VB-GRAMG is A Concrete Step towards Gram Swaraj: HIRD Director Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan

Karnal, January 15, 2026: The VB-GRAMG (Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission [Gramin]) Scheme is the result of serious deliberation on rural development and livelihood issues, in line with the goal of a developed India. This scheme addresses the shortcomings that have emerged in the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA (MGNREGA) scheme over time, making it more effective in accordance with the new era and its evolving needs. These remarks were made by Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan, Director of the Haryana Institute of Rural Development (HIRD), while addressing a sensitization program for Sarpanches and Gram Panchayat Secretaries as the chief speaker. The program, held at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), was presided over by the Director NDRI, Prof. Dheer Singh. Chief Executive Officer of Zila Parishad Amit Kumar was also present on the occasion.

Keynote Speaker, Dr. Chauhan said that compared to 2004, today's villages are more developed, capable, and prosperous. The needs of the villages have changed, therefore, improvement and enhancement of MNREGA was the need of the hour. The VB-GRAMG Scheme is the result of this thinking, which strengthens the spirit of Gram Swaraj (village self-governance).

The HIRD Director explained that under this scheme, villagers will now be provided with 125 days of employment instead of 100 days, which will increase the income and economic security of rural families. Along with this, the wage payment process will be expedited, ensuring payment within 7 days instead of 15 days, so that workers receive the full benefit of their labor on time.

Dr. Virender Singh Chauhan emphasized that the scheme focuses not only on employment but also on useful infrastructure for the village community – such as ponds, water conservation, community buildings, and the creation of rural assets. This will fulfill the long-term development needs of the villages. He clarified that a detailed work plan will be prepared in each Gram Panchayat through the Gram Sabha (village assembly), so that works are selected according to local needs and direct participation of the villagers is ensured.

Highlighting the name of the scheme, Dr. Chauhan said that in the cultural tradition of Haryana, we greet each other with "Jai Ram Ji" and consider the village community as "Gaam-Ram" (village-Ram). Keeping this cultural sentiment in mind, the scheme has been named "G RAMG," reflecting our folk culture and sense of community. He urged the Sarpanches and Panchayat Secretaries to understand the spirit of this scheme, activate the Gram Sabhas (village assemblies), and ensure the crucial role of villages in realizing the vision of a developed India.