‘Viksit Bharat G-Ram-Ji’ to transform villages across nation and state : CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that the holistic welfare of villages, the poor and farmers is the State Government’s top priority, and making them prosperous and empowered is its core objective. For this purpose, 2026 is being observed as the ‘Farmer Welfare Year’. During this year, special efforts will be made to promote agriculture-based industries. He said the government will take all necessary steps for farmers’ welfare in coordination with all departments, voluntary organisations, institutions and individuals engaged in the agriculture sector. The Chief Minister stated that more than 15 major departments of the State Government will play an active role in observing the Farmer Welfare Year. Under the leadership of the Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development Department, departments including Horticulture and Food Processing, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Fisheries, Water Resources, Cooperation, Energy, Revenue, Forest, Cottage and Village Industries, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Food and Civil Supplies, Panchayat and Rural Development, New and Renewable Energy, Narmada Valley Development Authority, Industrial Policy and Investment Promotion—along with the Mandi Board, Seed Corporation, Agricultural Engineering, MP Agro, Milk Federation, Markfed, MP Warehousing and Logistics Corporation, and the Rural Livelihoods Development Mission—will jointly undertake effective, employment-oriented development activities for farmers’ welfare.

What is Viksit Bharat G-RAM-JI?

The Chief Minister stated that the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural)—VB G-RAM-JI Act, 2025—has been implemented by the Central Government to ensure all-round development of villages, the poor and farmers, and to provide employment at the village level to those in need. To ensure ‘work for every hand’, the Act now provides a legal guarantee of 125 days of employment per rural household, compared to the earlier 100 days under the MGNREGA Act.

He said the VB G-RAM-JI scheme will transform villages across the country and will be highly beneficial for the poor, agricultural labourers and farmers alike, while also strengthening rural development.

Assured availability of agricultural labour during peak seasons

The Chief Minister noted that earlier, farmers often struggled to find labour for agricultural activities. Under the VB G-RAM-JI scheme, adequate availability of agricultural labour during peak seasons—especially sowing and harvesting—has been ensured. The Act allows states to notify up to 60 days in a financial year so that peak sowing and harvesting periods are included within the employment window. During this notified period, no other works under the Act will be undertaken.

Mission-mode implementation with a clear action plan

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said a comprehensive action plan is being prepared to ensure the swift implementation of the Act. Cow rearing (Gopalan) will be promoted, along with several other reforms within the framework of the Act. He added that arrangements will be made to set up stalls and markets in every district to make farmers’ natural products directly available to the public. The government is actively promoting natural farming and providing necessary subsidies to farmers as required.

He further informed that while 6 per cent administrative manpower was earlier deployed for implementing MGNREGA, this has been increased to 9 per cent under the Viksit Bharat G-RAM-JI scheme. This will enhance accountability and ensure that all activities are carried out with complete transparency. The Central Government will also provide fixed financial allocations to each state based on prescribed norms for implementing the Act.

The Act places strong emphasis on developing sustainable sources of rural livelihoods, which will promote indigenous knowledge, skills, entrepreneurship and traditional artistic talents among rural communities.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said the Act also includes provisions for unemployment allowance and compensation for delayed wages. If a rural household is not provided work within the stipulated timeframe despite demand, the State Government will be obliged to pay unemployment allowance as per prescribed rates and conditions. Similarly, if wages are not paid even after completion of work, the worker will be entitled to additional compensation as a delayed wage payment.

Clear responsibility of Panchayati Raj Institutions

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that for beneficiary-oriented employment works, priority will be given to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, denotified tribes, nomadic communities, economically weaker sections, women-headed households, households headed by persons with disabilities, beneficiaries of land reforms, beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) and the Forest Rights Act, as well as small and marginal farmers.

The Act assigns clear responsibilities to Panchayati Raj Institutions—Gram Sabha, Gram Panchayat, Janpad Panchayat, Zila Panchayat, and the State Employment Guarantee Council. It mandates geo-tagging of works, digital recording and information management systems, and digital and biometric payment systems to ensure prompt wage payments. Social audits by Gram Sabhas will further ensure transparency.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav stated that the Act also provides for a time-bound grievance redressal mechanism at various levels of Panchayati Raj Institutions, along with certain penal provisions. For transparent monitoring and resolution of complaints, a digital Grievance Management Information System will be established.