Jaipur, June 15 (IANS) In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering the poor and strengthening rural livelihoods, the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Rural) will be implemented from July 1. The new scheme, introduced in place of MGNREGA, aims to make the rural economy more self-reliant, inclusive and sustainable.

The mission is expected to significantly strengthen employment opportunities and livelihood security for rural families in Rajasthan and across India.

For the financial year 2026-27, the Central government has earmarked Rs 95,692 crore for the scheme, the highest-ever allocation for a rural employment programme. Including the states’ contribution, the total outlay is expected to exceed Rs 1.51 lakh crore.

Rajasthan has been granted an interim allocation of more than Rs 7,581 crore by the Centre. In addition, the state government will contribute Rs 4,000 crore, which may be enhanced depending on demand and requirements.

As a result, more than Rs 11,581 crore will be available for implementation of the scheme in Rajasthan, making it the largest-ever allocation for a rural employment guarantee programme in the state.

The Act seeks to ensure better quality assets, convergence of resources from various government schemes and prevention of duplication of work. It also provides statutory employment security to rural workers. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, the state government will ensure effective implementation of the scheme so that every eligible rural family in Rajasthan benefits from its provisions.

Under the new Act, every eligible rural household whose adult members are willing to undertake unskilled manual work will have a statutory right to 125 days of guaranteed employment in a financial year, up from the existing 100 days. The scheme also introduces weekly wage payments, replacing the earlier provision of payment within 15 days. Wages will be transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank or post office accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring greater transparency and timely payments.

The Act further provides for payment of an unemployment allowance if work is not provided within the prescribed period, along with compensation for delays in wage disbursement.

Existing MGNREGA job cards for beneficiaries who have completed the e-KYC process will remain valid until new Rural Employment Guarantee Cards are issued under the provisions of the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025. The initiative is expected to strengthen rural incomes, enhance livelihood security and accelerate inclusive development across Rajasthan’s villages.

–IANS

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