Experts highlight benefits of VB-G RAM-G Act for rural households in Assam

Experts and policymakers on January 19, outlined the key features and benefits of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM-G) Act, 2025, emphasising its role in strengthening livelihood security and income support for rural households in Assam.

The discussions took place at a regional media conference titled ‘Vartalap’, organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Guwahati, in collaboration with the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), North Eastern Regional Centre.

Addressing the conference as the chief guest, Additional Chief Secretary of Assam’s Panchayat and Rural Development Department, Dr B Kalyan Chakravarthy, said increasing the number of guaranteed employment days under the Act was crucial to ensuring sustainable income support for rural families. He highlighted digital wage payments as a major feature of the Act, stating that it ensures transparency, timely disbursal of wages and elimination of payment delays.

Dr Chakravarthy also lauded PIB Guwahati for organising the media workshop, noting that such platforms help enhance awareness and understanding of rural development schemes among media professionals.

Explaining the salient features of the Act, NIRDPR Director Dr R Murugesan said the VB-G RAM-G Act provides a legal guarantee of a minimum of 125 days of wage employment per rural household per financial year. He said the legislation plays a vital role in enhancing livelihood security, reducing rural distress and promoting inclusive growth.

Dr Murugesan further said the Act incorporates advanced digital monitoring mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability in implementation, thereby minimising irregularities and strengthening public trust in the system.

Additional Director General, North East Zone, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Kripa Shankar Yadav said the conference was organised to deliberate on recent changes and reforms related to MGNREGA and allied initiatives. He added that the Government of India is committed to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and urged media professionals to actively disseminate accurate and timely information on the VB-G RAM-G Act to ensure wider public awareness.