New Delhi: While speaking on the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin): VB–GRAMG Act, 2025 in the Rajya Sabha, MP Rajya Sabha and BJP Senior Leader Gulam Ali Khatana described the legislation as a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods and ensuring long-term employment security.
During his intervention, Khatana said that the VB–GRAMG Act marks a decisive shift from temporary wage relief to sustainable livelihood security, as it integrates employment, skill development, and asset creation into a single, comprehensive framework. He observed that the Act reflects the Government’s commitment to building self-reliant villages, in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Elaborating further, Khatana noted that the Act introduces paid on-site skilling through a learn-while-earn model, which provides immediate income support while simultaneously enhancing the future employability of rural youth. He said that the focus on creating durable rural infrastructure, including roads, water facilities, and storage assets, will ensure that public investment generates long-term economic returns.
While speaking on the Act, Khatana also pointed out that the initiative would help reduce seasonal migration by creating employment opportunities at the local level, while strengthening women self-help groups (SHGs), cooperatives, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). He added that the emphasis on green jobs and climate-resilient works demonstrates a forward-looking approach to sustainable rural development.
Referring to governance and accountability, Khatana said the VB–GRAMG framework enhances transparency through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and digital monitoring systems, while retaining the state guarantee of rural employment and allowing flexibility through region-specific planning.
He further stated that the Act signifies a shift from consumption-based expenditure to productive investment, supporting local MSMEs and village-level enterprises and building a stronger rural economic base.
Khatana expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership and thanked Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for guiding and advancing this comprehensive rural employment and livelihood initiative.
Concluding his remarks, Gulam Ali Khatana said that the VB–GRAMG Act, 2025 represents a future-oriented model of rural development that integrates employment, skills, sustainability, and enterprise, and will play a pivotal role in achieving inclusive and resilient growth.
