Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet on Friday approved the “Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Scheme (VB-G RAM G),” a major initiative aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods and accelerating inclusive development across the state.
The scheme will be implemented in all Gram Panchayats in accordance with the provisions of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, and is scheduled to come into effect from 1 July 2026.
Under the programme, every eligible rural household will be guaranteed 125 days of wage employment per financial year. The initiative is designed to provide income security, particularly during periods of agricultural uncertainty and seasonal unemployment, while also generating durable rural assets.
The scheme focuses on the creation of long-term public infrastructure across four priority areas—water security, rural connectivity and basic facilities, livelihood-supporting infrastructure, and measures to address extreme weather impacts and disaster preparedness.
Officials said the dual focus on employment generation and asset creation is expected to strengthen the rural economy and enhance climate resilience in rural areas.
A key component of the programme is the preparation of Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans through participatory, technology-enabled processes to ensure that development works are locally relevant and need-based.
The government said the initiative aligns with the national vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047” and is expected to play a significant role in reducing rural poverty, improving livelihoods, and building resilient infrastructure across Odisha.
The scheme is set to become a key pillar of the state’s rural development strategy once rolled out in July 2026.
