VB-G RAM G Scheme West Bengal: New Job Guarantee Scheme from 1st July to Replace MGNREGA

We are all aware of the VB-G Ram Ji scheme, which is a central government initiative. The full official name of VB-G Ram Ji is ‘Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajivika Mission‘. This scheme was officially launched in West Bengal on July 1, 2026, by the BJP government. It is also known as the ‘125-Day Employment Scheme’. The scheme was reintroduced in West Bengal after a gap of four years; this follows a period after March 2022 during which the central government had stopped releasing funds for the MGNREGA scheme—which used to provide 100 days of employment to beneficiaries—in the state. Now, the BJP has launched this new scheme in the state.

• In West Bengal, the ‘VB-G Ram Ji’ scheme has been launched after a four-year hiatus, with operations officially commencing on July 1, 2025. However, it was effectively implemented by the BJP-led government.
• Under this scheme, people in rural areas will now receive 125 days of employment annually.
• The Government of India had stopped funding the scheme—then known as MGNREGA—in March 2022 due to a lack of proper accounting.
• For the 2026-27 fiscal year, an allocation of ₹14,000 crore has been made for the state of West Bengal to provide 125 days of employment under this scheme.

VB-G RAM G Scheme West Bengal

Almost all of us are aware that the central government’s MGNREGA scheme provides guaranteed employment opportunities to people living in rural areas. Under this scheme, every eligible household is entitled to 100 days of guaranteed work annually; naturally, this opportunity is available only to those who possess a job card. Approximately 5 crore households reside in the rural areas of West Bengal. However, the MGNREGA scheme was halted in 2022 due to the non-receipt of funds from the central government.

However, the MGNREGA scheme has now been replaced by a new initiative named ‘VB-G Ram Ji’, which is being implemented in West Bengal after a gap of four years. Alongside the new name, officials will employ new technology to ensure transparency regarding the funds allocated for this scheme. After four years, the people of West Bengal are set to reap the benefits of this new scheme, finally bringing smiles to their faces.

It is not just about technology; the government has also increased the number of employment days from 100 to 125 and raised wages as well.

Difference Between MGNREGA & VB-G RAM G

MGNREGA	VB-G RAM G
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act	Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgaar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin
This is an old employment scheme that used to provide 100 days of guaranteed work per year.	VB-G Ram Ji is a new, state-of-the-art digital rural employment scheme.
Under the T-old project, people will receive 100 days of guaranteed employment annually.	From now on, beneficiaries will receive 125 days of guaranteed employment per year.
The government used a paper-based muster roll system for this scheme.	The government is employing new state-of-the-art technology and digital processes for this new scheme.
There used to be significant delays in making payments for this scheme.	Now everyone will receive their payments on time.

Which individuals get 125 days guaranteed work?

• Job card holders residing in the rural areas of West Bengal.
• An individual must have completed 18 years of age to apply.
• All applicants must be willing to perform unskilled work.
• Under this scheme, every individual aged 18 or older will receive 125 days of work.
• You will also receive a VB-G RAM job card.

What Documents Required to be Submitted?

You will not receive work immediately under this scheme; your eligibility will first be verified by your local Gram Panchayat based on documentation.

• An Aadhaar card is required for the applicant’s KYC and personal identification.
• Proof of residence in a rural area, such as a ration card or a permanent resident certificate.
• Details of an active, KYC-compliant bank account that is linked for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
• Passport-sized photographs of adult members.

How to Get Work Under VB-G RAM G?

If the residents of West Bengal wish to undertake 125 days of work under this new scheme, the procedure for them is outlined below:

• To secure work under this scheme, handwrite an application with your name, include your job card details (an old card is also acceptable), and submit it to your Gram Panchayat office.
• If you prefer to apply online, you can do so by visiting the official portal.
• You can also use the UMANG app to apply for work.
• You will receive details regarding the work 15 days after the calculation period begins, counting from the date you submitted your application.
• However, if for any reason you do not receive work even after 15 days have passed since the submission of your application, the Gram Panchayat will provide you with an unemployment allowance.

West Bengal VB-G RAM G Job Cards

• Therefore, if you already possess an MGNREGA job card (including an older one), you do not need to apply for a new one.
• All existing job cards have already been migrated to the new system following verification and KYC processes.
• If you wish to inquire about the migration of your card to the new system, you may contact your Panchayat office; please carry your linked Aadhaar card with you when you visit.
• However, if you are a new applicant, you must submit the new application form—available in both Bengali and English—at the Gram Panchayat.
• Fill out the form with all the required information and attach the necessary documents before submitting it to the Panchayat.
• The local Gram Panchayat will complete your e-KYC verification.
• Once your e-KYC verification is complete, you will receive your digital job card within 15 days; if you do not receive it, be sure to check the status online, and then you can apply for work.

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