How to Apply for VB-G RAM G Benefits: Eligibility, Documents & Application Steps

By: Vijesh Nair

Date: 17/12/2025

The rural landscape of India is on the verge of its most significant administrative shift in two decades. On December 16, 2025, the Union Government introduced the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), popularly known as VB-G RAM G, in the Lok Sabha.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) of 2005. For citizens, this means a total overhaul of how they apply for work, the amount of money they can earn, and the type of development they will see in their villages.

Part 1: What is the VB-G RAM G Scheme?

VB-G RAM G is a future-ready, statutory framework designed to align rural employment with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. While it retains the "Right to Work" core of the previous system, it shifts the focus from simple wage relief to Productive Asset Creation.

The Fundamental Shift

The government argues that while MGNREGA served its purpose during a different economic era, the current rural economy requires more than just "digging holes and filling them." VB-G RAM G is designed to create durable, high-quality infrastructure—such as water reservoirs, market storage, and climate-resilient roads—that actually helps a village become self-reliant.

Part 2: Core Benefits for Rural Households

The new scheme introduces several major upgrades that directly impact the wallet and well-being of the common citizen:

1. 125 Days of Guaranteed Work (25% Increase)

The most celebrated change is the increase in the statutory guarantee.

 Old System (MGNREGA): Guaranteed 100 days of work per year.

 New System (VB-G RAM G): Guarantees 125 days of unskilled manual work per household.

 * Impact: This translates to a direct 25% increase in potential annual income for a rural family.

2. Weekly Wage Payments

To solve the long-standing issue of delayed payments, the new policy encourages weekly wage disbursements.

Faster liquidity means families don't have to take high-interest loans from local moneylenders while waiting for government funds.

 All payments remain Aadhaar-linked to ensure they reach the correct bank account without middleman interference.

3. The "Agricultural Pause" Benefit

For the first time, the law allows a 60-day pause in public works during peak sowing and harvesting seasons. 

Why it helps: During these times, private farm wages are typically much higher than government wages. By pausing the scheme, the government ensures that farmers have enough labor and workers can earn the maximum possible "market rate" without losing their 125-day government quota.

4. Four Strategic Work Verticals

Instead of scattered projects, all work under VB-G RAM G must fall into four priority categories:

Feature	MGNREGA (Old)	VB-G RAM G (New)
Wage Funding	100% by the Center	60% Center : 40% State (in most states)
NE/Hilly States	100% by the Center	90% Center : 10% State
Planning	Annual Labor Budget	Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan
Tech Integration	Basic e-FMS	AI

Water Security: Rejuvenating ponds (Amrit Sarovars) and irrigation channels. 

Core Rural Infrastructure: Village roads and connectivity.

 Livelihood Assets: Building storage units, local markets, and livestock shelters.

 Climate Resilience: Creating disaster-preparedness structures to protect against floods and extreme weather.

Part 3: How to Apply for VB-G RAM G Benefits

The application process has been digitized and streamlined to reduce paperwork and increase transparency.

Step 1: The Job Card Registration

The Job Card remains your primary "passport" to work. If you don't have one, or need a new one under the VB-G RAM G framework:

 Visit the Gram Panchayat: Any adult member of a rural household can apply.

 Submit Details: You need to provide the names of adult members, ages, and your address.

 * Biometric Verification: The process now uses biometric authentication (Aadhaar) to prevent "ghost accounts" and ensure only genuine residents benefit.

 * Free Issuance: The Job Card must be issued by the Panchayat within 15 days, free of cost.

Step 2: Requesting Work (Demanding Employment)

VB-G RAM G is "demand-driven." You must tell the government you want work.

 Digital Application: You can now demand work via the UMANG or Jan Samarth apps. This creates a digital trail that the government cannot ignore.

 * Physical Application: You can still give a written or oral request at the Gram Panchayat office.

 Get a Receipt: This is critical. Always demand a dated receipt for your application. This receipt is your legal proof.

Step 3: Work Allocation and Location

Once you demand work, the government is legally obligated to provide it within 15 days.

 Location: Work must be provided within a 5 km radius of youchannels

Transport Allowance: If the work site is further than 5 km, you are entitled to an additional allowance to cover travel costs.

Step 4: Claiming Unemployment Allowance

If the government fails to provide you with work within 15 days of your application:

You are legally entitled to an Unemployment Allowance.

The State Government is responsible for paying this allowance directly into your bank account.

Part 4: New Funding and Implementation Model

Under the new 2025 Act, the financial structure has changed from a "Central Sector" scheme to a Centrally Sponsored scheme.

This means your state government now has more "skin in the game." They are partially responsible for the wages, which is expected to lead to better local supervision and less corruption.

Part 5: Important Documents Checklist

Before you head to the Gram Panchayat or log into the app, ensure you have these ready:

Aadhaar Card: This must be linked to your bank account (Aadhaar Seeded).

 Bank Passbook: Ensure the account is active.

 Passport Size Photos: For the physical Job Card.

 Mobile Number: Ideally the one linked to your Aadhaar for OTP-based digital applications.

The Road Ahead: Viksit Bharat 2047

The VB-G RAM G scheme is more than just a job program; it is a declaration that the rural economy is ready for a digital and structural upgrade. By guaranteeing 125 days of work and focusing on assets that generate long-term wealth (like better irrigation and markets), the policy aims to end the cycle of "distress migration" to cities.

As the program rolls out across India in early 2026, staying informed through official portals like nrega.nic.in (currently transitioning) and the myScheme portal is essential for every rural citizen.