Parliament Question: Role of VB-G RAM-G in Poverty Alleviation in Bihar

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 236 ANSWERED ON 04/08/2026 ROLE OF VB-G RAM-G IN POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN BIHAR *236. Shri Giridhari Yadav: Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware that Bihar is one of the poorest States in the country with rural poverty rates significantly higher than the national average, if so, the details thereof; (b) whether Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rojgar and Aajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM-G) plays a crucial role in poverty alleviation in the State, if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the current percentage share of the State Government under VB-G RAM-G has increased the financial burden on poor States like Bihar, if so, the details thereof; (d) whether the Government proposes to restore the State share to the earlier level of ten percent under VB-G RAM-G in view of Bihar's rural poverty conditions, if so, the details thereof; and (e) whether any alternative arrangement is proposed to provide special exemption/ratio for Bihar to ensure effective implementation of the scheme and full benefits to the rural workers, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI SHIVRAJ SINGH CHOUHAN) (a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House. Page 1 of 3STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *236 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.08.2026 REGARDING “ROLE OF VB-G RAM-G IN POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN BIHAR” (a) & (b): The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin): VB–G RAM G is a demand-driven programme aimed at enhancing livelihood security by providing a statutory guarantee of at least 125 days of wage employment to every willing rural household, as compared to 100 days under the Mahatma Gandhi NREGS, while creating durable community and livelihood assets. The Programme seeks to strengthen sustainable livelihoods through works relating to Water Security, Core Rural Infrastructure, Livelihood-related Infrastructure and Mitigation of Extreme Weather Events, thereby contributing to poverty alleviation, including in the State of Bihar. The VB–G RAM G Act, 2025 incorporates several structural reforms to address the diverse development needs of rural areas. The provision of normative allocation of funds has been introduced to ensure equitable distribution of resources among the States based on objective development parameters. Further, the approved normative allocation is required to be distributed within the State in an equitable, need-based and transparent manner across districts and Gram Panchayats, taking into consideration the categorisation of Gram Panchayats and their assessed infrastructure and development needs. An interim Central allocation of ₹6,716 crore has been made to the State of Bihar for FY 2026–27, till such time the related subordinate legislation for Normative Allocation Rules is finalised. After including the matching State share, the total programme outlay for the State is expected to be ₹11,193 crore for 9 months period of FY 2026-27 (01.07.2026 to 31.03.2027). Subsequently, Mother Sanctions amounting to Rs. 1663.56 crore have been issued to the State as first installment under various components, based on the proposal received from the State. The Programme also provides for preparation of Village Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs) through an evidence-based, participatory and saturation-based planning process, ensuring that works are selected according to local priorities and developmental needs. Further, Category III – Livelihood-related Infrastructure Works focuses on creation of durable livelihood assets relating to agriculture, allied sectors, Self Help Groups, rural enterprises and Page 2 of 3other income-generating activities, thereby promoting sustainable livelihoods and reducing rural poverty. (c) to (e): The funding pattern under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin): VB–G RAM G Act, 2025 has been prescribed to strengthen cooperative federalism, promote shared responsibility between the Central and State Governments and ensure effective implementation of the Programme in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Under the Act, the programme cost is shared in the ratio of 60:40 between the Central and State Governments for General States and 90:10 for the North-Eastern States, Himalayan States and specified Union Territories. The funding pattern is consistent with the framework applicable to Centrally Sponsored Schemes and is intended to strengthen State ownership, accountability and effective implementation of rural development programmes. The Act also provides adequate flexibility to respond to natural disasters, pandemics and other extraordinary circumstances. In such situations, the State Government may recommend appropriate operational relaxations to the Central Government, which may permit suitable measures, including expansion of permissible works, relaxation of procedural requirements and temporary enhancement of employment provisions, in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The Central Government is committed to provide all necessary financial, technical and administrative support to all States, including Bihar as per provision under the Act. ***** Page 3 of 3