A meeting to review preparedness for the rollout and operationalisation of the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025 was held today under the chairpersonship of Shri Rohit Kansal, Secretary, Department of Rural Development (DoRD), Ministry of Rural Development. Senior officers of the Ministry and representatives from States/UTs participated in the meeting.

During the meeting, Secretary, DoRD reviewed the status of preparatory activities being undertaken by States/UTs for smooth transition from Mahatma Gandhi NREGS to the revised framework under the VB–G RAM G Act. States/UTs were advised to complete all critical preparatory measures in a time-bound manner to ensure seamless operationalisation of the Act after its commencement.

The preparatory activities reviewed during the meeting included various State-level preparatory measures required for operationalisation of the revised framework, such as preparation for notification of the State VB–G RAM G Scheme, formulation of State-specific Rules under the Act, technical integration for DBT-SPARSH and SNA-SPARSH, and preparation of an adequate shelf of works through the Yuktdhara portal, duly approved by the Gram Sabha through a participatory planning approach, along with other necessary financial, technical and administrative arrangements. States/UTs were also advised to make necessary budgetary provisions and ensure adequate financial allocations for implementation of VB–G RAM G from 1^st July onwards. The States/UTs were further advised to ensure timely reconciliation and settlement of pending liabilities under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS for smooth transition to the revised framework.

Shri Rohit Kansal emphasised the need for close coordination among all stakeholders, including States/UTs and technical teams, to ensure timely completion of all preparatory activities before 1st July, 2026. He highlighted that the transition from Mahatma Gandhi NREGS to VB–G RAM G represents a major reform in the rural employment and livelihood framework, and therefore requires coordinated efforts at both the Central and State levels.

Secretary, DoRD, also informed the States/UTs about various preparatory activities already undertaken by the Central Government for operationalisation of the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025. In this regard, an interim list of permissible works under VB–G RAM G has already been shared with all States/UTs for feedback and suggestions. States/UTs have also been requested to propose additional works based on local requirements, which may be considered by the Central Government under Schedule I of the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025.

The Ministry informed States/UTs that various draft Rules under the VB–G RAM G Act, 2025 have been issued on 22.05.2026 and published in the e-Gazette for wider public consultation for a period of 30 days before finalisation. These 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 the 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/C categories has also been shared with States/UTs to facilitate planning and implementation under the revised framework. States/UTs have been advised that they may adopt suitable criteria for such categorisation based on State-specific needs and requirements.

The Ministry further informed that regular consultative and review meetings are being conducted with States/UTs on a weekly basis to review preparedness, provide necessary handholding support, facilitate consultations on implementation-related issues, and ensure smooth transition to the new framework.

Shri Kansal further emphasised that works under the Mahatma Gandhi NREGS should continue uninterrupted till the commencement of the VB–G RAM G Act on 1st July, 2026. In this regard, adequate Labour Budget for the month of June, 2026 has been approved for all States/UTs based on their projected demand to ensure continuity of employment generation and smooth transition to the enhanced framework.

In addition, Shri Kansal informed States/UTs that mother sanctions amounting to ₹26,971 crore under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS have been issued towards Wage, Material, Administrative and Social Audit Unit components to ensure uninterrupted flow of funds and continued implementation of works during the transition. States/UTs were advised to ensure timely utilisation of funds and smooth execution of ongoing works to adequately meet the employment demand in rural areas.

States/UTs were advised to ensure adequate availability of works at the ground level, honour all genuine demand for employment, and take necessary measures to provide timely employment opportunities to rural households, particularly during the peak agricultural lean season. States/UTs were also advised to adopt a focused approach for timely completion of ongoing works under the Mahatma Gandhi NREGS before the commencement of the revised framework. However, it was emphasised that the ongoing works as on 30th June, 2026 would be transitioned under VB–G RAM G while maintaining consistency with the provisions of VB–G RAM G.

Shri Kansal reiterated that the Ministry remains committed to working closely with States/UTs to ensure smooth operationalisation of the enhanced rural employment and livelihood framework across the country.

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RC/PU