Enhanced rural employment mission to provide 125 days of work, higher wages, and a major push for water conservation and livelihood generation
Published on: July 01, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
The Government of India will launch the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Employment & Livelihood Mission Rural (VB-G-RAM-G) on July 2, 2026, marking a major initiative aimed at making rural India self-reliant, prosperous, and economically resilient. The scheme is an expanded and upgraded version of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), with a broader focus on employment, sustainable livelihoods, and durable rural infrastructure.
Under the new mission, eligible rural families will receive 125 days of guaranteed employment, up from the earlier 100 days. The government said the additional workdays are expected to strengthen annual household incomes and provide greater economic security to rural labourers, farmers, and youth.
Key change
125 days of guaranteed work
Up from 100 days under the previous framework.
Wage increase
₹300 per day in Chhattisgarh
The daily wage rate has been increased from ₹261 to ₹300 per worker.
Massive budgetary outlay
For 2026–27, the Centre has earmarked ₹95,692 crore for the mission, while the combined Centre-State expenditure is projected to exceed ₹1.51 lakh crore.
Central allocation (2026–27)
₹95,692 crore
Estimated total outlay with states
₹1.51 lakh crore+
Chhattisgarh allocation
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total approved budget | ₹3,810.29 crore |
| Central share | ₹2,286.18 crore |
| State share | ₹1,524.11 crore |
| Wages | ₹1,900 crore |
| Materials | ₹1,593.28 crore |
| Administrative expenses | ₹297.01 crore |
| Social audit | ₹20 crore |
Rajnandgaon target: 43 lakh person-days
Rajnandgaon district has been assigned a target of approximately 43 lakh person-days of employment. Officials said the programme will generate large-scale rural employment while creating durable community assets.
Priority works in Rajnandgaon
Water conservation
Irrigation expansion
Afforestation
Rural roads
Planned works include pond construction, farm ponds (dabri), irrigation infrastructure, plantation drives, rural roads, and other community assets designed to support long-term development.
Beyond employment
Officials emphasised that the mission is not merely an employment programme. Its broader objectives include:
- Strengthening the rural economy
- Conserving natural resources
- Improving agricultural productivity
- Building durable rural infrastructure
- Reducing distress migration from villages
Water conservation projects are expected to play a particularly important role in addressing future water stress and improving irrigation access for farmers.
For Chhattisgarh, where agriculture remains a primary source of livelihood, the scheme is expected to support employment generation, higher farm incomes, reduced migration, and the creation of lasting rural assets.
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