VB-GRAM-G Scheme 2026: Rural Workers to Get Wages Within 15 Days, 125 Days of Employment and Compensation for Delays

Key Highlights

• Wages must be paid within 15 days of attendance closure.

• Compensation will be provided for delayed wage payments.

• Employment guarantee increased from 100 to 125 days annually.

• ₹25,863 crore first installment released to states.

• Scheme implemented nationwide from July 1, 2026.

The Central Government has introduced major reforms to strengthen rural employment under the Vikas Bharat-Rozgar evam Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAM-G) scheme. The new rules make it mandatory to pay workers within 15 days of attendance closure, increase the employment guarantee from 100 days to 125 days, and provide compensation if wage payments are delayed.

The government says these changes will ensure timely payments, improve transparency, and provide better financial security to rural families across the country.

Wages Must Be Paid Within 15 Days

One of the biggest changes under the VB-GRAM-G scheme is the introduction of a strict timeline for wage payments.

Workers employed under the scheme will now receive their wages within 15 days after attendance is closed. The government has also stated that wages should ideally be paid on a weekly basis or within this 15-day limit.

If the payment is delayed beyond the prescribed period, eligible workers will receive compensation as per legal provisions. This move aims to reduce long-standing issues related to delayed wage payments and ensure workers receive their earnings on time.

Direct Benefit Transfer to Continue

The government will continue making wage payments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Workers' wages will be transferred directly into their bank or post office accounts, making the payment process more transparent while eliminating the role of middlemen. According to the government, this system will improve accountability and ensure that benefits reach workers without unnecessary delays.

First Installment of ₹25,863 Crore Released

To support the implementation of the new scheme, the Central Government has released the first installment of ₹25,863 crore to states.

The funds were released through a video conference from Bhopal by Union Rural Development and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. During the event, he urged all states to implement the scheme with complete transparency and ensure that workers receive their wages within the prescribed time.

He emphasized that timely wage payments and transparent implementation are among the highest priorities under the new system.

Employment Guarantee Increased to 125 Days

The VB-GRAM-G scheme also expands employment opportunities for rural households.

Every eligible rural family with adult members willing to undertake unskilled manual work will now receive a legal guarantee of 125 days of employment per financial year, compared to the earlier limit of 100 days.

The government believes that these additional 25 days of employment will increase rural incomes, generate more work opportunities in villages, strengthen livelihoods, and contribute to local economic development.

Unemployment Allowance if Work Is Not Provided

The scheme also strengthens protection for workers who do not receive employment on time.

If an eligible worker is not provided work within the prescribed period, the law provides for the payment of an unemployment allowance. This provision is intended to offer financial support and security to rural families who depend on wage employment for their livelihood.

Government Focuses on Transparency

According to Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the new VB-GRAM-G scheme has been introduced to address several shortcomings that were reported during the implementation of MNREGA, including complaints of irregularities and delays.

He said the government has designed the new system with a strong focus on transparency, accountability, and timely delivery of benefits. The objective is to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive employment and wage payments without fraud, unnecessary delays, or administrative hurdles.

Scheme Effective From July 1, 2026

The VB-GRAM-G scheme came into effect across India on July 1, 2026, after receiving approval during the Winter Session of Parliament in 2025.

The revised framework introduces several key improvements, including:

• Employment guarantee increased from 100 to 125 days

• Wage payments to be made within 15 days

• Compensation for delayed wage payments

• Continued payment through DBT

• Unemployment allowance if work is not provided on time

• Greater transparency and accountability in implementation

The government believes these reforms will make the rural employment system more efficient, improve workers confidence, ensure timely income, and strengthen the rural economy by providing stable employment opportunities.

Also Read: Government Launches PRAGATI Mission: 20 Lakh Farmers to Benefit, 20,000 Rural Youth to Become Agri-Entrepreneurs

CMV360 Says

The VB-GRAM-G scheme marks a significant reform in India's rural employment framework by increasing guaranteed workdays to 125, ensuring wage payments within 15 days, and introducing compensation for delays. With direct benefit transfers, unemployment allowance, and a stronger focus on transparency, the government aims to provide better financial security to rural workers while making the employment system more efficient, accountable, and beneficial for village economies.