CHANDIGARH, 08.01.26-Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission–Rural) Bill 2025 has been passed by Parliament, marking a revolutionary and visionary step towards the goal of a Developed India. This Bill replaces MGNREGA, accelerates rural development, strengthens the rural economy, and puts an effective check on corruption. Under this Act, the guaranteed employment days have been increased from 100 to 125 days, providing stronger support for income generation, livelihood security, and asset creation for rural families.

In this context, the Bharatiya Janata Party Chandigarh Pradesh organized a press conference today at the State Office Kamalam, Sector 33, regarding the VB-G RAM G public awareness campaign. The press conference was attended by State President Jitendra Pal Malhotra, State General Secretary Ramveer Bhatti, Sanjeev Rana, and the programme convener State Vice President Naresh Panchal, along with co-conveners Manish Sharma, Amandeep Singh, and Sanjay Puri.

It was stated that Congress and other opposition parties are attempting to mislead the public by spreading confusion about this historic legislation in rural areas. At such a time, it is essential to convey the true intent and objectives of this Act, which aims to improve the lives of labourers, farmers, and rural families. Earlier, employment was limited to 100 days under MGNREGA, but under this new Act, a guarantee of 125 days of employment has been ensured.

If employment is not provided within the stipulated time, the provision of unemployment allowance has been further strengthened. In case of delay in wage payments, there is also a provision for additional compensation, ensuring full protection of workers’ rights.
The opposition is falsely claiming that development works will be imposed by the Centre, whereas the reality is that Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas will themselves prepare development plans for their villages and decide which works are to be undertaken. Registration of families, issuance of job cards, receiving work applications, and preparation of plans will all be the responsibility of the Gram Panchayats.

Under this Act, at least 50 percent of the works will be executed directly by Gram Panchayats, ensuring local employment and development based on village-specific needs. Gram Sabhas and Gram Panchayats will jointly prepare comprehensive village development plans, focusing on water conservation, infrastructure development, livelihood-based works, and disaster management.

The scheme includes construction of ponds, check dams, stop dams, schools and anganwadis, followed by roads, drains, sheds, or other essential structures, livelihood-generating works for poor families and women of self-help groups, and employment opportunities for returning migrant workers. The objective is to ensure water security, strengthen basic infrastructure, increase employment and income, and protect villages from natural disasters.
Special provisions have been made for women associated with self-help groups, enabling them to secure livelihoods within their villages through various central schemes and financial assistance, promoting self-reliance.
Keeping agricultural needs in mind, the 125-day employment guarantee will continue. During sowing and harvesting seasons, when agricultural labour demand is high, state governments have been empowered to suspend scheme works for up to 60 days in a year, ensuring agriculture is not affected and the rural economy remains balanced.
The role of Gram Rozgar Sahayaks, Management Assistants, and Technical Assistants has been strengthened. Administrative expenditure for their training, honorarium, and monitoring has been increased from 6 percent to 9 percent, improving work quality and ensuring timely payments.

Social audit of all works is mandatory, allowing villagers to monitor the execution of works themselves, enhancing transparency and minimizing irregularities. Modern technologies such as biometric attendance, GIS-based verification, mobile apps, dashboards, and weekly public disclosures will further curb fraud.

Jitendra Pal Malhotra said that this Act is a strong medium to realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Developed Villages and Gram Swaraj. The Bharatiya Janata Party Chandigarh Pradesh will organize workshops at district, mandal, and booth levels under the VB-G RAM G public awareness campaign to educate citizens about the Viksit Bharat Employment and Livelihood Mission.