The Punjab government has notified the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G] Scheme, Punjab 2026. This marks a significant policy reversal, as the State Assembly had earlier unanimously opposed the legislation.
According to a gazette notification issued by the department of rural development and panchayats, the scheme has been notified under the provisions of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025. The central government's new rural employment law will now come into force in the state from July 1.
What the VB-G RAM G Scheme Offers
The notification states that the scheme aims to align Punjab's rural development framework with the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. It provides an enhanced statutory wage employment guarantee of 125 days in every financial year to rural households.
According to ETV Bharat, the AAP government in Punjab has notified the rural employment scheme, which will come into force from July 1.
Why This is a Major Policy Reversal
The notification comes months after the Punjab State Assembly had unanimously opposed the legislation. This U-turn by the state government has drawn attention as it reverses its earlier stance on the central law.
As reported by The Economic Times, the Punjab government's surprising U-turn on the VB-G RAM G scheme has now been officially notified for rural employment.
Our Take: A Pragmatic Shift for Rural Workers
In our view, this is a practical decision by the Punjab government. While the earlier opposition was politically driven, the reality is that rural households in Punjab need employment guarantees. The 125-day work guarantee is a significant improvement over existing schemes. By notifying this scheme, the state government has put the interests of rural workers above political posturing. This is the right call, and it will benefit thousands of families who depend on wage employment for their livelihood.
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