Parliament Question: Transparency and accountability under VB—G RAM G

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3978 TO BE ANSWERED ON 27/03/2026 TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY UNDER VB—G RAM G 3978 Shri Anthiyur P. Selvarasu: Will the Minister of Rural Development be pleased to state: (a) whether Government proposes to retain the rights‑based, demand‑driven nature of MGNREGA or shift to a project‑driven approach; (b) if so, the measures envisaged to ensure transparency, accountability and timely disbursement of wages under Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB—G RAM G) and if not, the reasons therefor; (c) whether social audits, local‑level monitoring mechanisms and consultations with State Governments and Panchayati Raj Institutions will continue under the revamped programme; and (d) whether Government has assessed the impact of the new scheme on rural livelihoods and the proposed funding pattern compared to the existing Centre‑State sharing arrangement? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI KAMLESH PASWAN) (a) & (b): The Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin): VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 retains the rights-based and demand-driven nature of wage employment. The Act provides an enhanced statutory guarantee of at least 125 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to undertake unskilled manual work. While introducing a more structured, convergence-oriented and whole-of- government planning framework through Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans, prepared through a participatory approach in the Gram Sabha, the entitlement of workers to demand employment remains fully intact. The Act embeds transparency and accountability as core principles through a robust architecture. It provides for time-bound wage payments on a weekly basis not later than a fortnight after the date on which such work was done, supported by direct benefit transfer to workers’ accounts through Aadhaar Payment Bridge System (APBS) further ensures that benefits reach henuine workers in a timely and transparent manner. Technology-enabled systems such as biometric authentication, geo-tagging of works, mobile-based monitoring and real-time MIS dashboards ensure end-to-end tracking and minimise leakages. Mandatory weekly public disclosure of key information like covering works, muster rolls, payments, sanctions, inspections and grievances, enables continuous public scrutiny through both digital and physical platforms. The framework is further strengthened by integration with PM Gati Shakti and GIS-based planning tools to ensure convergence, avoid duplication and enable unified tracking of assets. A statutory, time-bound grievance redressal mechanism with digital tracking ensures accountability Page 1 of 3in service delivery. In addition, social audits are reinforced through mandatory processes and defined timelines, supported by digital tools to enhance community oversight. (c) & (d): Section 16 of the Act clearly defines the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the planning and implementation of VB-G RAM G Schemes. The responsibilities of PRIs are well delineated across all three tiers—district, intermediate, and village levels. Panchayats at each tier are entrusted with functions relating to planning, coordination, execution, and monitoring of the schemes. At the grassroots level, Gram Panchayats serve as the primary implementing authorities. They are responsible for the registration of households, processing applications for work, and preparation of Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans through participatory processes. In addition, they undertake the execution of works, with a mandate that at least fifty per cent of the works, in cost terms, be implemented through Gram Panchayats to ensure decentralised governance. Gram Panchayats are also required to maintain proper records, ensure compliance with prescribed technical standards, and place all relevant documents before the Gram Sabha for the purposes of social audit and public scrutiny. These provisions are intended to strengthen transparency and accountability in programme implementation. The Act further mandates regular social audits of all works by the Gram Sabha and designates PRIs as the principal authorities for planning, implementation, and monitoring. The provision for participatory planning through the preparation and approval of Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans in the Gram Sabha reinforces the principles of decentralisation and community participation. With regard to the Centre–State financial sharing pattern under the new Act, it is stated that, historically, most of the major rural employment schemes in the country have operated on shared funding models between the Centre and the States. For example: I. The National Rural Employment Programme (NREP) followed a 75:25 sharing pattern. II. The Rural Landless Employment Guarantee Programme (RLEGP) adopted a 50:50 model. III. The Jawahar Rozgar Yojana (JRY) operated on an 80:20 basis. IV. Schemes such as SGRY, EAS, and JGSY were also implemented on a Centre–State sharing pattern, generally in the ratio of 75:25. Presently, most of the Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) across sectors are being implemented on the 60:40 sharing model. The 60:40 pattern adopted under this Act is therefore consistent with the broader framework of Centrally Sponsored Schemes. Here it is also stated that for the financial year 2026–27, a provision of ₹95,692.31 crore has been made for the Central share for Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), representing the largest allocation ever for rural employment programme at budget estimate stage. With the inclusion of the corresponding estimated State share, the total programme outlay is likely to exceed ₹1.51 lakh crore, which is expected to significantly accelerate rural transformation, large-scale employment generation and income enhancement in rural areas. Page 2 of 3This model promotes cooperative federalism by making States active partners in rural development. Further, special provisions have been made for North-Eastern and Himalayan States and Union Territory (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir), where a 90:10 Centre–State sharing pattern applies. In addition, the Act also provides that in the event of natural disasters, pandemics, or other extraordinary circumstances, State Governments may recommend special operational relaxations to the Centre. The Central Government is empowered to allow expansion of permissible works, relaxation in documentation procedures, and temporary enhancement of employment provisions in such situations. The framework is thus responsive, flexible, and sensitive to emerging needs. Overall, the funding pattern is designed to balance fiscal responsibility, State participation and national rural development priorities. ***** Page 3 of 3