The Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, today chaired a meeting with Ministers of Rural Development from States and Union Territories through video conferencing. The meeting reviewed the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and assessed the preparedness of States for the rollout of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) Act.

During the meeting, the Union Minister Shri Chouhan emphasised that works under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA must continue in a seamless and uninterrupted manner at the ground level. He underscored that ensuring timely availability of work to workers and prompt payment of wages remains the highest priority. States were advised to ensure adequate availability of works at the Gram Panchayat level so that no worker is required to wait for employment. He reiterated that every worker demanding employment must be provided work within the stipulated timeframe, and wage payments must be ensured without delay at all levels.

The Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan further stressed the need for effective worksite management and urged States to prioritise the issuance of Job Cards to eligible rural households not yet covered. He emphasised that willing households should be provided employment in a time-bound manner, ensuring that no eligible family is left without access to livelihood opportunities.

In order to ensure the smooth implementation of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, the Union Minister informed that an amount of ₹17,744.19 crore is being released to States and Union Territories towards the wage component as the first instalment for the financial year 2026–27. He urged States to ensure timely and effective utilisation of these funds so that wage payments are made without delay. It was further highlighted that necessary funds are also being made available under the material and administrative components.

The Union Minister Shri Chouhan  observed that the present period represents a critical transition phase, wherein it is essential to sustain employment under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA while simultaneously completing all necessary preparations for the effective implementation of VB–G RAM G Act.

Referring to the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) Act, the Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh stated that it seeks to establish a forward-looking, empowerment-driven rural development framework by providing a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment to rural households. The programme is aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and aims to strengthen the rural economy through enhanced livelihood opportunities, thereby contributing to the creation of a resilient, self-reliant and prosperous rural Bharat.

The Union Minister urged States to complete all preparatory actions in a time-bound manner to enable effective implementation of the programme.

In conclusion, the Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan  called upon all States and Union Territories to actively participate and share their suggestions and feedback so as to make VB–G RAM G more effective, transparent and outcome-oriented.

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RC/PU