New rural jobs framework notifies 375 activities across four work categories
The Centre has notified 375 permissible works under a new rural employment framework, marking a significant expansion of opportunities in villages across the country. The ministry of rural development announced the schedule under the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G) Gramin Act, 2025, which came into force on July 1, replacing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). The number of works is 41% higher than under the previous scheme.
The framework divides rural employment into four distinct categories: water security with 128 works, core rural infrastructure with 111 works, livelihood-related infrastructure with 98 works, and special works for extreme weather events and disaster preparedness with 38 works. Livelihood-related infrastructure accounts for 26% of total permissible works under the new framework, compared with just 1.1% previously. These include agro-processing and value-addition infrastructure, cleaning, grading and packaging units, cold storage facilities, dairy infrastructure, aquaculture structures, and infrastructure for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and their federations.
The ministry stated that the new framework seeks to move beyond conventional asset creation and align wage employment with durable rural assets and measurable development outcomes. The framework places particular emphasis on agriculture, vulnerable households, women, and rural youth.
