Raipur (05 January 2026): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday detailed the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, or VB-G Ram G Act, terming it a superior, welfare-oriented initiative by the Centre. Speaking at a press conference, the CM noted that the new Act replaces the previous rural employment guarantee scheme to better serve the interests of the poor, farmers, and labourers.
The new legislation increases guaranteed work days to 125 per household annually, up from the previous 100 days. A critical feature of the Act is the mandate to ensure wage payments within one week. Labourers will now be entitled to interest if payments are delayed, addressing a long-standing grievance of the rural workforce.
To support the agricultural sector, the Act allows the government to pause works for up to 60 days during peak harvesting seasons. This move is designed to ease the burden on farmers and prevent the migration of rural labour to urban centres. It also aims to curb the illegal use of machinery in place of manual labour.
Under the ‘Krishi Gati Shakti’ component, the Act streamlines rural works into four strategic priorities: water security, rural infrastructure, livelihood assets, and disaster mitigation. This replaces the previous scattered list of permissible works with a focus on creating durable assets like vermicompost units, aquaculture ponds, and cattle sheds.
The CM emphasised that the Gram Sabha will now hold the power to decide the priority of projects. Furthermore, administrative expenses have been raised from 6 per cent to 9 per cent to improve efficiency. The scheme also specifically integrates Female Self-Help Groups to promote self-reliance in the village economy.
Addressing opposition protests regarding the removal of Mahatma Gandhi’s name from the scheme, Sai alleged that the Congress was protesting “only for the name.” He claimed the opposition had long abandoned Gandhi’s ideals, whereas the new Act ensures transparency.
The Chief Minister cited a report from the Union Ministry of Rural Development which recorded over 10.51 lakh complaints of irregularities under the previous system. He concluded that while the financial burden may increase slightly, the VB-G Ram G Act significantly boosts accountability and strengthens the rural sector.