The Assam government has increased the daily wage for job-card holders under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G) scheme from Rs 256 to Rs 300, effective July 1, 2026. Concurrently, the guaranteed employment period for these cardholders has been extended from 100 to 125 days annually.

This significant revision aims to bolster rural livelihoods and enhance economic security for a substantial portion of Assam’s rural workforce. The move aligns with the Union government’s broader vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ by strengthening the rural economy through improved income and employment opportunities.

What was announced

The enhancement in daily wages and guaranteed workdays was announced by Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Atul Bora in the Assam Legislative Assembly on July 16, 2026. Minister Bora confirmed that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) concluded nationwide on June 30, 2026, including in Assam.

The new Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G) scheme, introduced by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, commenced its implementation across the country, including Assam, from July 1, 2026.

Why it matters

The increase in daily wages by Rs 44, from Rs 256 to Rs 300, directly benefits thousands of rural families holding job cards under the scheme. This adjustment is expected to boost the purchasing power of rural households, contributing to the overall economic upliftment of the state’s agrarian economy.

Furthermore, the extension of guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days provides greater income stability and reduces the vulnerability of rural workers to seasonal unemployment and distress migration. Officials believe this enhanced guarantee will strengthen rural livelihoods and improve economic security, particularly in remote and economically vulnerable areas.

Background

The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, officially replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) across India from July 1, 2026. The new legislation was passed by the Parliament of India in December 2025, aiming to establish a revised statutory framework for rural employment and livelihood security.

Under the previous MGNREGA framework, Assam’s daily wage rate for job cardholders was Rs 256. The MGNREGA scheme itself was introduced in Assam in phases, starting with seven districts in 2006-07 and eventually covering all districts by 2008-09. It aimed to provide 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to rural households.

Studies on MGNREGA’s impact in Assam indicated its role in increasing household income, improving consumption levels, reducing indebtedness, and enhancing literacy among rural populations. However, challenges related to implementation strategy, worksite facilities, and ensuring 100 days of work for all job cardholders were also noted.

The transition to VB-G RAM G is part of a national effort to align rural employment with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, focusing on sustainable development, productivity, and technology-driven governance.

Key details

Under the new VB-G RAM G scheme, the daily wage for job cardholders in Assam is now Rs 300. This represents an increase of Rs 44 from the previous rate of Rs 256. The guaranteed period of employment has been extended from 100 days to 125 days in a financial year for eligible rural households.

The revised wage rates came into effect nationwide from July 1, 2026. The Central government has set a national minimum wage floor of Rs 300 per day under the VB-G RAM G Act, ensuring no worker receives less than this amount. The national average daily wage under VB-G RAM G has increased to Rs 327.4, up from Rs 298.8 under MGNREGA, reflecting an average increase of over 10 per cent.

Assam, being a northeastern state, will benefit from a special 90:10 funding pattern, where the Centre will bear 90 per cent of the programme cost, and the state government will contribute the remaining 10 per cent. The scheme also incorporates advanced features such as biometric attendance, GPS-based worksite monitoring, artificial intelligence-enabled dashboards, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for wage payments to enhance transparency and accountability.

Reactions

“Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, our Government is committed to ensuring that the benefits of development reach every poor family. The commencement of the VB-G RAM G Act is a historic step towards building a Viksit Bharat through prosperous villages,” Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, said. “Along with expanding the employment guarantee to 125 days, we have ensured better wages for rural workers.”

Assam Cabinet Minister Ashwini Roy Sarkar, speaking at the launch of the mission in Dhubri, said the initiative reflects the government’s focus on creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and boosting the rural economy.

What’s next

The VB-G RAM G scheme is now operational, with the new wage rates and extended employment period effective from July 1, 2026. The Ministry of Rural Development has emphasized seamless and effective implementation, with an interim allocation of Rs 95,692.31 crore released to states and Union Territories for uninterrupted employment generation and timely wage payments.

The scheme mandates wage payments within 15 days, with provisions for unemployment allowance if work is not provided within this timeframe. The focus will be on creating durable community assets, strengthening water security, climate resilience, and rural infrastructure, all integrated with technology-driven governance.

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