Punjab Implements VB-G RAM G Scheme

The Punjab government notified the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Scheme, Punjab 2026, on 26 June 2026. The scheme applies to all notified rural areas in the state from 1 July 2026 and replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act framework for rural employment in Punjab.

Scheme Framework

The VB-G RAM G Scheme, Punjab, provides an annual employment guarantee of 125 days for rural households that volunteer for unskilled manual work. The earlier rural employment guarantee under MGNREGA provided 100 days of wage employment in a financial year.

Legal and Administrative Basis

The scheme is notified under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, which was passed by Parliament on 18-19 December 2025. The Punjab notification was signed by Ajit Bala Ji Joshi, Administrative Secretary, Department of Rural Development and Panchayats.

Funding Pattern and Policy Context

The scheme follows a 60:40 funding ratio between the Central Government and the State Government. The Punjab Vidhan Sabha had unanimously opposed the Centre’s legislation in December 2025 before the state issued the notification in June 2026.

Objectives and Rural Development Linkages

The scheme is linked with the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Its stated focus areas include employment generation, growth, convergence, and saturation in rural development programmes.

Important Facts for Exams

• MGNREGA is the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, which provides a legal guarantee of wage employment in rural areas.
• The 60:40 Centre-state funding pattern is used in several Indian social sector schemes.
• Punjab became one of the states to notify a rural employment scheme under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025.
• Viksit Bharat@2047 is a national vision linked to India’s centenary of independence in 2047.