The newly introduced rural employment guarantee scheme, the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Grameen) Act – or VB-G RAM G Act- was rolled out across Odisha on Thursday, according to state officials.
Replacing the long-standing MGNREGA program, the fresh initiative was launched at various district headquarters in the presence of local MPs, MLAs, district collectors, gram panchayat officials, and self-help group (SHG) representatives.
In a post from his X account, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, said, “The VB-G RAM G programme was launched across all districts of Odisha, marking a significant step towards accelerating inclusive rural development and strengthening last-mile governance.”
The department emphasized that the redesigned initiative centres on efficient service delivery, direct beneficiary outreach, and strong community participation to ensure that crucial government welfare benefits seamlessly reach every eligible rural household.
In Malkangiri district, the official rollout took place under the leadership of District Collector Prathames Arvind Rajashirke, alongside Zilla Parishad Chairman Samari Tangulu and several other officials.
“This scheme is the foundation for the social and economic empowerment of every rural family of Malkangiri,” the collector said.
The statewide launch follows a June 29 directive from the Panchayati Raj Department, which instructed all district collectors to actively involve key grassroots stakeholders in the formal implementation of the rural employment program.
The participants were on Thursday exposed to exhibitions and the display of proposed works under the scheme and the newly drafted Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan (VGPP). Posters, banners and information panels explaining the key features and benefits of the scheme were also explained to the participants, an official said.
“While the national average wage has been revised to Rs 327.4 per day, the rate is Rs 352 in Odisha,” a senior official stated, adding that the state cabinet had already sanctioned a budget of Rs 5,575 crore to bankroll the programme.
Under a provision of the newly enacted VB-G RAM G Act, the state government holds the authority to implement up to a combined 60-day “no work” pause to avoid labour shortages during sowing and harvesting season. However, the beneficiaries are guaranteed work for the remaining 125 days in the rest of the year.
