Centre Revises Rural Wage Rates Ahead of New Employment Scheme Rollout, Sets ₹300 Daily Minimum

The Centre has notified revised wage rates for rural workers ahead of the nationwide rollout of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB-G RAM G), introducing a minimum daily wage of ₹300 across all states and Union Territories. The revised wage structure comes into effect from July 1 and is expected to benefit millions of rural workers by ensuring a higher income floor under the government’s revamped rural employment programme.

The new wage notification marks a significant policy shift as the Centre prepares to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) with the VB-G RAM G framework. While the new scheme retains the core objective of providing wage employment to rural households, it introduces several changes aimed at improving implementation, expanding employment opportunities and strengthening livelihood security.

Under the revised wage structure, no worker employed under the scheme will receive less than ₹300 per day. States that already have wage rates above the minimum threshold will continue to pay the higher notified wages. The government said the revised rates are intended to provide greater financial support to rural households and reduce regional disparities in wage payments.

A major feature of the new programme is the increase in the guaranteed employment period from 100 days to 125 days per financial year for eligible rural households. Officials said the additional workdays are expected to enhance income stability, particularly for families that depend heavily on seasonal employment and public works for their livelihood.

The Ministry of Rural Development stated that the new employment programme will place greater emphasis on creating durable rural assets, improving transparency and adopting technology-driven monitoring systems. Digital attendance, real-time tracking of projects and streamlined payment mechanisms are expected to improve efficiency and ensure timely wage disbursement.

Existing job card holders and beneficiaries under MGNREGS will continue to receive work during the transition period, with ongoing projects remaining unaffected. The government has assured that there will be no disruption in employment as states shift to the new framework.

Officials said the rollout of VB-G RAM G is part of the government’s broader vision to strengthen rural infrastructure, generate sustainable employment and improve the quality of life in villages. By combining higher wages with an expanded employment guarantee, the Centre aims to boost rural incomes, stimulate local economic activity and create long-term assets that contribute to inclusive and sustainable rural development.