Manipur joins Nationwide launch of VB-G RAM-G to boost rural employment
Source: The Sangai Express / DIOs

Bpr/Kak/Cdl/Kam/Kpi/Spt/Tpl/Tbl/Pzwl/Ccpur/Tml, July 02 2026: Manipur on Thursday joined the nationwide launch of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM-G] Act, 2025, with district-level Jan Sammelans and launch programmes organised across the State to mark the rollout of the revamped rural employment scheme.

The nationwide launch was led virtually from Mukkavaripalli village in Obulavaripalle Mandal of Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, by Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, the new mission enhances the statutory employment guarantee from 100 to 125 days of wage employment annually for every eligible rural household.

The scheme also focuses on water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure and climate resilience while integrating technology such as biometric authentication, geotagging of assets, digital monitoring and timely wage payments to improve transparency and accountability.

District administrations across Bishnupur, Kakching, Chandel, Kamjong, Kangpokpi, Senapati, Tengnoupal, Thoubal, Pherzawl, Churachandpur and Tamenglong organised launch events attended by senior civil and administrative officials, village authorities, Panchayati Raj representatives, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), job card holders and other stakeholders, who also participated in the national launch through live webcast.

At Bishnupur, Deputy Commissioner Pooja Elangbam described the mission as a major initiative aimed at accelerating rural development and strengthening employment opportunities in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.She highlighted the expanded employment guarantee and the enhanced use of technology to ensure efficient implementation.

Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad and Additional District Magistrate Toijam Opendro informed that revised wage rates under the new Act have been notified for all States and Union Territories.

In Kakching, the district administration organised a Jan Sammelan attended by Deputy Commissioner Angeline Renita R along with senior officials.

Job card holders, SHG members and other stakeholders participated in large numbers, while Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials on the scheme were distributed.

Addressing the gathering at Chandel, Deputy Commissioner Hemant Kumar, said the revised scheme guarantees 125 days of employment annually and urged village authorities to familiarise themselves with the new guidelines and disseminate information among villagers.

He emphasised that developmental works should be prioritised based on local needs.

Work orders were distributed to village chiefs from Chandel and Chakpikarong blocks during the programme.

At Kamjong, Additional Deputy Commissioner HL Jain said the mission seeks to strengthen rural livelihoods and prevent distress migration by creating employment opportunities within villages.

He noted that at least 30 per cent of job card holders under the scheme would be women and encouraged residents to avail its benefits.

In Kangpokpi, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, who attended virtually as chief guest, said the programme has been designed to address the unique developmental challenges of rural Manipur, including difficult terrain, scattered settlements and limited connectivity.

She stressed the need for coordinated efforts by government departments, Panchayati Raj institutions and local communities to ensure successful implementation.

Launching the programme at Senapati, Additional District Magistrate and Project Director, DRDA, PP Ronald said the mission builds upon the achievements of MGNREGA while introducing significant reforms to strengthen livelihood security and sustainable rural development.

He noted that the scheme includes a 60-day break during the peak agricultural season to support farming activities and administered the implementation pledge to participants.

At Tengnoupal, Additional Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Asghar Arzad emphasised that planning and execution of works would be undertaken through village authorities and urged them to prioritise development projects that would contribute to building a prosperous district.

Work orders under the new Act were handed over to beneficiaries from Tengnoupal and H Wajang villages.

Speaking at the launch in Thoubal, Additional District Magistrate Aribam Amarjit Sharma said the mission aims not only to provide employment but also to create durable community assets that would benefit future generations while contributing towards the goal of a developed India by 2047 .

Deputy Commissioner and District Programme Coordinator Anunay Anand at Pherzawl said the revised legislation represents a significant step towards strengthening rural livelihoods through enhanced financial support.

He announced that daily wages have been increased from Rs 284 to Rs 300, while the programme would be implemented in convergence with major developmen: initiatives such as PM Gar.

Shakti and the Jal Jeevan Mission to promote integratec rural development.

At Churachandpur, Deputy Commissioner Krishna Kumar described the launch as a historic milestone and said the mission prioritises works related to water conservation, rural infrastructure, livelihood creation and mitigation of extreme weather impacts.

Tamenglong also formally launched the Act at the district headquarters, where Deputy Commissioner and District Programme Coordinator Dr L Angshim Dangshawa highlighted the increase in guaranteed employment days and revised wage rates.

He said the programme continues to serve as a crucial source of livelihood for rural households.

Following the launch, he inaugurated the construction of a pucca side drain at Apollo as the first local project under the new scheme.

Across the State, officials called upon village authorities.

Gram Sabhas, Panchayati Raj institutions, government departments and community members to work in close coordination for effective implementation of the mission.

They expressed confidence that the expanded employment guarantee, higher wages, improved transparency and greater focus on sustainable asset creation would significantly strengthen rural livelihoods and contribute to the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 .

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