Government Allocates Record ₹95,692 Crore for Rural Employment Under VB-G RAM G Act, 2025

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 during the Financial Year 2026–27. This marks the highest-ever Budget Estimate allocation made for any rural employment programme in the country’s history.

The information was shared by Union Minister for Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

Record Budget Allocation for Rural Employment

The Union Government has earmarked ₹95,692 crore under the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening rural livelihoods and employment opportunities.

According to the Rural Development Minister, this is the largest allocation ever made at the Budget Estimate stage for a rural employment programme in India.

Key Highlights

• Scheme: Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G Act], 2025
• Budget Allocation: ₹95,692 crore
• Financial Year: 2026–27
• Announcement Made By: Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
• Forum: Lok Sabha

What is the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025?

The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 is India’s new statutory rural employment programme that replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

The Act aims to strengthen rural livelihoods by expanding employment opportunities, improving rural infrastructure, and enhancing resilience against climate-related challenges.

125 Days of Guaranteed Wage Employment

One of the most significant features of the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 is the enhancement of the employment guarantee.

Key Provision

• Guarantees 125 days of wage employment in a financial year.
• Available to every willing rural household demanding work.

This represents an increase from the 100 days of guaranteed employment provided under the earlier MGNREGS.

Expanded Scope of Permissible Works

The new legislation significantly broadens the range of works that can be undertaken under the programme.

Priority Areas

The Act places special emphasis on:

• Water security and conservation.
• Core rural infrastructure development.
• Livelihood infrastructure.
• Mitigation of extreme weather events and climate resilience.

The expanded scope is expected to create durable rural assets while generating employment.

Convergence with Other Government Schemes

The VB-G RAM G Act promotes a whole-of-government approach by encouraging convergence with various Central and State Government programmes.

This integrated approach is intended to improve the effectiveness of public spending and ensure comprehensive rural development.

Significance of the Initiative

The record allocation reflects the Government’s focus on strengthening rural employment and improving livelihood security. By increasing the employment guarantee to 125 days, expanding the range of permissible works, and promoting convergence with other development programmes, the Act seeks to enhance rural incomes while creating sustainable community assets.

The emphasis on water security, infrastructure, and climate resilience also aligns with India’s long-term goals of sustainable rural development.