Why in News?
The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G] Act, 2025 came into force across India on 1 July 2026, replacing and expanding the rural employment guarantee framework.
What is VB-G RAM G?
- A statutory rural employment guarantee programme aimed at strengthening livelihoods and creating durable rural assets.
- Guarantees 125 days of wage employment annually to eligible rural households, replacing the earlier 100-day guarantee.
- Focuses on Rural livelihood security, Natural resource conservation, Agricultural productivity, Women-led development, and Creation of durable community assets
Key Features
- Statutory guarantee: 125 days of wage employment.
- Minimum daily wage: No notified wage below ₹300.
- National average wage: Increased from ₹298.8 to ₹327.4 per day (over 10% increase).
- Wage hikes of 15 to 25% in States such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.
- Interim allocation: ₹95,692.31 crore released to States/UTs for implementation.
Objectives
- Enhance rural employment security.
- Promote sustainable livelihood opportunities.
- Strengthen climate-resilient and productive rural assets.
- Improve agricultural productivity through resource conservation.
- Increase women’s participation and economic empowerment.
- Ensure transparent, technology-driven implementation.
Implementation Measures
- Launch of the VB-G RAM G software platform.
- Distribution of Rural Employment Guarantee Cards.
- Digital monitoring and timely wage payments.
- Focus on outcome-based asset creation.
[2021] With reference to casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements:
1. All casual workers are entitled for Employees Provident Fund Coverage.
2. All casual workers are entitled for regular working hours and overtime payment.
3. The government can by a notification specify that an establishment or industry shall pay wages only through its bank account.
Which of the above statement are correct?
[A] 1 and 2 only
[B] 2 and 3 only
[C] 1 and 3 only
[D] 1, 2 and 3