Revamped Rural Employment Scheme: A New Era Under Modi Government

The Modi administration has significantly increased funding for rural employment, transitioning from MGNREGA to the VB-G RAMG scheme, with a focus on evolving needs and a vision for a developed India by 2047.

The Modi government has dramatically boosted the budget for rural employment initiatives, enhancing the previous MGNREGA allocation almost fourfold under the new VB-G RAMG scheme. This emerged during a discussion in the Rajya Sabha, wherein BJP member Bhim Singh emphasized the significant support provided by the current administration.

The revised scheme, named Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), responds to evolving requirements and technological advancements. Bhim Singh highlighted that the allocation under the Modi government had reached Rs 8.53 lakh crore over the past 11 years, far surpassing the Rs 2.13 lakh crore released during the UPA's tenure.

Despite criticisms of abandoning MGNREGA, Singh asserted that the Modi government expanded the scheme's budget to Rs 86,000 crore in 2025-26. In contrast, the UPA regime never exceeded Rs 33,000 crore in a fiscal year. The new G-RAMG initiative aims to align rural development with the national vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'.

(With inputs from agencies.)