By Soniya:
New Delhi: The Government of India has allocated a record ₹95,692 crore for rural employment under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G Act], 2025 in the Union Budget for FY 2026–27. The announcement was made by Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
The allocation is the highest-ever Budget Estimate for a rural employment programme in India, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening rural livelihoods and creating sustainable employment opportunities.
Replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 guarantees 125 days of wage employment to every eligible rural household willing to work, an increase from the earlier 100-day guarantee.
The scheme also expands the range of permissible works by prioritizing water conservation, rural infrastructure, livelihood creation, and climate-resilient development. It encourages convergence with other Central and State Government programmes to improve the effectiveness of public spending and accelerate holistic rural development.
The enhanced allocation is expected to generate more employment, strengthen rural infrastructure, improve livelihood security, and support India’s long-term vision of sustainable and inclusive rural growth.
