VB-G Ram Ji: A New Guarantee to Lead Villages from Labour to Prosperity

Dhamtari, January 2026 : The soul of India resides in its villages, and only when villages are strong does the nation become empowered. With the objective of realising this core vision, the Central Government has implemented the Viksit Bharat–Gram Guarantee Act 2025 (VB-G Ram Ji). This scheme is not merely an employment programme for rural India, but a strong foundation for self-reliance, dignity, and sustainable development. Through VB-G Ram Ji, villages are now being provided with assured employment for 125 days, along with the creation of durable and productive assets. This initiative is proving to be a decisive step towards increasing rural household incomes, curbing migration, and strengthening the village economy in the long term.

With the effective implementation of VB-G Ram Ji, it is estimated that more than 40 lakh rural worker families in Chhattisgarh will receive employment every year. The scheme will serve as a strong pillar of livelihood security, especially in the state’s tribal, forest, and agriculture-dominated regions. The increased number of employment days will lead to a significant rise in rural incomes, reduce seasonal unemployment, curb migration to urban areas, and promote development based on local resources.

In Dhamtari district, an estimated 1.85 lakh to 2 lakh rural labourers are expected to benefit annually from employment under VB-G Ram Ji. Village panchayats in the district will select works such as water conservation, pond construction, rural roads, warehouses, irrigation structures, haat bazaars, and various types of sheds through the Gram Sabha. These works will result in the creation of permanent and useful assets in villages, strengthen agriculture and rural trade, generate local employment opportunities for women and youth, and ensure long-term economic security for rural families.

A key feature of VB-G Ram Ji is the mandatory integration of skill development along with employment. Workers will be trained in water management, construction, maintenance, storage, and technical activities, enabling them to become not only skilled labourers but also local entrepreneurs. Women will gain employment, leadership roles, and active participation in decision-making through self-help groups, while youth will receive training and work opportunities within their villages, reducing the compulsion to migrate.

Under this scheme, gram panchayats have been empowered as the central drivers of development. Provisions such as selection of works with Gram Sabha approval, implementation by panchayats, mandatory social audits, unemployment allowance in case of non-availability of work, and compensation for delayed wage payments ensure transparency and accountability.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the District Panchayat, VB-G Ram Ji is not just a scheme for rural India, but a clear and practical roadmap for self-reliance. Assured employment for 125 days, creation of durable assets, and skill development will establish villages not as a burden, but as an economic strength.

Overall, VB-G Ram Ji is a scheme that offers villages not temporary relief, but sustainable prosperity. Built on four strong pillars—employment, skills, assets, and dignity—this initiative is strengthening the foundation of a developed India from its villages.