Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday released the first instalment, or Mother Sanction, of ₹25,863 crore to states for the implementation of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G-RAM-G], while reviewing the rollout of the flagship rural employment scheme with Rural Development Ministers of states and Union Territories through a video conference.
Describing the nationwide launch of VB-G-RAM-G as a major administrative achievement, Chouhan said the scheme had been implemented seamlessly across the country from July 1 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The Government had resolved to implement VB-G-RAM-G across the country without any disruption from July 1, 2026. I am happy to note that the transition from MGNREGA to VB-G-RAM-G has been smooth and seamless, with no technical or operational issues reported so far,” he said.Chouhan said the government’s objective is to provide dignified employment, ensure timely wage payments and create durable rural assets.
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Highlighting the scale of the rollout, the minister said that while MGNREGA took nearly three years to be implemented across the country, VB-G-RAM-G was rolled out nationwide in a single day. He credited the achievement to PM Modi’s leadership, effective governance, close coordination with states and the country’s administrative capacity.
Reviewing the first week of implementation, Chouhan said employment generation had already begun in a large number of Gram Panchayats, providing work to lakhs of rural labourers. He commended Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Rajasthan for generating a substantial number of employment opportunities on the very first day of the scheme.He said the enhanced wages reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening the income and social security of rural workers.
The Minister said the release of the first instalment of ₹25,863 crore would ensure that states have sufficient funds to make wage payments within 15 days. He urged state governments to release their matching share on time so that workers receive wages without delay.“There will be no shortage of funds for the effective implementation of VB-G-RAM-G. The first instalment has been released based on the demand received from the states,” Chouhan said.
He added that Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats should identify development works according to local needs to promote inclusive and participatory rural development.Emphasising transparency and accountability, the Minister directed states to fully implement technological measures such as Face Authentication and geo-tagging to ensure the integrity of the scheme.
The review meeting was attended by Minister of State for Rural Development Dr. Chandrasekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State Kamlesh Paswan, Rural Development Ministers from states and Union Territories, Rural Development Secretary Rohit Kansal, Joint Secretary Rohini R. Bhajibhakare, and senior officials from the Ministry and state governments.
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