VB-GRAM G (Government Schemes & Initiatives)
VB-GRAM G (Government Schemes & Initiatives)Why In News:From 1 July 2026, India's two-decade-old MGNREGA has been replaced by the Viksit Bharat, Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), popularly called VB-GRAM G, enacted through a 2025 Act. Source: The Hindu, Page 12, 16 July 2026, 'Marginal dip in number of rural job scheme workers'.MGNREGA: The Scheme Being ReplacedThe Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 guaranteed 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households willing to do unskilled manual work.It was a demand-driven, statutory right to work, with the Centre bearing 100% of the wage bill.What Changes Under VB-GRAM GThe guaranteed employment period has been increased from 100 to 125 days per household per year.The funding pattern shifts to a 60:40 Centre-State split for general states (Northeastern and Himalayan states get 90:10, and Union Territories without a legislature remain 100% Centre-funded).The scheme focuses on four priority sectors: Water Security, Core Rural Infrastructure, Livelihood Enhancement, and Climate and Disaster Resilience.Vulnerable groups, including single women, persons with disabilities, PVTGs (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups), released bonded labourers and transgender persons, get dedicated Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards, with at least one-third of beneficiaries mandated to be women.Employment must be provided within 15 days from the date of application.