Centre reviews preparedness for rollout of VB–G RAM G Act, 2025; States urged to ensure smooth transition from MGNREGS

PR, PIB, May 24, 2026, New Delhi: A meeting to review preparedness for the rollout and operationalisation of the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025 was held on Saturday under the chairpersonship of Shri Rohit Kansal, Secretary, Department of Rural Development (DoRD), Ministry of Rural Development.

Senior officers of the Ministry and representatives from States and Union Territories participated in the meeting.

VB–G RAM G stands for Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), which has increased the guaranteed wage employment from 100 days to 125 days per rural household each financial year.

During the meeting, Secretary, DoRD reviewed the status of preparatory activities being undertaken by States and Union Territories for smooth transition from Mahatma Gandhi NREGS to the revised framework under the VB–G RAM G Act.

States and Union Territories were advised to complete all critical preparatory measures in a time-bound manner to ensure seamless operationalisation of the Act after its commencement.

The preparatory activities reviewed included State-level measures required for operationalisation of the revised framework, such as notification of the State VB–G RAM G Scheme, formulation of State-specific rules under the Act, technical integration for DBT-SPARSH and SNA-SPARSH, and preparation of an adequate shelf of works through the Yuktdhara portal, approved by the Gram Sabha through a participatory planning approach, along with financial, technical and administrative arrangements.

States and Union Territories were also advised to make necessary budgetary provisions and ensure adequate financial allocations for implementation of VB–G RAM G from 1 July 2026 onwards.

They were further advised to ensure timely reconciliation and settlement of pending liabilities under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS for a smooth transition to the revised framework.

Shri Rohit Kansal emphasised the need for close coordination among all stakeholders, including States, Union Territories and technical teams, to ensure timely completion of all preparatory activities before 1 July 2026.

He highlighted that the transition from Mahatma Gandhi NREGS to VB–G RAM G represents a major reform in the rural employment and livelihood framework, requiring coordinated efforts at both Central and State levels.

Secretary, DoRD, also informed States and Union Territories about preparatory activities already undertaken by the Central Government.

An interim list of permissible works under VB–G RAM G has already been shared for feedback and suggestions, and States have been requested to propose additional works based on local requirements for consideration under Schedule I of the Act.

The Ministry informed that draft rules under the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025 were issued on 22 May 2026 and published in the e-Gazette for public consultation for 30 days before finalisation.

These include VB–G RAM G Central Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Council Rules, 2026; VB–G RAM G Manner of Payment of Wages and Unemployment Allowance Rules, 2026; VB–G RAM G Manner and Procedure of Expenditure Incurred by the State in Excess of the Normative Allocation and Expenses of the Scheme for the UTs without Legislature Rules, 2026; VB–G RAM G National Level Steering Committee Rules, 2026; VB–G RAM G Grievance Redressal Rules, 2026; VB–G RAM G Administrative Expenses Rules, 2026; Transitional Provisions under VB–G RAM G Rules, 2026; and VB–G RAM G Objective Parameters for Normative Allocation Rules, 2026.

An indicative framework for categorisation of Gram Panchayats into A, B and C categories has also been shared to facilitate planning and implementation, with States allowed to adopt suitable criteria based on local needs.

The Ministry stated that regular consultative and review meetings are being held weekly with States and Union Territories to monitor preparedness and ensure smooth transition.

Shri Kansal further emphasised that works under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS should continue uninterrupted till the commencement of the VB–G RAM G Act on 1 July 2026.

He informed that adequate Labour Budget for June 2026 has been approved for all States and Union Territories to ensure continuity of employment generation.

He also stated that mother sanctions amounting to ₹26,971 crore under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS have been issued for wage, material, administrative and social audit components to ensure uninterrupted implementation during the transition.

States and Union Territories were advised to ensure timely utilisation of funds, availability of works at the ground level, honouring of employment demand, and timely completion of ongoing works before the new framework begins.

It was clarified that ongoing works as on 30 June 2026 would be transitioned under VB–G RAM G in accordance with its provisions.

Shri Kansal reiterated that the Ministry remains committed to working closely with States and Union Territories for smooth operationalisation of the enhanced rural employment and livelihood framework across the country.