The C. Joseph Vijay administration in Tamil Nadu has announced a significant expansion in rural job provisions, raising the annual employment guarantee limit. According to official sources, eligible rural households who complete 125 days of work under the VB-G RAM G scheme will now receive an additional 25 days of paid employment funded directly by the state exchequer, bringing the total duration to 150 days.
Transition from MGNREGA to VB-G RAM G
As detailed in official state orders, following the repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act of 2005, the central government rolled out the Viksit Bharat-Rozgar Aur Aajivika Mission (Gramin), commonly known as VB-G RAM G, across the country. The framework was implemented in Tamil Nadu starting July 1, 2026, initially offering a legal guarantee of 125 days of employment.
Directives from CM C. Joseph Vijay
Following a comprehensive review of the initiative, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay instructed department officials to scale up the assistance to 150 days per year. In response, the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department (RD-PRD) issued administrative sanctions and formal orders prioritizing vulnerable community segments for the expanded quota.
Priority Allocation for Vulnerable Groups
The additional 25 days of work will specifically target and prioritize households headed by women. Furthermore, special preference will be extended to single women, families with differently-abled members, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe households, and beneficiaries recognized under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
Implementation and Fund Distribution
The Commissioner of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj has been officially authorized to oversee and distribute the required funds across all districts in the state, excluding Chennai. The VB-G RAM G scheme aims to strengthen rural livelihoods, generate reliable work opportunities, and advance local infrastructural development in villages across the region.
