A high-level inter-Ministerial consultation on the Draft Convergence Framework under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin): VB–G RAM G Act, 2025, was chaired by Rohit Kansal, Union Rural Development department Secretary in New Delhi. Representatives and nodal officers from 18 Ministries and Departments of the Union government participated in the consultation.
The consultation, a preparatory activity before the commencement of the VB–G RAM G Act on July 1, emphasized a whole-of-government approach to rural development through decentralized, Panchayati Raj Institution-led planning and convergence. The Framework aims at a bottom-up planning architecture where development priorities identified by Gram Sabhas are aligned with sectoral programs of different Ministries and Departments.
To operationalize the scheme from July 1, an interim list of 318 permissible works covering various areas like natural resource management, rural connectivity, and disaster preparedness has been notified. The Act focuses on convergence as a core pillar for addressing rural development priorities such as water security, livelihoods, infrastructure, and climate resilience.
The Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan (VGPP) serves as the primary planning instrument for rural development at the Gram Panchayat level, integrating local needs with resources available under different Central and state schemes. The Act categorizes rural development interventions under four thematic focus areas: Water Security, Core Rural Infrastructure, Rural Livelihoods, and Special Works for Mitigation of Extreme Weather Events.
