The Assam government today rolled out the ‘Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G) Scheme’ across the state, aiming to provide 125 days of guaranteed wage employment to every rural household. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the statewide implementation of the scheme, effective from July 1, 2026, following its approval by the Assam Cabinet on June 13, 2026.

This new initiative replaces the existing Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Assam, marking a significant policy shift with an enhanced focus on both employment generation and the creation of durable community assets. The scheme has been allocated a substantial budgetary provision of Rs 2,000 crore for its initial phase, underscoring the state’s commitment to rural upliftment.

What was announced

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma officially announced the commencement of the VB-G RAM G scheme from July 1, 2026, during a press conference in Guwahati. The scheme, which received the Assam Cabinet’s approval on June 13, 2026, aims to guarantee 125 days of wage employment per rural household annually.

Chief Minister Sarma described the VB-G RAM G as a “transformative step towards empowering our rural populace and ensuring sustainable development.” He emphasised that the scheme would not only provide employment but also focus on creating tangible assets such as rural roads, water conservation structures, and community buildings, which he said would “significantly enhance rural infrastructure.”

Why it matters

The rollout of the VB-G RAM G scheme is poised to significantly impact rural livelihoods across Assam by increasing the guaranteed employment period from 100 days under MGNREGA to 125 days. This additional 25 days of work is expected to provide crucial extra income for rural families, particularly during agricultural lean seasons, according to rural development economists.

The scheme’s shift towards creating durable community assets is also a strategic move, aiming to improve rural infrastructure and foster long-term economic growth. Dr. Rina Das, a rural development economist, noted that the focus on tangible assets is a “welcome strategic shift” that could yield lasting benefits for communities.

With an initial budgetary allocation of Rs 2,000 crore, the scheme represents a substantial investment by the state government in rural development and poverty alleviation. Officials from the State Rural Development Department indicated that this funding would support extensive work projects and ensure timely wage disbursements, addressing past challenges faced under MGNREGA.

Background

The decision to introduce the VB-G RAM G scheme stems from a comprehensive review of existing rural employment programmes, particularly the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). For several years, MGNREGA’s implementation in Assam faced challenges, including the average employment generation often falling short of the mandated 100 days per household. Data from the last fiscal year indicated that average employment under MGNREGA in Assam typically ranged between 40 and 50 days per household.

Moreover, delays in wage payments were a recurring issue under MGNREGA, which impacted its effectiveness and the financial stability of rural workers in various districts. The Assam Cabinet, during its meeting on June 13, 2026, approved the new scheme specifically to address these perceived shortcomings and provide a more robust and efficient framework for rural employment.

The VB-G RAM G scheme aligns with the broader national vision of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), which emphasizes self-reliance and prosperity in rural areas. By integrating employment generation with the creation of essential community assets, the state government aims to foster sustainable development and improve the overall quality of life in rural Assam.

Key details

The ‘Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-G RAM G) Scheme’ guarantees 125 days of wage employment per household in rural Assam each year. This represents an increase of 25 days compared to the 100-day guarantee under the previous MGNREGA. The scheme officially commenced its statewide rollout from July 1, 2026.

The Assam Cabinet approved the scheme on June 13, 2026, after which the state government allocated an initial budget of Rs 2,000 crore for its implementation. The scheme prioritises the creation of durable community assets, including rural roads, water conservation structures, and public buildings, alongside providing wage employment.

Implementation of the VB-G RAM G scheme will be carried out through Gram Panchayats, with the State Rural Development Department establishing a robust monitoring mechanism. This mechanism aims to ensure transparency and accountability in both the creation of assets and the timely disbursement of wages to beneficiaries.

Reactions

“This scheme brings hope for many daily wage earners in our village. The promise of 125 days of work and timely wages will make a real difference to families struggling to make ends meet,” Ramesh Kalita, a Gaon Panchayat President from Lakhimpur district, said.

“Guaranteeing 125 days of employment, an increase from the 100 days under MGNREGA, could provide crucial additional income for rural families, especially during lean agricultural seasons. The focus on durable assets is a welcome strategic shift,” Dr. Rina Das, a rural development economist, commented.

What’s next

With the scheme now officially rolled out, the Assam government will focus on its effective implementation across all rural districts. The State Rural Development Department is expected to issue detailed guidelines to Gram Panchayats regarding project identification, beneficiary registration, and wage disbursement protocols. Regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will be put in place to ensure the scheme achieves its objectives of enhanced employment generation and robust asset creation.

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