VB-GRAM Act to Boost Rural Jobs, Livelihoods

The government has introduced the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, aimed at strengthening rural employment and accelerating the vision of a developed India by 2047.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan said the new law guarantees 125 days of wage employment annually to rural households willing to undertake unskilled work.

The Act also mandates at least 25 days of employment outside the peak agricultural season, enhancing livelihood security and ensuring year-round income opportunities for rural families.

The scheme will be implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with a funding pattern of 90:10 for northeastern and Himalayan states, and 60:40 for other states and Union Territories with legislatures.

For the financial year 2026–27, the Centre has allocated a record ₹95,692 crore for the programme. With the addition of the states’ share, the total outlay is expected to exceed ₹1.51 lakh crore, making it the largest-ever rural employment allocation at the Budget Estimate stage.

Officials said the initiative aims to generate large-scale employment, boost rural incomes and drive overall rural transformation in line with the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision.

State governments have been mandated to frame schemes under the Act within six months of its commencement, while the Centre will determine state-wise allocations based on objective parameters.