretary of the Department of Rural Development Shri Rohit Kansal, Joint Secretary Ms. Rohini R. Bhajibhakare, and senior officers from the Ministry and State Governments attended the meeting.
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