VB-G Ram G Act Introduces Inclusive Wage System for Vulnerable Groups

Hindustan Times - India · 30 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Government schemes Mains · GS2 Social justice High relevance

The VB-G Ram G Act introduces a differentiated Schedule of Rates (SoR) for women, persons with disabilities (PwDs), and senior citizens, ensuring full wages without fixed working hours, marking a significant step toward inclusive rural employment.

Key points

VB-G Ram G Act will be implemented from July 1, 2026, introducing a separate daily wage system for women, PwDs, elderly workers, and those with debilitating ailments.

Differentiated Schedule of Rates (SoR) ensures vulnerable groups receive full notified wages without disadvantage, with flexible working hours not exceeding 12 hours per day for adults.

PwD workers are exempt from fixed working hours, with work assigned based on individual capabilities and physical conditions, shifting them toward supervisory and livelihood-oriented roles.

Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Card will be issued, with a special card for PwDs, single women, senior citizens, and transgender persons to facilitate access to employment opportunities.

Households with PwDs will be prioritized for beneficiary-oriented assets, with work assigned closer to their homes to enhance accessibility and participation.

[GS2-Governance] This connects to social justice and inclusive governance, addressing systemic barriers faced by vulnerable groups in rural employment schemes.

[GS3-Economy] The initiative aligns with sustainable rural development by integrating livelihood security with productivity and resilience, supporting Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Challenges include funding, training, and proper work planning to ensure tasks are assigned according to abilities, not productivity norms for able-bodied persons.

Experts emphasize the need for clear beneficiary identification and definition to avoid implementation pitfalls seen in previous welfare schemes.

Way Forward: Strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure equitable implementation, enhance training programs for PwD workers, and allocate dedicated funds to support the differentiated SoR framework.

Key terms

VB-G Ram G Act

The Viksit Bharat - Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, aims to establish a rural development framework integrating livelihood security with productivity and sustainability. It is significant for UPSC as it reflects evolving governance models for inclusive growth.

Schedule of Rates (SoR)

A system specifying wage rates for different categories of work under employment schemes. The differentiated SoR under VB-G Ram G ensures equitable wages for vulnerable groups, addressing social justice and inclusive development.

Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Card

A card issued to rural workers under VB-G Ram G to facilitate access to employment opportunities. The special card for vulnerable groups ensures targeted benefits, relevant for GS2 governance and social justice topics.

Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)

Individuals with long-term physical, mental, or sensory impairments hindering full participation in society. The Act's provisions for PwDs highlight constitutional commitments under Article 41 (right to work) and Article 46 (protection of weaker sections).