Centre to deploy 100 officers ahead of 1 July rollout of VB-G RAM G

Centre Deploys 100 Officers for VB-G RAM G Transition

Theindiapostdaily.com – India’s federal government is set to assign over 100 regional officers nationwide to assist states and Union territories in shifting to the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) initiative, as the updated rural employment framework approaches its official 1 July launch.

Officers to Support Implementation and Coordination

These officers, who have completed training on core components of the legislation, including procedural guidelines, organizational setups, technological tools, and state support mechanisms, will act as guides and advisors during the transition period. Their role involves helping with program rollout, enhancing local skills, and resolving logistical hurdles, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Rural Development.

VB-G RAM G: A Comprehensive Rural Employment Framework

Rohit Kansal, the Rural Development Secretary, emphasized that this mechanism aims to enhance collaboration between the central government and state authorities as the new framework takes effect. The program merges elements like livelihood development, rural infrastructure, climate resilience, and digital governance into a single structure, broadening support for rural employment.

Program’s Timeline and Operational Readiness

Enacted by Parliament last year, the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025, serves as the successor to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). As the transition unfolds, the ongoing high demand for rural jobs remains evident. Government records indicate 17.44 million individuals were employed in April, increasing to 27.40 million by May, with an additional 26.84 million securing jobs by June 19, highlighting the program’s expansive reach.

Rollout Preparations and Technological Integration

In addition to deploying the officers, the government has accelerated other preparatory measures. An interim budget of ₹95,692 crore has been approved for FY27, with all states and Union Territories integrated into the DBT-SPARSH platform to streamline direct benefit transfers. Over 93% of active workers have completed electronic KYC processes, and a facial recognition-based attendance system is now operational nationwide.

Grassroots Focus Urged by Rural Advocates

As the program nears its launch, rural rights activists stress the importance of a seamless shift.

“The government must ensure that the transition to VB-G RAM G does not disrupt employment or wage payments for rural workers. With more than 26 million people already seeking work in June alone, the priority should be to strengthen implementation at the grassroots rather than merely changing the scheme’s architecture,” said Ashish Kumar Singh, president of Citizen Forum, a civil rights group in Bihar’s Katihar district.

According to the ministry, 27 states and Union territories have made budgetary provisions for the program, with six having finalized their state-specific schemes and the rest in advanced planning stages.