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Centre reviews states’ preparedness for VB–G RAM G Act rollout; 45 crore persondays labour budget approved for June

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24 May 2026

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Ziraat Times Team Report

New Delhi, May 23: The Ministry of Rural Development on Friday reviewed preparedness of States and Union Territories for rollout and operationalisation of the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025, while approving an adequate labour budget of over 45 crore persondays for June 2026 to ensure uninterrupted employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) till the new framework comes into effect on July 1.

The review meeting was chaired by Secretary, Department of Rural Development (DoRD), Rohit Kansal, and attended by senior officers of the Ministry along with representatives of States and UTs.

During the meeting, Kansal reviewed the status of preparatory activities being undertaken by States and UTs for smooth transition from MGNREGS to the revised framework under the VB–G RAM G Act. States and UTs were directed to complete all critical preparatory measures in a time-bound manner to ensure seamless operationalisation of the Act.

The preparatory measures reviewed included notification of State VB–G RAM G Schemes, formulation of State-specific rules under the Act, technical integration for DBT-SPARSH and SNA-SPARSH, and preparation of adequate shelf of works through the Yuktdhara portal with Gram Sabha approval through participatory planning.

States and UTs were also advised to make necessary budgetary provisions and financial allocations for implementation of the new framework from July 1 onwards. They were further asked to ensure timely reconciliation and settlement of pending liabilities under MGNREGS for smooth transition.

Kansal stressed the need for close coordination among all stakeholders, including States, UTs and technical teams, stating that the transition represents a major reform in the rural employment and livelihood framework and requires coordinated efforts at both Central and State levels.

The Ministry informed States and UTs that an interim list of permissible works under the VB–G RAM G Act had already been shared for feedback and suggestions. States and UTs have also been requested to propose additional works based on local requirements for consideration under Schedule I of the Act.

The Ministry further informed that various draft rules under the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025 had been issued on May 22 and published in the e-Gazette for 30-day public consultation before finalisation.

The draft rules include:

VB–G RAM G Central Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Council Rules, 2026
VB–G RAM G Manner of Payment of Wages and Unemployment Allowance Rules, 2026
VB–G RAM G Manner and Procedure of Expenditure Incurred by the State in Excess of the Normative Allocation and Expenses of the Scheme for UTs without Legislature Rules, 2026
VB–G RAM G National Level Steering Committee Rules, 2026
VB–G RAM G Grievance Redressal Rules, 2026
VB–G RAM G Administrative Expenses Rules, 2026
Transitional Provisions under VB–G RAM G Rules, 2026
VB–G RAM G Objective Parameters for Normative Allocation Rules, 2026

An indicative framework for categorisation of Gram Panchayats into A, B and C categories has also been shared with States and UTs to facilitate planning and implementation under the revised framework.

The Ministry said weekly consultative and review meetings are being held with States and UTs to assess preparedness, provide handholding support and address implementation-related issues.

Kansal also emphasised that works under MGNREGS should continue uninterrupted till commencement of the VB–G RAM G Act on July 1, 2026. He informed States and UTs that adequate labour budget for June had been approved based on projected demand to ensure continuity of employment generation during the transition period.

In addition, mother sanctions amounting to ₹26,971 crore under MGNREGS have been issued towards wage, material, administrative and social audit unit components to ensure uninterrupted flow of funds and continued implementation of works.

States and UTs were advised to ensure timely utilisation of funds, smooth execution of ongoing works and adequate availability of employment opportunities, especially during the peak agricultural lean season.

The Ministry also directed States and UTs to adopt a focused approach for timely completion of ongoing works under MGNREGS before commencement of the revised framework. However, it clarified that works continuing beyond June 30, 2026 would be transitioned under the VB–G RAM G framework while maintaining consistency with provisions of the new Act.

Reiterating the Centre’s commitment towards smooth operationalisation of the enhanced rural employment and livelihood framework, Kansal said the Ministry would continue working closely with States and UTs during the transition process.

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