VB-G RAM G 2025: The Government’s New Initiative for Rural Jobs

VB-G RAM G 2025 is the government's new plan to boost jobs in rural India, replacing the old MGNREGA scheme. Short for Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), it promises 125 days of paid work each year to every rural household. This initiative focuses on building strong assets like water systems, roads, and climate-friendly projects to make villages self-reliant. With better tech like digital tracking and quick payments, it aims to create lasting jobs while supporting farmers and families.​

Core Aspects of VB-G RAM G 2025

The VB-G RAM G 2025 scheme guarantees 125 days of wage employment annually for adult members of rural households willing to perform unskilled manual work. This marks an increase from the previous 100-day guarantee. The scheme redefines rural employment to:

• Create productive and durable assets.

• Strengthen village-level infrastructure.

• Build climate-resilient rural economies.

Four Priority Work Verticals

All works under VB-G RAM G 2025 are channeled into four specific verticals. These focus areas ensure projects contribute to long-term rural development and resilience.

• 1. Water Security and Water-Related Works: Includes water harvesting, irrigation structures, and groundwater recharge efforts.

• 2. Core Rural Infrastructure: Covers roads, connectivity, storage facilities, and common utility infrastructure.

• 3. Livelihood-Related Infrastructure: Focuses on assets supporting agriculture, allied activities, and local enterprises.

• 4. Climate and Disaster Mitigation Works: Encompasses flood control, soil conservation, and extreme weather mitigation projects.

Digital Integration: National Rural Infrastructure Stack

A single digital platform, the Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack, integrates all assets created under VB-G RAM G 2025. This platform connects village-level planning with district, state, and national infrastructure databases. This integration ensures coordinated, location-specific planning and aims to prevent repetitive or low-value works.

Key Differences from MNREGA

The VB-G RAM G 2025 introduces several changes compared to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), which was launched in 2005. These differences aim to improve efficacy and asset creation.

Impact and Implications

The VB-G RAM G 2025 scheme is designed to create a comprehensive positive impact on the rural economy, benefiting various stakeholders. This includes improvements in water security, market connectivity, and labor conditions.

• Water Security: Water-related works are expected to boost farm productivity, groundwater levels, and climate resilience.

• Infrastructure for Markets: Improved roads, storage, and connectivity reduce transaction costs, encouraging rural enterprises.

• Reduced Distress Migration: Higher guaranteed income and better local infrastructure aim to lessen migration due to economic distress.

• Implications for Farmers: States can notify up to 60 days per year to pause public works during peak sowing or harvesting seasons. This ensures farm labor availability and stabilizes food production costs. Farmers also benefit from improved irrigation and storage.

• Benefits for Labourers: Workers receive 125 days of guaranteed work, predictable schedules, near-universal digital wage payments, and mandatory unemployment allowance if work is denied. They also benefit from improved local infrastructure.

Funding and Financial Responsibility

VB-G RAM G 2025 operates as a centrally sponsored scheme with defined cost-sharing arrangements. The shift to normative funding aims for better budget predictability and alignment with other Union schemes.

• Most States: 60:40 Centre-State cost sharing.

• North-Eastern and Himalayan States: 90:10 Centre-State cost sharing.

• Union Territories without Legislatures: 100% central funding.