VIKSIT BHARAT–GUARANTEE FOR ROZGAR AND AAJEEVIKA MISSION (GRAMIN) [VB-GRAM-G]

VIKSIT BHARAT–GUARANTEE FOR ROZGAR AND AAJEEVIKA MISSION (GRAMIN) [VB-GRAM-G]

Why in the News?

  • New Scheme: The Centre has announced an outlay of over ₹1.25 lakh crore as VB-GRAM-G is set to replace MGNREGA from 1 July 2026.
  • Enhanced Guarantee: The new framework increases the statutory employment guarantee from 100 days to 125 days per rural household annually.
  • Legislative Change: The VB-GRAM-G Act, 2025 will come into force on 1 July 2026, replacing the MGNREGA Act, 2005, avoiding any ex post facto or retrospective environmental clearances issues through proper legislative transition.

VB-GRAM-G: KEY FEATURES

  • Employment Guarantee: Provides 125 days of wage employment to every eligible rural household in a financial year.
  • Funding Pattern: Introduces a 60:40 Centre-State cost-sharing ratio, while North-Eastern States and UTs will follow a 90:10 ratio.
  • Unemployment Allowance: Guarantees compensation if employment is not provided within the stipulated period.
  • Women-Friendly Provision: Mandates childcare support at worksites where five or more children below five years are present.
  • Continuity of Benefits: Existing e-KYC verified MGNREGA job cards will remain valid until new Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards are issued, ensuring no ex-post complications in benefit delivery.

MGNREGA: KEY FACTS

  • Legal Basis: Enacted through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005.
  • Objective: Provides a legal guarantee of wage employment to enhance livelihood security in rural areas.
  • Rights-Based Scheme: Guarantees at least 100 days of unskilled manual work per household annually.
  • Demand-Driven Programme: Employment is provided based on demand raised by rural households.
  • Significance: Acts as a crucial instrument for rural employment generation, poverty reduction, and creation of durable assets.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA

●  Meaning: Rural development focuses on improving the economic, social, and infrastructural conditions of rural areas while adhering to principles of environmental democracy and environmental jurisprudence.

●  Key Ministries: Primarily implemented through the Ministry of Rural Development and allied departments.

●  Major Schemes: Includes PMGSY, DAY-NRLM, PMAY-G, SBM-G, and rural employment programmes, with infrastructure projects requiring compliance with the Forest Conservation Act and polluter pays principle where land use changes are involved.

●  Objectives: Seeks to enhance livelihood opportunities, infrastructure, financial inclusion, and social welfare, guided by landmark judgments like the Vanashakti judgment that emphasize sustainable development.

●  Importance: Rural development is critical for inclusive growth, poverty alleviation, and balanced regional development, ensuring projects avoid post facto approvals through proper planning and regulatory compliance.