The government announced plans to deploy more than 100 area officers nationwide to assist states and union territories in preparation for the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, effective from July 1. These officers will act as facilitators and resource persons, collaborating with local governments to enhance implementation, build capacities, share knowledge, address challenges, and promote best practices. They will engage with field-level staff to grasp implementation needs, share experiences, support capacity building, and resolve operational issues.
The initiative aims to enhance coordination among stakeholders and ensure effective implementation during the transition to the new framework. Currently, 27 states and union territories have allocated funds for the Act’s implementation, with six already notifying their State Schemes under the VB–G RAM G framework. The remaining regions are in the final stages of scheme finalization, as per official statements.
The VB–G RAM G Act, 2025 aims to elevate rural employment as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive rural development by merging guaranteed wage employment with livelihood promotion, climate resilience, rural infrastructure development, and technology-driven governance. Through Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans (VGPPs) and GIS-based planning, the Act aligns with the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision. The area officer initiative is anticipated to support states and UTs during the rollout by facilitating coordination, sharing implementation experiences, and offering continuous institutional backing for a seamless transition to the VB–G RAM G framework.
