Employment – Jammu and Kashmir Launches New Rural Jobs Scheme With Expanded Benefits
Employment – The Jammu and Kashmir administration has introduced a new rural employment programme that will take effect across all notified rural areas of the Union Territory from July 1. Announced by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), also known as VB-G RAM-G, has been notified under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025. The new framework replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with the objective of expanding livelihood opportunities while improving the quality of rural development.
Higher Employment Guarantee for Rural Families
One of the key changes under the new programme is the increase in guaranteed wage employment from 100 days to 125 days annually for every eligible rural household willing to perform unskilled manual work. Authorities have stated that employment must be provided within 15 days after a worker submits a request. If work is not made available within this period, eligible applicants will receive an unemployment allowance. Wage payments have also been streamlined, with salaries to be released every week or within two weeks. Compensation will be paid in cases where payments are delayed.
Farming Needs Integrated Into Work Planning
The scheme has been designed to support agricultural activities alongside employment generation. A compulsory 60-day suspension of public works has been introduced during peak sowing and harvesting seasons so that sufficient labour remains available for farming operations. Officials believe this approach will help balance agricultural productivity with rural employment while ensuring that projects continue to create durable public assets and strengthen long-term livelihood infrastructure.
Focus on Infrastructure and Climate Resilience
Implementation of the programme will concentrate on four major sectors: water security, essential rural infrastructure, livelihood enhancement and climate as well as disaster resilience. Development plans will be prepared through Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans using GIS-based technology and PM Gati Shakti mapping layers to improve planning accuracy and project execution.
Additional Support for Vulnerable Communities
The new initiative includes dedicated assistance for socially and economically vulnerable groups. Special Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards will be issued to eligible beneficiaries, including single women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, members of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), released bonded labourers and transgender persons. The administration has also mandated that women must account for at least one-third of all beneficiaries under the scheme, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive participation.
Technology-Driven Monitoring and Greater Transparency
To strengthen accountability, the programme incorporates several digital monitoring systems. These include biometric and face-authenticated attendance, GPS-enabled tracking, geofencing of worksites, AI-supported data analysis, real-time monitoring dashboards, bilingual electronic muster rolls and mandatory public disclosure of project information. Officials have also confirmed that contractors and labour-replacing machinery will not be permitted, ensuring that employment opportunities directly benefit rural workers.
Panchayats to Lead Local Implementation
Gram Panchayats will continue to play the central role in implementing the programme. Their responsibilities include registering eligible households, accepting work applications, issuing employment guarantee cards and carrying out approved development projects. The administration believes this decentralised approach will improve local participation and ensure that projects reflect community priorities.
Funding and Oversight Framework
The rural employment programme will operate as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with expenditure shared between the Central Government and the Jammu and Kashmir administration in a 90:10 ratio. Administrative funding has been increased to strengthen staffing, monitoring systems, grievance redressal mechanisms and overall accountability. The framework also provides for mandatory social audits, independent performance evaluations and multi-level monitoring to ensure transparency and timely implementation.
According to officials, the combination of an expanded employment guarantee, agriculture-friendly scheduling, advanced technology and investment in resilient rural infrastructure is expected to strengthen sustainable development across Jammu and Kashmir while creating more secure livelihood opportunities for rural communities.