Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan began a two-day review of major rural development programmes in Chhattisgarh on May 13, 2026. The review focused on strengthening last-mile delivery, improving rural livelihoods, and assessing the transition from MGNREGA to the newly proposed VB-G RAM G Act, 2025.
Major Highlights
- Kamlesh Paswan initiated a detailed assessment of flagship rural development schemes being implemented across Chhattisgarh, particularly in tribal and Left Wing Extremism-affected regions.
- The review mainly centered on the implementation framework of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), also known as the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025.
- The new legislation is scheduled to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act from July 1, 2026.
- Under the proposed VB-G RAM G framework, the guaranteed rural wage employment period for eligible households will increase from 100 days to 125 days annually.
- The Minister also reviewed the progress of the PM-JANMAN initiative, which aims to address infrastructure and livelihood gaps among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Left Wing Extremism-affected districts.
- Under PM-JANMAN Batch-II, approximately 100 bridges and nearly 2,449 kilometres of roads have been sanctioned for Chhattisgarh to improve connectivity in remote tribal settlements.
- The review included an assessment of the Lakhapati Didi initiative under the DAY-NRLM, which seeks to help women associated with self-help groups earn a sustainable annual income of at least ₹1 lakh.
- Progress under the Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) was also evaluated to improve infrastructure integration in Maoist-affected regions.
- Discussions focused on increasing transparency and accountability through measures such as the introduction of Janata Boards at worksites and mandatory e-KYC verification for new rural employment cards.
- Officials also proposed a seasonal 60-day pause period under the VB-G RAM G scheme to ensure sufficient agricultural labour availability during peak sowing and harvesting seasons.
Important Terms
- VB-G RAM G Act, 2025: Proposed rural employment and livelihood legislation aimed at replacing MGNREGA with expanded employment guarantees and livelihood-focused reforms.
- PM-JANMAN: Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan, a government initiative focused on infrastructure, welfare, and livelihood development for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
- RCPLWEA: Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas, a programme aimed at improving road infrastructure and accessibility in Maoist-affected regions of India.
