The Centre has expanded the list of permissible works under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission-Gramin (VB-G RAM G) to 375, a 41% increase from the 266 works allowed under the earlier rural employment framework.

For the first time, the scheme also includes a dedicated category for extreme weather events and disaster preparedness.

The Ministry of Rural Development has divided the expanded list into four broad areas: water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood-related infrastructure, and special works for extreme weather events and disaster preparedness. 

The government said the revised framework aims to link wage employment with the creation of durable rural assets and stronger livelihood opportunities.

Water security has the largest share, with 128 permissible works. These include check dams, gully plugs, underground dykes, recharge shafts, injection wells and the rejuvenation of rivers, ponds and other water bodies. The list also covers drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, rooftop rainwater harvesting and newer measures such as ice stupas and artificial glaciers for water conservation.

The second category covers 111 core rural infrastructure works. These include solar street lighting, waste recycling plants, greywater treatment units, rural libraries, health and veterinary centres, youth facilities and additional classrooms and laboratories in government schools. Repair and maintenance of Jal Jeevan Mission water-supply infrastructure has also been included.

Another 98 works focus on livelihood-related infrastructure, including agro-processing units, cold storage, market yards, dairy facilities, mushroom sheds, poly-houses, aquaculture structures and training centres. Livelihood-related works now account for 26% of the total list, compared with just 1.1% under the previous framework.

The newly created disaster preparedness category includes 38 works. These cover flood shelters, retaining walls, embankment strengthening, flood protection measures, post-disaster restoration of rural roads and community assets, as well as forest-fire management.

The framework also places greater emphasis on agriculture, vulnerable households, women and rural youth. Of the 375 works, 181 relate to agriculture and allied activities, while 107 are tagged for Antyodaya and vulnerable households.

The move comes as around 15.64 million households sought work under VB-G RAM G in September, nearly 34% higher than the corresponding period under MGNREGA a year earlier. The government said works will be selected through Gram Panchayat plans, approved by Gram Sabhas and digitally tracked to improve implementation and avoid duplication.

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