VB-G RAM-JI Scheme: Employment Generation in Rural India
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Schemes
Why in news
The government reviewed the implementation of the Viksit Bharat-Rozgar Guarantee and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM-JI) programme, which came into effect on 1 July 2026. The Ministry of Rural Development has allocated a record budget of ₹95,692.31 crore for FY 2026-27, with total expenditure expected to exceed ₹1.51 lakh crore. This marks a significant expansion of rural employment guarantee from 100 to 125 days per family per year.
Background
The VB-G RAM-JI Act 2025 replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to strengthen the rural employment guarantee framework. It was enacted to provide legal guarantee of employment to rural households and enhance livelihood security.
Key facts
VB-G RAM-JI Act 2025 came into effect on 1 July 2026 across all rural areas of India.
The legal guarantee of employment per rural household per financial year has been increased from 100 to 125 days.
For FY 2026-27, the central share under the scheme is ₹95,692.31 crore, the highest ever budget estimate for rural employment.
Total programme expenditure (including state shares) is expected to exceed ₹1.51 lakh crore.
A comprehensive online Management Information System (MIS) has been implemented for real-time monitoring.
Wage payments are made directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts through National Electronic Fund Management System (NeFMS) and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The Ministry has issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) with timelines for timely wage payment.
The Act prioritizes livelihood-related infrastructure and adopts a 'whole-of-government' approach by converging with agriculture, allied sectors, and other government programmes.
Permitted rural infrastructure includes skill development centres, rural libraries, digital learning centres, and other community resources.
The Ministry regularly releases funds to states/UTs based on actual demand and legal/financial requirements.
Prelims pointers
- VB-G RAM-JI: Viksit Bharat-Rozgar Guarantee and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin)
- Effective date: 1 July 2026
- Employment guarantee: 125 days per rural household per year (increased from 100 days under MGNREGA)
- Budget FY 2026-27: Central share ₹95,692.31 crore; total expenditure > ₹1.51 lakh crore
- NeFMS: National Electronic Fund Management System
- DBT: Direct Benefit Transfer
- MIS: Management Information System for real-time monitoring
- Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development
- Replaces MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act)
- Whole-of-government approach with convergence
Mains angles
- GS2: Government policies and interventions for development in rural areas; issues of employment and social justice.
- GS3: Inclusive growth and employment generation; role of technology in governance and service delivery.
- GS2: Parliament and state legislatures – functioning of ministries and accountability mechanisms.
- GS3: Infrastructure development in rural areas and its impact on livelihoods.