Kakching, February 26, 2026: A structured six-week Jan Samvaad-based Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign on the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 is underway across the State, with a district-level programme held today at the Conference Hall of the DC Office Complex in Kakching.
Addressing district officials from Rural Development & Panchayati Raj and the District Information Office, Additional Deputy Commissioner P. Shantikumar Singh highlighted that the new Act, notified on December 21, 2025, replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and expands rural employment guarantees from 100 to 125 days per household annually.
He explained that wages under the scheme will be disbursed at prevailing rates within seven days of work completion, with a permissible extension up to 15 days. Adult members of rural households may register with their Gram Panchayat to obtain a Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Card (Job Card) and submit applications for work either orally or in writing. If employment is not provided within 15 days, applicants will qualify for unemployment allowance—set at one-fourth of wages for the first 30 days and 50 per cent thereafter. However, those who fail to report for assigned duties or who have completed 125 days of employment will not be eligible for the allowance.
The Act mandates that no works will be undertaken for 60 days during peak agricultural seasons such as sowing and harvesting.
Outlining the priority sectors, Shantikumar said the programme will focus on water security projects including canals, ponds, check dams, wells, plantations and rainwater harvesting structures. Infrastructure works such as roads, culverts, crematoria, schools, hospitals, waste management facilities and parking spaces will also be covered, along with support to schemes like Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin and Jal Jeevan Mission.
The legislation also incorporates livelihood infrastructure such as training centres, markets, grain storage facilities, compost units and agriculture and fishery-related projects. Climate resilience measures—including flood and cyclone shelters, forest fire prevention infrastructure, and post-disaster rehabilitation works—form an integral part of the scheme.
Village-level planning will be undertaken through preparation of a Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan, aligning implementation with the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
The remaining weeks of the IEC campaign will see participation from Block Development Officers, Programme Officers, Gram Panchayats, Gram Rozgar Sahayaks, Panchayat Secretaries, SHGs, frontline workers and other stakeholders.
