NEW DELHI, JUL 5 (IANS): Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday released the first instalment of Rs 25,863 crore to states for implementing the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G-RAM-G) scheme.
The funds, part of the scheme’s “mother sanction”, were released during a video conference with Rural Development Ministers of all states and Union Territories to review its implementation. Chouhan said the first instalment would ensure adequate funds for states to pay wages within 15 days and urged them to release their matching share promptly to avoid delays.
He said the Centre had successfully rolled out the scheme nationwide from July 1, adding that the transition from MGNREGA to VB-G-RAM-G had been smooth, with no technical or operational issues reported so far.
According to the minister, work has begun in a large number of Gram Panchayats during the first week, providing employment to lakhs of rural workers.
He commended Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Rajasthan for generating substantial employment on the first day, while urging Odisha and West Bengal to begin work in the remaining Gram Panchayats and asking Jharkhand to notify the scheme and complete budgetary provisions. States yet to complete RBI account-related formalities were also asked to do so quickly.
Chouhan said the scheme aims to ensure dignified employment, timely wage payments and the creation of durable rural assets. He noted that while MGNREGA took nearly three years to achieve nationwide coverage, VB-G-RAM-G was rolled out across the country in a single day.
He also announced that wages under the new scheme have been increased by around 10 per cent, ensuring that no state pays less than Rs 300 per day.
Assuring states that there would be no shortage of funds, Chouhan stressed transparency through measures such as face authentication and geo-tagging to prevent irregularities.
He added that Joint Secretary-rank Area Officers had been deployed to coordinate with states and resolve implementation issues promptly.
Monday, July 6, 2026