India’s vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047 places strong emphasis on rural employment, income security, and skill development. Since nearly 65% of India’s population lives in rural areas, sustainable employment in villages is not optional—it’s foundational.
The Viksit Bharat Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (VB-REGS) is being discussed as a next-generation rural employment framework, building on the experience of MGNREGA while addressing its structural limitations.
This guide explains the scheme from basics to advanced understanding, including objectives, structure, benefits, challenges, and its role in India’s long-term development strategy.
What Is the Viksit Bharat Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme?
The Viksit Bharat Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is a proposed rural development and employment model aimed at:
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Providing assured employment opportunities in rural India
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Linking employment with skill development and productivity
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Creating durable and income-generating rural assets
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Supporting the vision of inclusive and sustainable growth
Unlike traditional wage-employment programs, VB-REGS emphasizes economic transformation, not just temporary relief.
Background: Evolution from MGNREGA to VB-REGS
MGNREGA in Brief
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) guarantees:
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100 days of wage employment per rural household per year
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Unskilled manual work
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Legal entitlement to employment
MGNREGA has played a crucial role in:
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Reducing rural poverty
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Increasing rural wages
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Preventing distress migration
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Strengthening local infrastructure
Why an Advanced Framework Was Needed
Despite its success, MGNREGA faces challenges:
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Focus on short-term, low-skill work
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Limited scope for upskilling
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Delayed wage payments
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Repetitive asset creation
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Weak long-term income impact
VB-REGS is designed to retain the employment guarantee while adding skills, productivity, and sustainability.
Core Objectives of VB-REGS
The scheme aligns closely with India’s long-term development goals.
Primary Objectives
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Ensure stable rural employment
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Promote skill-based work
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Strengthen rural infrastructure
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Encourage local entrepreneurship
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Reduce rural-to-urban migration
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Improve quality of life in villages
Key Features of the Viksit Bharat Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
1. Employment Guarantee with Skill Integration
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Employment opportunities linked with training modules
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Transition from unskilled to semi-skilled and skilled work
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Skill certification for long-term employability
2. Expanded Scope of Work
VB-REGS covers a wider range of activities than earlier schemes.
Major Work Categories
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Natural resource management
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Rural infrastructure development
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Agricultural value-chain support
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Renewable energy projects
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Digital governance support
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Village-level enterprises
3. Focus on Productive Asset Creation
Assets created under the scheme aim to:
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Generate income for communities
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Support agriculture and allied activities
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Improve market access
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Strengthen climate resilience
4. Technology-Driven Monitoring
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Geo-tagging of assets
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Digital attendance systems
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Aadhaar-based payments
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Online dashboards for transparency
Types of Employment Under VB-REGS
Natural Resource-Based Work
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Water conservation structures
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Watershed management
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Soil health improvement
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Agroforestry and plantation work
Infrastructure Development
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Rural roads and pathways
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Storage and warehousing facilities
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Market yards and processing units
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Community centers and service hubs
Skill-Linked Employment
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Masonry, carpentry, plumbing
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Electrical and solar equipment installation
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Agri-processing and food packaging
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Handicrafts and cottage industries
Green and Digital Jobs
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Waste management
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Renewable energy maintenance
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Digital data entry for panchayats
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GIS mapping and asset digitization
Eligibility Criteria
The scheme is intended to be inclusive.
Eligible Beneficiaries
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Rural households
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Landless laborers
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Marginal and small farmers
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Women workers
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Scheduled Castes and Tribes
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Rural youth seeking skill-based employment
Application and Registration Process
Step-by-Step Process
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Apply at the Gram Panchayat
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Household registration for employment
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Submission of identity documents
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Issuance of job card
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Demand-based allocation of work
The process follows demand-driven employment, similar to MGNREGA.
🔗 Official MGNREGA / Rural Employment Portal (Govt of India) –
Visit the official website:- https://nrega.dord.gov.in/MGNREGA_new/Nrega_home.aspx
Wage Structure and Payment System
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Wages linked to state-notified rates
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Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
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Payments credited to bank accounts
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Transparent, digital payment tracking
Timely payment remains a critical success factor.
Role of Panchayati Raj Institutions
Local governance plays a central role.
Responsibilities of Panchayats
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Identification of local development needs
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Approval and execution of projects
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Monitoring quality of work
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Ensuring social audits and transparency
Strong local institutions are essential for effective implementation.
Impact on Rural Economy
Economic Impact
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Increased rural income
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Boost in local demand
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Strengthening of village markets
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Reduction in seasonal unemployment
Social Impact
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Women’s economic participation
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Skill development among youth
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Reduced distress migration
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Community asset ownership
Women Empowerment Under VB-REGS
Women are expected to be key beneficiaries.
Key Benefits for Women
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Equal wages
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Skill training opportunities
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SHG-linked enterprise projects
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Flexible work arrangements
Empirical evidence shows women’s income directly improves nutrition, education, and health outcmoes.
Challenges and Implementation Risks
Despite its potential, VB-REGS faces real challenges.
Key Concerns
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Administrative capacity at local level
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Delays in wage payments
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Risk of corruption
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Digital exclusion in remote areas
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Funding sustainability
Effective monitoring and accountability mechanisms are essential.
Role of Technology and Transparency
Technology supports:
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Real-time monitoring
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Reduced leakages
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Faster grievance redressal
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Data-driven decision-making
However, digital literacy and access must improve simultaneously.
VB-REGS and the Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047
The scheme aligns with national priorities:
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Inclusive growth
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Sustainable development
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Employment-led economic expansion
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Rural–urban balance
By strengthening villages, India strengthens its entire economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Viksit Bharat Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme?
It is a rural employment framework aimed at providing guaranteed work, skill development, and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
How is it different from MGNREGA?
VB-REGS integrates skill development, productivity, and long-term income generation, while MGNREGA focuses mainly on short-term wage employment.
Who can apply for the scheme?
Any eligible rural household can apply through their local Gram Panchayat.
What types of jobs are included?
Jobs range from infrastructure work and natural resource management to skilled, green, and digital employment.
Conclusion
The Viksit Bharat Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme represents a strategic shift—from employment as relief to employment as transformation.
If implemented effectively, it can:
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Strengthen rural livelihoods
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Build skilled human capital
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Create productive village assets
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Support India’s journey toward a developed economy
The success of the scheme will depend not on intent, but on execution, transparency, and community participation.
Call to Action
Have questions, insights, or on-ground experiences related to rural employment schemes?
Share your thoughts in the comments and contribute to an informed discussion on India’s rural future.
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