Govt notifies 375 permissible works under VB–G RAM G

New Delhi: The Ministry of Rural Development has notified 375 permissible works under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB–G RAM G] Act, 2025, expanding the scope of rural works by 41% compared with the 266 works under the previous framework.

The new schedule reorganises the works into four broad categories — Water Security, Core Rural Infrastructure, Livelihood-related Infrastructure, and Special Works for Extreme Weather Events and Disaster Preparedness.

Water Security accounts for the largest share with 128 works, including check dams, recharge structures, river and rivulet rejuvenation, waterlogged-land reclamation, drip irrigation and rooftop rainwater harvesting.

The Core Rural Infrastructure category has 111 works, covering solar street lighting, waste-to-wealth plants, greywater treatment units, rural libraries, health and veterinary centres, Common Service Centres and community facilities.

Another 98 works focus on livelihood-related infrastructure, including agro-processing, grading and packaging units, cold storage, dairy infrastructure, mushroom and sericulture sheds, poly-houses and aquaculture facilities. The category accounts for 26% of the total works, compared with 1.1% under the previous framework.

For the first time, 38 works have been dedicated to disaster preparedness and climate resilience. These include flood shelters, retaining walls, embankment strengthening, post-disaster restoration and forest-fire management measures.

The framework also prioritises farmers, vulnerable households, women and rural youth. It includes 181 agriculture and allied works, 107 works for Antyodaya and vulnerable households, and 36 works each linked to Nari Shakti and Yuva Shakti.

Under the new framework, works will be identified through Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans and approved by the Gram Sabha. Digital tracking through the Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack is intended to support coordination and avoid duplication.

The ministry said the framework aims to link wage employment with durable rural assets, livelihood generation, water security, climate resilience and inclusive rural development.