Ministry of Rural Development Notifies List of 375 Permissible Works Under 'VB-G RAM JI' Mission

The Ministry of Rural Development has notified a new schedule of permissible works under the 'Viksit Bharat – Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) [VB-G RAM JI] Act, 2025'. Under this new rural work framework, a total of 375 permissible works have been provided, representing a 41 percent increase compared to the 266 works in the previous framework.

In this new framework, the works are divided into four main thematic pillars. These include 128 works under water security, 111 works for core rural infrastructure, 98 works for livelihood-related infrastructure, and 38 specialized works for extreme weather events and disaster preparedness. This framework seeks to link wage employment with the creation of sustainable rural assets and development outcomes.

The water security pillar contains the highest number of activities with 128 works, including measures such as check dams, underground dams, the rejuvenation of rivers and streams, drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, and artificial glaciers. Under core rural infrastructure, 111 works have been listed, including solar street lighting, grey-water treatment units, rural libraries, health centers, and the construction of laboratories in government schools.

Special emphasis has been placed on livelihood-related infrastructure with 98 included works, which encompass agro-processing units, cold storage, dairy infrastructure, and infrastructure for Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The share of this category has increased significantly from 1.1 percent in the previous framework to 26 percent. For the first time, a dedicated category for disaster preparedness has been created, specifying 38 works such as flood relief shelters, the strengthening of embankments, and measures to combat forest fires.

Under this mission, 181 works have been designated for agriculture and allied activities, and 107 works for Antyodaya or vulnerable families. Additionally, 36 works each have been included for Nari Shakti (women's empowerment) and Yuva Shakti (youth empowerment). The new schedule also provides for the construction of ramps and stairs for the accessibility of persons with disabilities, as well as emergency relief shelters in border areas.

The planning for these works will be conducted at the ground level through the Developed Gram Panchayat Plan and approved by the Gram Sabha. The entire process will be monitored digitally via the 'Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack' to ensure better coordination of investments and to avoid duplication of work. The ultimate objective is to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.