Union Minister for Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan conducted a video conference review with Rural Development Ministers of all States and Union Territories regarding the implementation of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G-RAM-G]. During the meeting on July 5, 2026, he released the first installment (Mother Sanction) of ₹25,863 crore to the States for scheme implementation.
Minister Chouhan announced that VB-G-RAM-G has been successfully rolled out across the country without disruption from July 1, 2026, marking a significant achievement as the transition from MGNREGA has been smooth and seamless with no technical or operational issues reported. He emphasized that the government's objective is to ensure dignified employment, timely wage payments, and creation of durable rural assets for rural workers, describing service to poor workers as equivalent to serving God.
The wage rates under VB-G-RAM-G have been increased by approximately 10% on average, ensuring no state will have a wage rate below ₹300 per day. The released ₹25,863 crore installment aims to ensure States have adequate funds to pay wages within 15 days, with Minister Chouhan urging State Governments to release their matching share on time to prevent payment delays. He assured there will be no shortage of funds for effective scheme implementation, with this first installment based on demand received from States.
Initial progress shows work has started in a large number of Gram Panchayats during the first week, providing employment to lakhs of rural workers. Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Rajasthan received special appreciation for generating substantial employment opportunities on the very first day. Odisha and West Bengal were urged to start works in remaining Gram Panchayats promptly, while Jharkhand was requested to notify the scheme and make necessary budgetary provisions. States with pending RBI accounts or other formalities were asked to complete them in a time-bound manner.
Minister Chouhan emphasized that Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats should select development works according to local needs to ensure inclusive and participatory rural development. He stressed mandatory implementation of technological measures including Face Authentication and Geo-tagging to ensure transparency and accountability, stating there is no place for irregularity or fraud in the scheme. The Ministry has deployed Area Officers led by Joint Secretary-level officers to provide continuous support to States, maintain regular coordination, and ensure quick resolution of implementation issues.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Rural Development Dr. Chandrasekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State Shri Kamlesh Paswan, Rural Development Ministers of various States and Union Territories, Secretary of Department of Rural Development Shri Rohit Kansal, Joint Secretary Ms. Rohini R. Bhajibhakare, and senior officers of the Ministry and State Governments.