MP govt introduces VB-G RAM G scheme for rural workers:125 days of employment guaranteed; delayed wages also attract compensation

The VB-G RAM G (Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)) Scheme has been implemented in MP from July 1. Its objective is to guarantee employment to rural families and carry out permanent development work in villages. Several new provisions have been included in the scheme. It will be mandatory to provide employment within 15 days of applying for the scheme. If this does not happen, the eligible person will receive unemployment allowance. If wages are not paid within 15 days, compensation will be given at the rate of 0.05% per day for each day of delay from the 16th day. The proposed rules of the scheme were to be presented in the cabinet, but the cabinet meeting did not take place on Tuesday and Wednesday. Therefore, the rules were published in the gazette. The MP government is also preparing to implement it in large projects like water conservation and dams. The scheme will be implemented in a 60:40 ratio, meaning the centre will provide 60 per cent of the funds and the state government will have to bear 40 per cent of the financial burden. Know how to get the benefits of the scheme in 10 points 1. How many days of employment will be provided? Under the scheme, every eligible family in rural areas will get at least 125 days of unskilled employment in a financial year. This is more than the existing 100 days under MGNREGA. Adult members of the family will be able to work voluntarily. 2. What if no work is provided within 15 days? If employment is not provided within 15 days of application, the applicant will be entitled to a daily unemployment allowance. For the first 30 days, 25 percent of the wage rate will be paid as allowance, and thereafter 50 per cent. 3. When and how will wages be paid? The wages of the laborers will be paid on a weekly basis. In any situation, payment must be made within 15 days from the date of work. 4. What if there is a delay in wages? If wages are not received even after 15 days of the muster roll closing, then from the 16th day until payment is made, compensation will be given at the rate of 0.05% per day on the outstanding wages. This aims to ensure timely payment. 5. What will be the application process? Applications for employment can be made verbally, in writing, or digitally. Applications can be made at the Gram Panchayat, Ward Member, Program Officer, or authorised portal. An application receipt will also be mandatorily provided. 6. Who can apply? Only rural families that are registered and whose adult members’ names are recorded in the employment guarantee card will be able to demand work under the scheme. Any adult member of the family can apply. 7. What kind of work will be done in villages? Under the scheme, development works related to water conservation, rural roads, irrigation, livelihood enhancement, basic rural infrastructure, and climate change mitigation will be carried out. Their objective is to create permanent assets for the villages. 8. How and who will monitor? The scheme will utilise GPS, mobile-based attendance, real-time dashboards, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is claimed to prevent fraud, monitor payments, and enhance transparency. 9. Priority to weak and disadvantaged sections The state government will identify disadvantaged and needy families and provide them with employment on a priority basis. The objective is to strengthen the livelihood security of such families. 10. Not just employment, focus also on village development The scheme’s goal is not just to provide wages, but to achieve the holistic development of villages under the ‘Vikasit Gram Panchayat Yojana’ (Developed Village Panchayat Scheme). Arrangements have been made to ensure long-term rural development by linking panchayat-level schemes with district, state, and national-level development plans.