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Current Affairs

Punjab Implements Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Scheme, 2026

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On 26 June 2026, the Punjab government notified the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Scheme (VB-G RAM G), replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) framework from 1 July 2026. The scheme guarantees 125 days of unskilled manual work annually for rural households volunteering for employment, up from 100 days under MGNREGA. It is financed by the Central and State governments on a 60:40 ratio and aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, emphasizing employment generation, rural development, convergence, and saturation of welfare programs.

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Key Facts

  • The scheme was notified by the Punjab government on 26 June 2026 and came into effect on 1 July 2026.
  • It provides an annual employment guarantee of 125 days per rural household volunteering for unskilled manual work, replacing MGNREGA's 100-day guarantee.
  • The scheme is legislated under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, which was passed by Parliament in December 2025.
  • Funding follows a 60:40 sharing pattern between the Central Government and Punjab State Government.
  • Punjab’s notification was signed by Ajit Bala Ji Joshi, Administrative Secretary, Department of Rural Development and Panchayats.
  • Punjab had earlier opposed the central legislation in December 2025 but implemented the scheme in June 2026.
  • VB-G RAM G replaces MGNREGA and is aligned with the broader vision of sustainable rural development under Viksit Bharat @2047.

Background & Context

MGNREGA, enacted in 2005, provided a legal guarantee of 100 days of wage employment in rural areas aimed at livelihood security. Over time, rural economic dynamics and development needs have evolved. The VB-G RAM G Act, passed in 2025, expands and modernizes the rural employment guarantee framework by increasing employment days and linking wage employment with the creation of durable rural assets and climate resilience.

It seeks to transform rural employment from a standalone social safety net into an integrated development program emphasizing empowerment, inclusion, convergence of schemes, and sustainable livelihood security.

The implementation in Punjab, despite initial legislative opposition, underscores the state's recognition of the need to adopt the reformed framework in keeping with national development goals.

Why This Matters for Exams

This scheme is a significant reform in India’s rural employment sector and is relevant for exams focusing on contemporary government schemes, rural development policies, and constitutional or legislative updates. Understanding the differences between VB-G RAM G and MGNREGA, including employment guarantees, funding patterns, governance, and alignment with long-term national visions like Viksit Bharat @2047, is crucial for competitive exam aspirants.

Points to Remember

  • VB-G RAM G Scheme notified on 26 June 2026, effective from 1 July 2026.
  • Provides 125 days of guaranteed wage employment per rural household, up from 100 days under MGNREGA.
  • Funded on a 60% Central and 40% State government basis.
  • Implemented under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.
  • Signed into effect by Administrative Secretary Ajit Bala Ji Joshi in Punjab.
  • Represents a shift from a welfare framework to a development-oriented rural employment scheme aligned with Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
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