West Bengal government to train MLAs for rollout of rural employment scheme

MP, July 18, 2026, Kolkata : The Suvendu Adhikari-led BJP government in the State will impart training to MLAs for the smooth implementation of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G), the rural employment scheme that replaces MGNREGA.

The State Panchayat Department is preparing the training module.

The State government is also planning to delegate financial powers to government officials instead of panchayat heads and is likely to frame new rules in this regard.

MLAs will identify the works that can be undertaken under the VB-G RAM G scheme.

The West Bengal government has formally notified the VB-G RAM G rural employment scheme, which guarantees 125 days of wage employment to every eligible rural household each financial year.

District Magistrates and Sub-Divisional Officers will serve as Programme Coordinators, while Block Development Officers will function as Programme Officers.

Gram Panchayats will be responsible for beneficiary registration, planning and execution of works.

According to sources, the VB-G RAM G scheme is expected to benefit around 2.56 crore job card holders across the State and aligns with the national vision of "Viksit Bharat @ 2047".

The programme will prioritise four key areas: water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure, and initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of extreme weather events, sources in the Panchayat Department said.

The scheme will be jointly funded by the Centre and the State in a 60:40 ratio.

It has been learnt that the Union Ministry of Rural Development has approved a Central share of Rs 8,508 crore, while the State government has allocated Rs 5,672 crore.

Payments will be made through the DBT-SPARSH system.