What was announced
The Assam Cabinet, during its meeting in Guwahati on June 13, 2026, gave its approval to the implementation framework for the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G). Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that the scheme is slated for a statewide rollout starting July 1, 2026. For the current financial year, the state government has earmarked a substantial budget of Rs 2,000 crore for the mission. Under the newly approved framework, every rural household in Assam will be guaranteed 125 days of wage employment annually. This represents an increase from the earlier 90 days of work provided under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Assam. Chief Minister Sarma highlighted that the VB-G RAM G scheme also places a strong emphasis on the creation of community assets, such as school boundary walls, crematoriums, and village roads, alongside employment generation. He further stated that approximately Rs 1 crore would be allotted to each panchayat, with slight adjustments based on their size and specific requirements.Why it matters
The implementation of the VB-G RAM G scheme holds significant implications for rural households across Assam, promising enhanced income security and grassroots development. The increase from 90 days to 125 days of guaranteed wage employment directly translates to more stable livelihoods for rural families, particularly those dependent on unskilled manual labour. This additional employment period is expected to provide a crucial buffer against seasonal unemployment and economic uncertainties. The substantial budgetary allocation of Rs 2,000 crore by the Assam government for the current financial year underscores the scale and ambition of this initiative. Furthermore, the scheme’s dual focus on employment generation and the creation of durable rural assets is poised to bring about long-term developmental outcomes at the village level. Projects such as improved village roads, school infrastructure, and community facilities are expected to enhance the quality of life and connectivity in rural areas. The average allocation of Rs 1 crore per panchayat aims to empower local bodies to undertake targeted development works tailored to their specific needs. This decentralised approach is anticipated to foster greater community participation and ownership in development projects.Background
The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G) was introduced by the central government to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005. The central Act received the assent of the President of India on December 20, 2025, and was notified to come into effect across all rural areas of the country from July 1, 2026, at which point MGNREGA stands repealed. MGNREGA, enacted in 2005, provided a legal guarantee of 100 days of unskilled wage employment per rural household annually. In Assam, the state had implemented a 90-day framework under MGNREGA. Studies have indicated that the performance of MGNREGA in Assam was often poor, with reports suggesting that only about one-third of job cardholders managed to avail 100 days of work. This historical context highlights the challenges in rural employment generation and the potential need for a revamped approach. The new VB-G RAM G Act nationally enhances the employment guarantee to 125 days per rural household. The central government’s vision for VB-G RAM G is to align rural employment with the broader goal of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, focusing on sustainable development, accountability, and the creation of durable rural infrastructure. Assam’s adoption of this framework, with its 125-day guarantee, aligns with this national shift while also addressing specific state-level needs for enhanced rural livelihoods and asset creation.Key details
The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G] scheme is set to commence in Assam on July 1, 2026. The Assam Cabinet has approved a budget of Rs 2,000 crore for the current financial year to facilitate the implementation of this scheme. Under the scheme, every rural household in the state will be entitled to 125 days of guaranteed wage employment each financial year. This is an increase from the previous 90-day employment guarantee in Assam under MGNREGA. The scheme is designed to not only provide employment but also to foster the creation of durable community assets, such as school boundary walls, village roads, and crematoriums. Officials have indicated that an average allocation of approximately Rs 1 crore will be provided to each panchayat, with flexibility for minor adjustments based on the size and specific developmental needs of the local area. This funding mechanism aims to support grassroots development through a structured implementation model for panchayats. The central government has also indicated a proposed allocation of Rs 1,929 crore to Assam under the national VB-G RAM G scheme, which typically follows a 90:10 funding pattern for Northeastern states, with the Centre bearing 90 percent of the cost and the state contributing 10 percent. The Assam government’s Rs 2,000 crore allocation for the current financial year reflects its commitment to the scheme’s rollout and its state-specific contribution.Reactions
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, while announcing the scheme’s approval, emphasised that the new framework represents a significant shift towards combining livelihood support with rural asset creation. He noted that the central government had replaced MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G in 2025, moving from an employment-only focus to one that also prioritises asset development.He further explained the implementation strategy, stating that public expenditure under the mission would lead to long-term developmental outcomes at the village level.“The central government has replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act or MGNREGA with Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) or VB-G RAM G in 2025. The earlier Act only focused on rural employment, but this scheme focuses on rural employment as well as asset creation,” Chief Minister Sarma said.
However, the national rollout of the VB-G RAM G Act has drawn criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Congress. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh has termed the new Act an “assault on federalism,” alleging that it centralises decision-making and places an increased financial burden on states.“That is, apart from employment opportunities, this law will ensure that an asset is also created in a particular village. We have decided that the VB-G RAM G scheme will officially begin in Assam from July 1. For this, the Cabinet has decided to allot Rs 2,000 crore this year. Approximately, around Rs 1 crore will be allotted for every panchayat with minor fluctuations based on their size,” he added.
The Congress has also raised concerns about the revised funding pattern, where the Centre-State cost-sharing ratio is 60:40 for most states, and 90:10 for Northeastern states, compared to MGNREGA where the Centre bore 100 percent of the wage bill. Additionally, the provision for a “blackout period” of up to 60 days during peak agricultural seasons, when works under the scheme will not be undertaken, has been criticised by some states and activists, who argue it could reduce workers’ bargaining power.“MGNREGA guaranteed right to work derived from the Constitution. VB G RAM G will guarantee only centralisation and further financial stress on states,” Ramesh said.
What’s next
The Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G] is scheduled to be rolled out across all rural areas of Assam from July 1, 2026. Ahead of the launch, the state government is expected to issue detailed operational guidelines to panchayats to ensure effective implementation and targeted grassroots development. A state Cabinet panel has already reviewed Assam’s preparations for the scheme, focusing on aligning various departments for a smooth rollout. The government aims to ensure that public expenditure under the mission leads to long-term developmental outcomes at the village level, with panchayats guided through a structured set of priorities for effective fund utilisation. The success of the scheme will be closely watched for its impact on rural employment figures, the quality and quantity of assets created, and its overall contribution to rural economic growth and social welfare in Assam.Quick FAQs
What is the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G]?
The VB-G RAM G is a new rural employment guarantee scheme approved by the Assam Cabinet, set to replace MGNREGA. It aims to provide guaranteed wage employment to rural households while also focusing on creating durable community assets.When will the VB-G RAM G scheme be launched in Assam?
The scheme is scheduled to be launched across Assam from July 1, 2026.How many days of employment will be guaranteed under this scheme?
The scheme guarantees 125 days of wage employment to every rural household in a financial year.What is the budget allocated for the scheme in Assam?
The Assam Cabinet has approved a budget of Rs 2,000 crore for the current financial year for the implementation of the VB-G RAM G scheme.How does this scheme differ from the previous MGNREGA?
The VB-G RAM G scheme increases the employment guarantee from the previous 90 days (under MGNREGA in Assam) to 125 days. It also places a stronger emphasis on the creation of durable rural assets alongside employment generation, aligning with the national ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision.Sources & References
Source: Bortoman Xomoy
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