Rural workers across India will now receive higher wages under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G] Act, 2025, which came into force on Thursday, 2nd July. With the implementation of the new law, the national average notified daily wage has increased from ₹298.8 to ₹327.4, marking an average rise of more than 10%. The government has also ensured that the minimum notified daily wage in every part of the country will now be at least ₹300.
The revised wage rates have been notified for all States, Union Territories and notified wage areas. Some of the biggest increases have been seen in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, where daily wages have gone up by 15 to 25%.
Employee guarantee extended
Along with the wage revision, the new Act gives eligible rural households a legal right to 125 days of guaranteed wage employment, increasing the earlier limit of 100 days. The government said the move is aimed at making rural employment more transparent, efficient and focused on better results.
The programme is also expected to support the creation of long-lasting rural assets, protect natural resources, improve agricultural productivity, promote livelihoods, and encourage women-led development in villages.
₹95,692 crore released for implementation
To make sure the programme starts without any disruption, the Centre has already released an interim allocation of ₹95,692.31 crore to States and Union Territories. The amount will be used to ensure continuous employment generation, timely payment of wages and smooth execution of development works under the Act.
The government calls it a major step for rural India
Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the rollout of the VB-G RAM G Act marks a new chapter for rural India. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the law is designed to provide greater livelihood security while giving rural workers dignity and confidence.
He said that increasing the employment guarantee from 100 days to 125 days reflects the government’s commitment to supporting rural families. According to him, the Centre’s priority is to ensure that every eligible worker gets employment whenever needed.
The minister also said that all administrative, financial and technical arrangements have been completed by the Centre and the States for the smooth implementation of the Act. He expressed hope that the initiative would create more livelihood opportunities, speed up the creation of durable rural assets, strengthen women’s empowerment and move the country closer to the goal of an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Rural India. He also appealed to citizens to take part in building stronger and self-reliant villages.
National launch in Andhra Pradesh
The nationwide launch of the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, will be celebrated through a National Launch Programme on 2nd July, 2026, at Mukkavaripalle Village in Obulavaripalle Mandal of Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh.
The event will be attended by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Konidela Pawan Kalyan, Minister of State Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State Kamlesh Paswan, and other dignitaries.
During the programme, the government will formally launch VB-G RAM G, distribute Rural Employment Guarantee Cards to beneficiaries, introduce the VB-G RAM G software platform, release important publications, interact with beneficiaries and inaugurate several initiatives to support the effective implementation of the Act across the country.
