West Bengal has officially rolled out the Centre's new rural employment programme, the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G, from July 1, replacing the nearly two-decade-old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). The move marks one of the biggest changes in India's rural employment policy in recent years.
The new scheme guarantees 125 days of wage employment to rural households annually, up from the 100 days provided under MGNREGS. The Centre has also announced a minimum daily wage of ₹300 for rural workers under the revamped framework. The programme aims to shift the focus from purely demand-driven employment to long-term rural asset creation, skill development and technology-based planning.
Under VB-G RAM G, gram panchayats will use digital and geospatial tools to identify infrastructure gaps and plan development projects more efficiently. The government says the new framework will improve transparency, strengthen rural infrastructure and create more sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The transition, however, has not been without controversy. Several opposition parties and state governments had earlier opposed replacing MGNREGS, arguing that the new scheme could dilute the rights-based character of the old programme and increase the financial burden on states. Despite these concerns, several states, including West Bengal, have now moved ahead with implementation following the Centre's notification.
Officials in West Bengal said preparations had been completed ahead of the July 1 rollout, with local bodies instructed to register beneficiaries and begin work under the new guidelines. The state government expects the scheme to provide a major boost to rural employment and infrastructure development in villages across Bengal.
As VB-G RAM G comes into force nationwide, its success will be closely watched, particularly in states like West Bengal where rural employment schemes play a crucial role in supporting livelihoods and strengthening the local economy.
